More than Two Big Storms in Florida Could Spell Trouble for Insurers

Huge hurricane between Florida and Cuba. Elements of this image furnished by NASA

In Florida, it’s that time of year again. Peak hurricane season is bearing down on the state like the flying saucer in the film “Nope.” Insiders in the insurance industry say policyholders are insured as long as the state isn’t hit by more than two major storms. Typically, the most dangerous tropical cyclones strike Florida… Continue reading More than Two Big Storms in Florida Could Spell Trouble for Insurers

Florida Creates Backstop to Protect Homeowners Insurance through Hurricane Season

Florida property insurance market improves

If their insurers lose their financial stability ratings, Florida homeowners will not lose their insurance coverage or face forced policies — at least not during hurricane season. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation announced today that the state will provide 100 percent backstop coverage of any claim left unpaid by a bankrupt insurer through the… Continue reading Florida Creates Backstop to Protect Homeowners Insurance through Hurricane Season

Demotech Ratings Agency Downgrade of Florida Insurers Delayed

Demotech, Inc. (PRNewsFoto/Demotech, Inc.)

An expected potential downgrade of more than a dozen Florida insurers by the ratings agency Demotech, which was originally scheduled to be released on Tuesday, is delayed, according to the company. “Due to various circumstances, Demotech will not take any rating action, including affirmation, downgrade, or withdrawal until further notice,” stated Joe Petrelli, President of… Continue reading Demotech Ratings Agency Downgrade of Florida Insurers Delayed

Florida Insurers Face Ratings Change that Could Raise Costs

Homeowners insurance in Florida

Demotech ratings agency has plans to downgrade more than two dozen Florida-based property insurance companies in a move that could cost more money for homeowners with loans. The ratings firm Demotech plans to downgrade the 27 insurers (not 17 as originally reported) from an “A” rating to ratings of either “S” for substantial or “M”… Continue reading Florida Insurers Face Ratings Change that Could Raise Costs

Demotech Notifies 17 Property Insurers of Rating Downgrades

Demotech, Inc. (PRNewsFoto/Demotech, Inc.)

Florida’s insurance rating agency Demotech has informed approximately 17 property insurance companies that their ratings will be downgraded upon review of 2022 hurricane season reinsurance packets, according to a letter from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). OIR Commissioner David Altmaier sent a letter to Demotech President Joe Petrelli on Thursday sternly requesting that… Continue reading Demotech Notifies 17 Property Insurers of Rating Downgrades

Demotech Withdraws Financial Stability Ratings® Assigned to Lighthouse Property Insurance

Demotech, Inc. (PRNewsFoto/Demotech, Inc.)

Effective March 29, 2022, Demotech, Inc. withdrew the Financial Stability Ratings® (FSRs) previously assigned to Lighthouse Property Insurance Corporation and Lighthouse Excalibur Insurance Company. According to Joseph Petrelli, President, Demotech, Inc., “Despite a substantial capital contribution in the fourth quarter 2021, the operating loss in 2021, which reflected the evaluation of losses and loss adjustment… Continue reading Demotech Withdraws Financial Stability Ratings® Assigned to Lighthouse Property Insurance

Impact of COVID-19 on the Insurance Industry Starts with Credit Insurance: Demotech

Sales manager giving advice application form document, considering mortgage loan offer for car and house insurance

The COVID-19 pandemic and the historic federal, state, and local government efforts to mitigate its spread has stopped the economy in its tracks. The unemployment rate in the US may reach record levels. In the insurance industry, some discussion focuses on the response of business interruption insurers. The dialogue will likely continue in court or… Continue reading Impact of COVID-19 on the Insurance Industry Starts with Credit Insurance: Demotech

Demotech to Downgrade Four or More Florida Property Insurers This Week

Demotech, Inc. (PRNewsFoto/Demotech, Inc.)

A state property insurance grading firm will be downgrading four or more insurance companies from their current exceptional rating by Friday. That’s according to Joseph Petrelli, president of Demotech Inc., which reviews and rates 46 insurers that write approximately 66% of Florida’s homeowners’ insurance premium. “This week, we will begin to issue statements on many… Continue reading Demotech to Downgrade Four or More Florida Property Insurers This Week