Karl Miller, a political analyst and writer for The Examiner, has commented on California's challenges in addressing tort reform. In a January 17 post on X, he contrasted California's situation with Florida's success in implementing reforms.
"The difference competency in leadership makes," said Miller. "Tort reforms in Florida is turning the tide in high insurance premiums. Meanwhile in CA incompetence has made amplified the repercussions governing disasters."
According to a January 16 editorial in the Wall Street Journal, California and Florida have taken different approaches to managing their home insurance markets. California's Democratic insurance commissioners have historically suppressed insurance rates, leading to market distortions and reduced coverage availability. In contrast, Florida has implemented reforms that have resulted in a more stable insurance environment. The editorial suggested that California could benefit from adopting strategies similar to those of Florida to improve its insurance market.
On February 5, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced improvements in the state's insurance market through a press release. Major auto insurers such as GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm have filed for rate reductions of 10.5%, 8.1%, and 6%, respectively. Additionally, Citizens Property Insurance is implementing premium decreases averaging 5.6% statewide, benefiting about 75% of homeowners in Miami-Dade County. Over the past two years, eleven new insurance companies have entered the Florida market, contributing to increased competition and stability.
California faces high tort costs per household in the United States, with total tort costs reaching $72 billion or $5,429 per household. A report by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform highlights the financial burden of the state’s tort system. Stephen Waguespack, President of ILR (Institute for Legal Reform), emphasized the need for reform to reduce excessive litigation costs that impact businesses and consumers by driving up prices and limiting economic growth.
According to a February 18 post on InsuranceRateReporter.com, a survey conducted by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and Munich Re US found that plaintiff lawyer tactics like third-party litigation funding (TPLF) and jury anchoring contribute significantly to rising insurance costs with an estimated $529 billion impact on the U.S. economy. The survey indicates that 69% of Americans believe these practices increase insurance premiums while 86% support legal reforms to address these issues; however, many respondents remain unaware of these tactics with 75% unfamiliar with jury anchoring and 70% not recognizing TPLF.
Karl Miller is an immigrant from Jamaica who became a naturalized American citizen. He is known as a political analyst, writer, and conservative commentator covering domestic and foreign policy issues along with current political events. Miller began his career as a public policy writer at Examiner.com in 2010 before becoming a freelance contributor to outlets such as Western Journalism, the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, and The Wall Street Journal focusing on economic policy from conservative perspectives.