How a Policyholder Took on USAA in Court and Won Big

Logan B.
USAA in Court

A Shocking Decision: $100 Million in Punitive Damages, $14 Million in Compensatory Damages Insurance giant USAA has landed in the spotlight after a Nevada jury handed down a monumental $114 million verdict in a bad faith lawsuit. The award, which includes $100 million in punitive damages and $14 million in compensatory damages, arose from its handling of a claim for policyholder Timothy Kuhn following a car accident in 2018. The jury’s decision underscores a growing tension between insurers’ claims-handling practices and their legal obligations to their customers, raising questions about…

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From Trucks to Trains: Why Rail Theft Is the Fastest-Growing Cargo Crime

H. Cutner
Cargo crime

The Escalating Battle Against Cargo Theft in the U.S. Cargo theft is surging across the United States, posing a significant threat to supply chains, logistics companies, insurers, and consumers alike. Driven by organized crime and opportunistic criminals, this issue is causing losses of up to $35 billion annually. With the frequency and sophistication of thefts on the rise, experts project a steep 22% increase in incidents this year, underscoring the urgent need for stakeholders to address the problem collectively. The Rising Threat of Cargo Theft Cargo theft in the U.S.…

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Tornado Outbreak in the Midwest Leaves Devastation in Its Wake

Marc
Tornado Outbreak

The Human Cost of Tornado Devastation Over the course of three harrowing days, a series of tornadoes tore across nine states in the Midwest and South, leaving heartbreak and destruction in their wake. The storm system, which spawned over 50 tornadoes ranging in strength from EF-2 to EF-4, claimed more than 40 lives. Communities—from small towns in Missouri to remote hamlets in Mississippi—are now grappling with the aftermath of this natural disaster. Among the hardest-hit areas was Mississippi, where an EF-3 tornado tore through the small community of Plantersville. Winds…

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Why FEMA’s Flood Insurance Program Is Making Headlines Again

G. Turner
FEMA’s Flood Insurance Program

Senate Bill to Extend the National Flood Insurance Program Until 2027: A Game Changer for Flood-Plagued Communities Understanding the shifting landscape of federal flood insurance can feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. But for millions of homeowners living in flood-prone areas, clarity may finally be on the horizon. A newly proposed Senate bill seeks to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through December 31, 2026. This legislation would bring an end to the exhausting cycle of short-term extensions that have burdened the program for years. Here’s why this matters…

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Safeco, Liberty Mutual, and the Lawsuit Challenging Insurer Accountability

Angela Linders
Safeco and Liberty Mutual Hail Damage Lawsuit

Safeco and Liberty Mutual Hail Damage Lawsuit Highlights Industry Challenges Hailstorms might last minutes, but their implications can drag on for years, especially when insurance claims come under scrutiny. A high-profile lawsuit in Oklahoma has brought Safeco and Liberty Mutual into the spotlight, raising questions about both policyholders’ rights and insurers’ responsibilities. While allegations of bad faith claims and branding confusion have fueled the debate, it’s worth examining the perspectives of all parties involved to uncover the complexities of this case. The Lawsuit Breakdown Ralph and Myrna Lightfoot of Oklahoma…

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California Approves State Farm Massive Insurance Rate Hike Amid Consumer Pushback

Nordstrom
State Farm Massive Insurance Rate Hike

State Farm’s Controversial Rate Hike: What You Need to Know California homeowners could see a significant increase in their insurance premiums following a provisional decision by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. On March 14, 2025, Lara announced preliminary approval for a 22% rate hike on State Farm’s homeowner insurance policies. This decision hinges on conditions set by the commissioner and a public hearing, scheduled for April 8, where State Farm must justify its request. The proposed hike could raise premiums for renters and condo owners by 15% and landlord coverage by…

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The Intersection of Mortgage Insurance and Property Insurance in Today’s Housing Market

Ester Adams
Mortgage Insurance and Property Insurance

Understanding Mortgage Insurance and Property Insurance If you’ve purchased a home or plan to, understanding the different types of insurance tied to it is crucial. Two key types are mortgage insurance and property insurance, but they serve very different purposes. Mortgage insurance protects lenders in case a borrower defaults on their home loan. It’s usually required when the down payment is less than 20%. The cost of mortgage insurance is based on the value of the property. For example, a more expensive home will generally result in higher mortgage insurance…

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