Consumer Advocate to Convene PIP Group
Robin Westcott, Florida’s recently named Insurance Consumer Advocate, has indicated she will create a working group to develop policy recommendations to address concerns in the Personal Injury Protection market. PIP fraud has received considerable attention over the last year, but efforts to address problems in this area stalled in the 2011 legislative session. In announcing her intention to convene PIP stakeholders, Ms. Westcott points out that PIP fraud is one of the biggest cost drivers for Florida families who are required by law to purchase PIP insurance coverage.
The working group is expected to consist of representatives from the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, as well as various parties involved in the Personal Injury Protection system. The working group is expected to discuss these issues through November so its recommendations can be considered in the 2012 legislative session. Of course, next year’s session comes around earlier than usual because of reapportionment.
“My goal is to formulate real solutions in response to the escalating rates burdening Florida’s consumers,” Westcott said. “Every option should be on the table before car insurance becomes completely unaffordable and Floridians opt to go without protection.”
Westcott, who was appointed by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater last month and indicated her first priority was to aggressively tackle auto and property insurance challenges to consumers, said her goal is to have the working group meet through November and to submit the group’s findings to CFO Atwater as well as legislative leaders.