Hartford plans to reduce exposure in Florida

HARTFORD, Conn.--The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. said that beginning in August 2008, it will not renew certain commercial and personal lines insurance policies in Florida.

The insurer will continue providing all commercial lines insurance policies sold in Florida by agents who predominantly place coverage outside of the state.

But in 2008, it will not renew commercial property, general liability and workers compensation policies sold by agents that sell one-third or more of their commercial business within Florida.

The move is intended to assure the company's financial stability by protecting it against storm losses and is expected to impact small and middle-market accounts, a spokesman for Hartford said.

Hartford also said only 1% of Florida's personal lines insurance market and less than 1% of commercial premiums in the state will be impacted.