Personal Lines

Old Man Winter has already exacted a huge toll on homeowners and travelers, but this water damage claim may take the cake.

In a breakthrough, the House Republican leadership has agreed to allow a vote on modifying flood insurance rate hikes imposed by a 2012 law. The preferred House bill would limit rate increases to no more than 15% annually.

An appellate court in California ruled two people who protect the feral cat population at a college were not entitled to a defense under their homeowners insurance policy in a lawsuit that alleged invasion of privacy, stalking, intentional infliction of emotional distress and assault.

Personal auto remains competitive as monoline insurers drive down rates, but increases available for homeowners and, so far, for commercial risks.

Property and casualty insurers and agents and brokers led the way for insurance-industry employment gains in December 2013, although the figures for P&C carriers have been recalibrated, throwing off some of the historical employment figures reported in 2013.

Floridas Citizens Property Insurance Corporation says its policy count has dropped below 1 million for the first time since 2006, a development that industry representatives called a step in the right direction for the state's property market.