Consumer Watchdog Digging for Dirt in State Farm’s Backyard Consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog has called on California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to convene a public hearing regarding State Farm’s proposed 30% hike in homeowners’ insurance rates. The group contends that the proposed increase is intended to enhance the insurer’s financial stability rather than address anticipated claims, potentially resulting in a $5.2 billion burden on consumers. Concerns Over Financial Burden Consumer Watchdog’s petition, filed under Proposition 103, mandates a public hearing on rate increases when requested by the public. The…
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State Farm Tech An Unseen Side of the Insurance Giant
State Farm Goes Beyond Insurance State Farm Insurance is widely known for its slogan, “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” However, the insurance giant has gradually unveiled a different side to its business—technology. While many may associate State Farm with auto, home, and life insurance, the company is making significant strides in the tech industry, offering an array of patented innovations for sale. Which includes technologies ranging from auto telematics and smart home tech to unmanned aerial mission systems and adjustable virtual scenario-based training environments, has sparked a…
Read MoreCalifornia Governor Newsom backs property insurance reform measure
The goal is to ensure that homeowners and business owners will find necessary coverage California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara recently announced that a new draft measure would make it a requirement for property insurance companies using new catastrophe modeling to write more policies in areas at a higher risk of events such as wildfires. Larger insurers must insure properties at a specific minimum level The draft regulation would require that all companies using new catastrophe modeling to write more property insurance policies in distressed areas. That said, larger insurers would…
Read MoreCalifornia agents seek an end to the auto insurance rate moratorium
A group representing the agents says it is having a negative impact in the state. A California auto insurance group has become quite vocal about their opinion against Commissioner Lara’s recent rate moratorium. According to the agents, the commissioner’s moratorium is negatively impacting state consumers. The American Agents Alliance has stated that they are opposed to Lara’s auto insurance rate moratorium in California. The alliance is based in Sacramento, California, and is an association of professionals in the insurance industry. “Commissioner Lara’s Rate Moratorium and his refusal to process automobile…
Read MoreHow Insurance Can Encourage Farmers to Mitigate Climate Change Risks
The sweeping impacts of climate change impact farmers at significant rates. As a result, insurance companies take a hit as well. For example, when nearly 20 million acres of farmland flooded in the American West, it initiated $4 billion in payouts from a federal crop insurance program. Because of disasters like this, farmers are coming around on the importance of mitigating the impacts of climate change to protect their own livelihoods. Insurance companies can help farmers make beneficial sustainability choices by helping those in the agriculture industry understand their impact…
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