Episode 3 - Bad Faith

The Florida Insurance Roundup from Lisa Miller & Associates

The Florida Legislature is once again trying to decide what to do with the state's 45 year-old No-Fault Automobile Insurance coverage law – more specifically, how to handle the persistent fraud that keeps increasing and with it, automobile insurance rates. But one component that's rarely talked about is the Bad Faith doctrine - and the third-party vendors some say who are manipulating it to win bigger legal settlements from insurance companies.

David Bronstein and J.D. Underwood - two noted South Florida insurance attorneys on opposite sides of the issue - argue the merits of Bad Faith as it relates to consumer rights and insurance company profits. They reveal in this program how just the threat of a Bad Faith case and its related costs are driving up premiums for all Florida insurance consumers. They share their insider perspective on how those looking to make a bigger buck rather than a reasonable claims settlement are hurting the availability and affordability of automobile, as well as homeowners insurance in Florida.

As the legislature considers bills replacing No-Fault PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance with mandatory Bodily Injury insurance (BI) – where Bad Faith claims are more prevalent than PIP claims and can result in large verdicts beyond the policy coverage limits - insurance companies want added provisions to require mandatory civil remedy notice by third-party claimants to level the playing field.

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• David Bronstein, Managing Partner with Bronstein & Carmona in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida www.bronstein-carmona.com


• JD Underwood, Attorney with Florida Advocates in Dania Beach, Florida www.FLadvocates.com


• Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, Tallahassee, Florida www.floir.com


• Florida Insurance Code Civil Remedy - Florida Statute 624.155
  (http://bit.ly/2osw6tf)


• Making and Use of Rates for Automobile Insurance - Florida Statute 627.0651
  (http://bit.ly/2phV2mF)


• Florida Office of Insurance Regulation - Pinnacle Report on Review of Personal Injury Protection Legislation (http://bit.ly/2q3fkB5)

The Florida Insurance Roundup" from Lisa Miller & Associates, brings you the latest developments in Property & Casualty, Healthcare, Workers' Compensation, and Surplus Lines insurance from around the Sunshine State. Based in the state capital of Tallahassee, Lisa Miller & Associates provides its clients with focused, intelligent, and cost conscious solutions to their business development, government consulting, and public relations needs. On the web at www.LisaMillerAssociates.com or call 850-222-1041. Your questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome! Date of Recording 4/20/17. Email via [e-mail] Composer: www.TeleDirections.com