Live Insurance News

Mercury Insurance Certification Program Offers Hope for High-Risk Homeowners

May 30, 2025 Marc

california insurance agent explaining new plans

New Certification Could Help Homeowners Save on Insurance Premiums Good news for California and Oregon homeowners living in wildfire-prone areas! There’s now a way to snag a discount on your home insurance premiums while also protecting your property from those raging wildfires. How? Through the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home certification program. But what exactly is this program? Great question. It’s a partnership between Mercury Insurance and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). By taking steps to better prepare your home against wildfire risks, you can earn a…

Motorcycle Safety Just Got Smarter with Airbag Vests

May 26, 2025May 25, 2025 Marc

Cycle Gear’s President Highlights the Life-Saving Potential of Motorcycle Airbags Motorcycle safety. Two words that can mean the difference between life and death for riders. But are we doing enough? Stevan Popovich, the President of Cycle Gear, recently took the stage on Desert Living to talk about crucial safety tips and some cutting-edge tech that could save countless lives. And yes, it involves airbags—but not the kind you find in your car. Game-Changer or Gimmick? The spotlight was on wearable motorcycle airbag vests. What’s that all about? These high-tech vests inflate in…

A Look at State Farm’s Efforts to Stabilize After Devastating Wildfire Claims

May 24, 2025 Marc

State Farm Deals with Record-Breaking Losses After California Wildfires California wildfires are always devastating. But for State Farm General Insurance Co., the January 2025 fires left more than just charred landscapes and shattered lives in their wake. They caused an unprecedented financial wreckage, with the company recording direct incurred losses of nearly $7.39 billion in the first quarter alone. That’s right. Billion with a “B.” How bad is that? Well, the company also reported a staggering 729.9% direct loss ratio. A number that feels almost unreal. Here’s the breakdown: a…

Hurricane Ready Homes and Louisiana’s $10,000 Tax Credit Proposal Explained

May 23, 2025May 22, 2025 Marc

Louisiana’s Big Bet on Storm Proofing Hurricanes are no joke. Neither are those skyrocketing insurance premiums Louisiana homeowners have been battling. But now, there’s a glimmer of hope. A new proposal could offer a hefty state income tax credit of up to $10,000 for residents who install fortified roofs. That’s right, $10,000 to help weatherproof your home and maybe shake up the state’s troubled insurance market while you’re at it. What’s the Deal with Fortified Roofs? If you haven’t heard of fortified roofs, they’re the heavy hitters of home protection.…

What Millennials Want to Hear From Their Insurance Agent

May 23, 2025May 23, 2025 Marc

The Millennial’s Guide to Mastering Insurance Without the Jargon Millennials aren’t shy about asking questions, and insurance is no exception. If you’re an insurance agent, you’ve probably fielded all kinds of questions about cost, value, and why certain policies even matter. The secret to winning their trust? Answer their questions like a human, not a sales pitch. Be real. Relatable. And, yes, helpful. Here’s a closer look at what millennials want to hear about life, auto, and home insurance—including some tips on how to sell to them and keep them…

Why Mortgage Companies Are Eyeing the Weather More Than Ever

May 20, 2025May 20, 2025 Marc

Is Climate Change About to Shake Up Mortgages and Insurance? What if buying a home in a wildfire zone hurt your credit? Or if living near the coast made your mortgage rates skyrocket? It’s not just a wild idea anymore. A new report from First Street, a climate risk financial modeling firm, says it’s time for lenders to rethink how they evaluate creditworthiness. Right now, they’re missing a big piece of the puzzle. One word: climate. Why does climate change matter when it comes to mortgages? Think about it. Wildfires,…

Colorado Wildfire Season – Can a New Bill Bring Relief?

May 20, 2025May 19, 2025 Marc

A Bold Move to Tame Wildfires and Tackle Insurance Woes Wildfire season. Two words that strike fear into the hearts of homeowners in Colorado and across the West. But a new bill, the “Fix Our Forests Act,” aims to give folks some relief—not just from the fires themselves but also from the mounting financial strain on wildfire insurance. Led by Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado, the bill is designed to prevent wildfires before they start. It pushes for faster forest management projects, like prescribed burns and selective logging, to tackle…