Articles by Amy O'Connor

O'Connor is the Southeast editor for Insurance Journal and associate editor of MyNewMarkets.com.

Florida Drives Toward Repeal of Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law

After many years of trying, Florida is closer than ever to repealing its 50-year-old motor vehicle no-fault law. However, many industry stakeholders have expressed opposition to the legislation passed by the Florida Senate last week and its companion bill approved …

Regulator Deems Florida-Based American Capital Assurance Corp. Insolvent

After negative moves by ratings agencies last month to address its financial issues, Florida’s insurance regulator says American Capital Assurance Corp. (AmCap) is insolvent and should be placed in receivership. In a letter dated April 2 to CFO Jimmy Patronis, …

NAIC Data: Florida Property Lawsuits Total 76% of Insurer Litigation in U.S.

New information from Florida’s insurance regulator paints a stark picture of the extent of litigation facing the state’s domestic insurers. The information comes as numerous stakeholders push for legislative reforms to address the litigation issue they blame for fueling the …

Florida Senate Passes Property Insurance Reform Bill

A bill backed by the Florida insurance industry and other stakeholders aimed at addressing the state’s insurance market woes was passed in the Senate chamber this week but faces an uncertain future as the companion bill in the Florida House …

Regulator Deems Florida-Based American Capital Assurance Corp. Insolvent

After negative moves by ratings agencies last month to address its financial issues, Florida’s insurance regulator says American Capital Assurance Corp. (AmCap) is insolvent and should be placed in receivership, In a letter dated April 2 to Chief Financial Officer …

Florida Agents Join Consumer Advocate in Fight Against Contractor Fraud

As Florida insurers focus on addressing mounting losses in the state’s property insurance market with legislative reforms, rising rates and coverage restrictions, other stakeholders are working to educate consumers about one issue that is perpetuating the markets problems โ€“ contractor …

State of Emergency Issued in Alabama After Tornadoes Sweep Region

Alabama Gov. Kay issued a state of emergency yesterday after numerous tornadoes caused damage and deaths across the state. Ivey said on Twitter Friday morning that crews would be out assessing the damage and getting services back up as quickly …

Fate of Florida Insurance Reforms Uncertain as Lawmakers Weigh Industry-Backed Bills

Two bills designed to deal with Florida’s crumbling property insurance market have embarked on divergent paths in the state legislature as lawmakers approach the final weeks of the 2021 session. Senate Bill 76 and House Bill 305, both originally supported …

Insurance Agents on the Front Line of Florida’s Mounting Property Market Problems

While carriers face growing financial losses in Florida’s distressed property insurance market, insurance agents are on the front lines trying to help their clients who are being hit with double-digit rate increases, non-renewals, coverage restrictions or refusals from the admitted …

Citizens’ CEO: Florida Property Insurance Market is Shutting Down

Florida’s insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., has become the insurer of first resort as thousands of new policies flood into it each week and the private homeowners insurance market continues its downward spiral. “The reality is the …