Thoughts From a Policyholder Attorney of 40 Years About the 2025 Windstorm Conference

I formally started a policyholder law firm 40 years ago today. I mentioned that during my presentation yesterday at the Windstorm Conference while explaining how my perspective has developed. It seems like yesterday, but the world of property insurance claims has changed significantly since 1985.

The 2025 Windstorm conference had more of a Texas flare to it because it was in Dallas—possibly the hailstorm claim capital of the world. Hailstorm claim seminars and losses were emphasized more than in the past. I hope that continued discussion on hailstorm issues will be emphasized in future Windstorm Conferences.

Fred Karlinsky’s presentation was worth the price of admission. He is paid handsomely to provide advice and insight to CEO’s and Board members of many insurance companies. Karlinsky is a significant figure in the insurance industry, particularly in regulatory and legislative matters. His insights on the reinsurance market and the broader insurance industry are worth paying attention to for several reasons.

As Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Global Insurance Regulatory and Transactions Practice Group, Karlinsky has decades of experience navigating complex insurance laws and regulations. His deep regulatory expertise makes him a key resource for understanding legislative trends and their impact on insurers, reinsurers, and policyholders. He is also a leading strategist for insurance-related legislative and regulatory initiatives in Florida and nationwide. His work has shaped policies that influence insurance carriers, reinsurers, and consumers, often giving him inside knowledge of potential legislative changes before they happen.

Florida’s insurance market is one of the most volatile in the country, making it a case study for the industry at large. Frequent natural disasters and fluctuating reinsurance costs create a dynamic environment where Karlinsky’s insights offer a window into broader industry trends. Florida’s insurance industry policies often serve as either a model or a cautionary tale for other states, which makes his observations relevant beyond just Florida’s borders.

The bottom line is that Karlinsky is as well-connected as anybody with Florida insurers, reinsurers, state regulators, and lawmakers, giving him a broad and practical perspective on market forces to which I have little access. His involvement in industry conferences and advisory boards means he regularly exchanges ideas with top decision-makers who shape the future of the insurance landscape.

Some in the audience took offense to his remarks. While I can appreciate that, the fact remains that the Windstorm Conference had one of the most important insurance industry strategists speaking and providing his insights. I learned a lot from Karlinsky and hope he becomes a regular participant because his views are significant.

I continue to gain knowledge from other members attending the conference. During breaks or at lunch, I was able to have fascinating discussions with numerous and various players in the claims industry. We all learn in different ways, but paying attention to and learning “the rest of the story” with people in the know is essential.

Did I knock out Steve Badger? I think I accurately stated the policyholder’s view. Still, like Karlinsky, all of us need to pay close attention to what Steve says because his clients are insurers with an army of lobbyists to promote their agenda in numerous ways. It is vital for me to analyze his views if I am to be more effective outside of just the debates we have on stage. Those views can end up being found in insurance contracts, statutes and regulations significantly impacting the people I care most about—policyholders.

If you want to go to a conference and hear what you already know, the Windstorm Conference is not for you. Hearing and learning something new and from a different viewpoint is why the leaders in the claims industry come to the Windstorm Conference.

Perspectives are most healthy if we can truly understand the reasoning behind them, even if we do not agree. The Windstorm Conference presents an opportunity to step outside of our echo chambers and listen to others who may see the industry from a different angle. Understanding opposing views allows us to sharpen our own arguments, refine our strategies, and anticipate challenges before they arise.

As I reflect on my 40 years trying to be the best Policyholder’s Advocate I can be, I recognize that the landscape of property insurance claims is constantly shifting. Conferences like this remind me why it is essential to remain a student of the industry. Those who fail to adapt and evolve risk being left behind. Staying engaged with thought leaders—whether they be insurance adjusters of any type, defense attorneys, experts, insurance executives, or regulators—ensures that we are committed to fighting effectively for the rights of those we represent. This work may also lead to collaborative debate to make the insurance product work better for all.

Thanks to all who participated at the 2025 Windstorm Conference. Thanks to all of you who take the time to read this blog, those who take time to provide your thoughts and help me learn, and thanks to everyone who is committed to being the best they can to help policyholders in their time of need.

Thought For The Day

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
—Alvin Toffler