Articles by Amy O'Connor

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

Sticking Together Through Tough Times

Southwest Florida-based Harbour Insurance employees are well versed in helping their clients get back on their feet following a hurricane. But last year, the agency had to step into different shoes when Hurricane Irma hit the state and destroyed its …

Florida Insured Losses from Hurricane Michael Top $2B, And Growing

Total estimated insured losses from Hurricane Michael have reached more than $2.1 billion, according to the most recent data from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. The current number of claims from Hurricane Michael, a Category 4 storm that hit …

Regulators, Industry Seek to Keep Florida AOB Abuse In Check After Michael

In an effort to keep the Florida assignment of benefits (AOB) crisis from further worsening in the state, Florida’s insurance industry, regulators and consumer advocates are on high alert for AOB activity in the wake of Hurricane Michael and working …

Market Changes Not Expected From Hurricane Michael; Florida Insurers ‘Heavily’ Reinsured

Losses to the insurance industry from Hurricane Michael, a Category 4 storm that hit the Florida Panhandle before continuing a path of destruction through several other Southeast states, will be substantial but not enough to cause problems for insurers or …

Turbeville Insurance Agency of South Carolina Adds Former Hub International VP Gardner

Turbeville Insurance Agency (TIA) of South Carolina has hired Graham Gardner as vice president of Large Construction Insurance in the company’s Columbia location. Gardner has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, most recently as vice president …

A Team With a Purpose

Employees of Garner, N.C.-based Jones Insurance Agency don’t just like where they work – they love it. “I love to work for Jones Insurance because after all these years it has remained a family owned and operated business. We exhibit …

Florida Regulator Urges Insurers to Respond Quickly After Michael, Says 500K Insureds At Risk

Fast-moving Hurricane Michael is expected to be a significant storm for the Florida Gulf Coast, and the state’s top insurance regulator says the insurance industry is ready to respond to whatever destruction it may bring. “Through Hermine, Matthew and Irma …

Florida Disaster Fraud Team Makes Arrest Over $30K in Fraudulent Irma Claims

A Palmetto Bay, Fla., man was arrested last month for allegedly defrauding Citizens Property Insurance Corp. of more than $30,000 relating to Hurricane Irma, according to a statement from Florida Chief Financial Officer. Carlos Guillermo Aponte, 44, of Palmetto Bay …

Godbold Joins Turbeville Insurance Agency in South Carolina from Hub International

Turbeville Insurance Agency (TIA) of South Carolina has hired Jack Godbold to the company’s executive team as the Small Commercial Lines director. In this role, Godbold will also oversee many of TIA’s high valued homeowner policies. Godbold comes to the …

American Traditions Insurance Launches Renters Policy in Florida

American Traditions Insurance Co. (ATIC) has launched a renters (HO4) product in the Florida marketplace. The HO4 product will be available through independent agents currently participating with the carrier. The renters program expands the company’s suite of insurance products that …