Articles by Amy O'Connor

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

Demotech: Expect 2018 Catastrophe Losses to Impact Florida-Based Insurers

After reviewing the year-end financial statements of the Florida-based carriers it rates, Ohio-based ratings agency Demotech is warning that many insurers could see underwriting and operating losses in their year-end financial statements and that those insurers should be prepared to …

Will 7th Time Be the Charm? Industry Makes Big Push for AOB Reform in 2019

The push for assignment of benefits (AOB) reform in the 2019 Florida legislative session is in full swing, and the insurance industry and consumer advocates have pulled out all the stops to emphasize their contention that abuse of a policyholder …

Venture Programs to Offer Cyber Coverage through ProWriters Insurance

ProWriters Insurance has been selected as the exclusive cyber insurance provider for Venture Insurance Programs. The new strategic partnership allows Venture’s business owners in select niche industries, including golf clubs, hotels, and fitness studios, to access ProWriters’ coverage and services …

New Georgia Commissioner Beck Implements Insurer Rating, Complaint Systems

Georgia’s new Insurance Commissioner Jim Beck has issued several orders directed at insurers since he took office earlier this month as part of what he says is fulfilling his campaign promise to be a commissioner for consumers. The directives – …

Southeast Officials Focus on Curbing Fraud, Rising Auto Rates, Flood Insurance, Distracted Driving

For the seventh year in a row, the Florida insurance industry, regulators, and consumer advocates will push for reforms to the state’s assignment of benefits issue that has now become an insurance crisis, according to a report from the Insurance …

Insurance Industry Use of Drone, Aerial Imagery Soared After 2018 Southeast Disasters

The importance of drones and aerial imagery rose to a new level in the wake of 2018 natural catastrophes as insurers made them an integral part of their disaster recovery procedures, particularly following the hurricanes in the Southeast. From the …

Brightway Goes ‘All In’ on Independent Agents, Unveils No-Cost Path to Agency Ownership

On the heels of celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Jacksonville, Fla.-based Brightway Insurance, a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of franchised independent agencies, has unveiled a no-upfront cost program for independent insurance agents that offers a path to …

Tennessee Insurance Head McPeak On Leading NAIC, Priorities Under New Gov

Tennessee Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak’s tenure as president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) may have come to an end, but her work as an insurance regulator will continue for some time thanks to her reappointment by …

Brightway Goes ‘All In’ on Independent Agents, Unveils No-Cost Path to Agency Ownership

On the heels of celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Jacksonville, Fla.-based Brightway Insurance, a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of franchised independent agencies, has unveiled a no-upfront cost program for independent insurance agents that offers a path to …

Tennessee Insurance Head McPeak Talks Leading NAIC, Priorities Under New Gov

Tennessee Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak’s tenure as president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) may have come to an end, but her work as an insurance regulator will continue for some time thanks to her recent reappointment …