Personal Lines Forms Certification Available Through December 31
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued a new administrative order extending the opportunity to certify personal lines property and casualty insurance forms through December 31, 2013. The OIR previously issued orders allowing insurers to certify both commercial lines and personal lines forms, except for workers’ compensation forms. A newly enacted statute (section 627.4102) takes effect for commercial lines on July 1, 2013, essentially codifying the certification process established by OIR. However, the new statute does not encompass personal lines forms and the ability to certify those forms would have expired June 24, 2013, without further OIR action.
The order notes that the OIR has made substantial progress reducing the backlog of form filings. It also points out that although funds have been appropriated to increase the number of analysts reviewing the forms, the effects will not be seen for several months. As a result, the OIR exercised its authority to make the certification process available for personal lines through the end of this year. Insurers will find the new order similar in its requirements to the prior orders, although insurers should make note of the requirement for a detailed memorandum explaining any changes in the forms.