Category: News for Consumers

Our goal is to educate by posting only researched subjects for consumers and placing in a way that is easy to understand. From tips on saving money to coverages and what they mean.

Skepticism Abounds as Florida Welcomes New Property Insurance Companies

Angela Linders
Florida Property Insurance - Skeptical

Eight New Florida Property Insurance Companies Amid Market Shakeup In a concerted effort to inject stability into Florida’s property insurance market, a fleet of eight new insurance companies has embarked on a mission to provide a reprieve from the soaring premiums and to fill the void left by the withdrawal of large national insurers. This proactive stance comes in the wake of an alarming 68% surge in home insurance premiums recorded between May 2021 and May 2023, positioning Florida at the pinnacle of the US in terms of homeowners’ coverage…

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Florida Insurance Crisis Intensifies With Predictions of a Harsh Hurricane Season

Kirk Chivas
Florida insurance crisis - hurricane image on radar

Florida Homeowners Brace for Busy Hurricane Season Amid Skyrocketing Insurance Rates Florida homeowners, already bearing insurance rates that nearly triple the national average, now face the grim prospect of an “explosive” hurricane season, casting shadows on the financial resilience of the state’s insurer of last resort. With home insurance premiums in the Sunshine State escalating to an average of $6,000 a year—a stark contrast to the national average of approximately $1,700—Governor Ron DeSantis has called the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. “not solvent,” sparking concerns over its potential inability to…

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State Farm General Downgraded by AM Best Amidst Weakening Balance Sheet

Live Insurance News
State Farm Insurance Building - A downgrade to B

Overview of State Farm Downgrade In a move that has caught the attention of policyholders and investors alike, AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of State Farm General Insurance Company (State Farm General). This marks a significant shift from an ‘A’ (Excellent) rating to a ‘B’ (Fair) classification, while the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) dropped from “a” (Excellent) to “bb+” (Fair). Implications of Ratings – Balance Sheet Strength Assessed as Weak The Credit Ratings issued by AM Best take into account a variety of factors…

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Rogue Agents and Policy Switching – The Hidden Dangers for Consumers and Insurance Brokers

Logan B.
Policy Switching Warning - Health Insurance

Unscrupulous Practices Lead to Stolen Policies and Tax Headaches for Many In an alarming trend across several states, consumers covered by Affordable Care Act insurance plans are finding themselves unwitting players in a dangerous game. Without their knowledge or consent, their health insurance policies are being switched, leaving in their wake potential tax complications and vanished coverage. This epidemic of unsanctioned changes, predominantly observed in Florida, Georgia, and Texas, is stirring both consumer and industry unrest. Government and Industry Responses to Unauthorized Policy Switching and Changes Florida and Texas have…

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State Farm Releases Non-Renewal Numbers Amid California’s Deepening Home Insurance Crisis

Angela Linders
Depositphotos - auto insurance - State Farm Sign

State Farm “Restructures” California Portfolio The company made it official, in a move to ensure the financial health of its operations within California, State Farm General Insurance Company is set to scale back its insurance offerings in the state. With an estimated 72,000 policies facing non-renewal, customers across California are poised to feel the pinch as they seek alternative coverage solutions. Starting July 3, 2024, State Farm General will cease renewing approximately 30,000 homeowners, rental dwelling, residential community association, and business owners policies, citing the necessity to sustain adequate claims-paying…

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