PIA National, through its Natural Catastrophe Working Group, is participating in a national industry coalition of  insurance, environmental and taxpayer groups to support fiscally-sound natural catastrophe policies. Americans for Smart Natural Catastrophe Policy strongly opposes legislative proposals that encourage people to build homes in hurricane-prone, environmentally-sensitive areas, such as by creating new programs that directly or indirectly subsidize homeowner’s insurance.  The Coalition supports smarter, more effective policies to help people in need, promote disaster safety and preparedness, and foster sounder environmental stewardship of our fragile coastal ecosytems. PIA initially joined the coalition to oppose adding wind to the federal flood insurance program.

“Our agents, especially in coastal states prone to natural catastrophes, need to provide solutions,” said PIA National Vice-president/Treasurer Brian Marino, who together with Bill McGraw co-chairs the PIA National Natural Catastrophe Working Group. “What is needed is an approach that is comprehensive, long-term and just makes sense. One-off responses won’t work. For example, adding wind coverage to flood insurance policies will not address the problems of availability and affordability, nor will ‘backstops’ or guarantees of irresponsible or unnecessary current programs.”

Along with PIA, insurance industry participants in the coalition include: Allianz; the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers; the Reinsurance Association of America; Chubb; Liberty Mutual Group; Swiss Re; USAA; and Zurich.

PIA worked with the coalition on a grassroots effort in Florida in an attempt to save the “My Safe Florida Home” program.  We support the coalition. “PIA is supportive of http://www.smartersafer.org/ because it seeks to address the real problems caused by natural catastrophes through encouraging common-sense solutions,” Marino said.

June 2, 2009