New Florida Law Protects Firearm Owners' Insurance

[Paul B]

This may be of interest to Florida Residents: The following is a cut and paste from an insurance industry bulletin as a few companies are asking questions in the application process.

Under a new law in Florida, personal lines property and auto insurers cannot deny or cancel a policy, or charge an "unfairly discriminatory" rate, based on the lawful possession, ownership, and use of a firearm by an applicant, insured, or member of the applicant's or insured's household.

Insurers are further prohibited from disclosing the lawful possession or ownership of a firearm by an applicant or insured to a third party or affiliated entity of the insurer unless the applicant or insured agrees to the disclosure, or if the disclosure is necessary to bind coverage, continue coverage, or adjust a claim.

The disclosure prohibition does not apply to communications between agents and carriers when an applicant or insured requests a special endorsement to insure a firearm or firearms collection.

According to an analysis of the bill by legislative staff, personal lines property insurance includes personal liability coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and medical payments, effectively making homeowners insurers subject to the restrictions, which take effect July 1, 2014.