Activism Provides Strength to Battle Insurers
Miami Herald
November 26, 2006

In the 1976 movie Network, Peter Finch throws open a window and screams out: ``I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore.''
 
He starts a chain reaction as his fellow New Yorkers rail against personal injustices.
 
Today, all over South Florida , many consumers -- overwhelmed by soaring insurance rates -- would love to repeat Finch's performance.

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There are lessons to be learned from others who have stepped up to challenge insurers and regulators on rate increases and call for action from elected officials.
 
Here's some advice from the consumer activist trenches:
 
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Robert Hunter, a former insurance regulator and now director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, is an expert in agitating for change and bringing consumers to the table. He says:
 
• Get organized. Start a local activist group. Even a few neighbors can be effective.
 
Hunter recalls that after hail storms hit part of Maryland in 1985, several insurers including State Farm hassled policyholders on paying claims. A consumer group formed, called HAIL -- Homeowners Against Insurance Loopholes. It negotiated with insurers and eventually resolved most claims issues.
 
Hunter truly believes there is power in numbers. And having a clever name for your group doesn't hurt.
 
• Extend your reach. Link up with regional, state or national consumer groups such as the Florida Consumer Action Network, Americans for Insurance Reform or the Consumer Federation.
 
• Master the Web. Having a website is a good way to collect names, addresses and e-mails of consumers in your region who share the same problem with their insurers.
 
The Internet is also an excellent vehicle to share information about recent developments, progress on key issues and upcoming meetings and fundraisers.
 
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For a copy of the complete article, contact AIR.