Once again, Florida’s insurance industry is using managed repair as both a sword and a shield. As usual, and for good reasons, insurance companies insist on using their managed repair contractors, because it prevents runaway costs. At the same time, the so-called policyholder community insists that cost control equals shoddy work.

What never seems to change is that all Floridians—individuals and the business community—end up as net losers in these types of battles. Premiums creep higher, public adjusters and plaintiff lawyers find creative ways around the restrictions, lawsuits ensue and everyone suffers.