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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 17, 2008

What does this have to do with homeowners insurance?

Allstate's penalty stems from what state regulators say is the company's failure to comply with subpoenas related to an investigation into rate-setting strategies for homeowners insurance. Allstate is not writing homeowners' policies in Florida under its own nameplate, but its auto insurance business is lucrative. Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty said the state is "going to hit them where it hurts."

What if I'm a current auto policy customer and want to make changes or move it from another state?

The state Office of Insurance Regulation says existing policyholders will not be affected, and Allstate must continue to service them and make all required statutory filings. The company refused to address how its agents were to handle inquiries for new business.

Will the state halt other companies from offering new auto policies?

It could, but OIR says other companies that have been subpoenaed are cooperating.

How many customers does Allstate have in Florida?

As of Sept. 30, the Allstate Group of companies had 330,520 homeowners insurance policies for a market share of 5.3 percent. It insures about 1.7 million autos, for a 13 percent market share.

What's likely to happen next?

Allstate could file for an injunction. For now, the insurer says it "is committed to working diligently with the Office of Insurance Regulation to create solutions and ensure there is a healthy insurance market for Florida consumers."

Who are the top home insurers in the state?

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-backed entity, is No. 1 with a 21.4 percent market share. Next are State Farm Florida Insurance Co. at 16.4 percent; Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Co. at 5.8 percent; and Allstate Group with 5.3 percent.

Sources: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, Allstate

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