Is Usage-Based Insurance For You? A Breakdown of Programs from USAA, State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive

Ester Adams
Usage-Based Insurance

Pay-as-you-drive insurance is taking over. These programs use technology to track mileage and driving behavior, rewarding safe, low-mileage drivers with discounts. USAA, State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive are the big players in this space. But how do their programs stack up? And are they as simple—and private—as they claim? Here’s a deep dive into how these programs work, where they’re offered, and who they’re best for. USAA SafePilot Miles USAA’s SafePilot Miles program targets military families, retirees, and anyone who drives less than 8,000 miles a year. Here’s how it…

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Fast or Fair? The Controversy Around Citizens Insurance Disputes

Ben Jones
Citizens Insurance Focus - home insurance

Citizens Insurance Faces Questions Over Dispute Resolution Process Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Florida’s biggest state-backed insurer, is now facing a lawsuit. Why? Some policyholders say the way the company settles disputes isn’t fair. Instead of regular courts, Citizens uses a system called the Division of Administrative Hearings, or DOAH. This process has plenty of supporters and critics. What’s actually happening? Let’s break down how it all works—and what it could mean for homeowners. A Different Way To Resolve Disputes Most insurance claims disputes wind up in regular courts, often bogged…

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Move Here, Save Thousands: The States That Make Insurance Affordable

Nordstrom
real estate lower cost states

Looking to Save Big on Insurance? Maine and Idaho Might Be Your Ticket Ever heard of the “triple effect”? It’s what happens when a state offers lower costs across the three big insurance categories: health, auto, and homeowners. And guess what? Maine and Idaho are nailing it. These two states are quietly becoming the go-to spots for people looking to stretch their dollars without sacrificing quality of life. Think about it—insurance isn’t just a small line item in your budget. It’s a big deal. Health insurance, car insurance, and homeowners…

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Realtors Take Action as California Insurance Crisis Threatens the Market

Ben Jones
california real estate market

Realtors Step Up Amid California’s Insurance Crisis How real estate pros are tackling wildfire risks, educating clients, and protecting their bottom line. The California Insurance Crisis: A Growing Problem California’s homeowners insurance market is in chaos. Wildfires are more frequent, insurers are pulling out of high-risk areas, and premiums are skyrocketing. For many buyers, securing affordable insurance has become a dealbreaker. And realtors? They’re caught in the middle. Here’s the reality: 13.4% of realtors reported losing transactions in 2024 because buyers couldn’t get affordable insurance. That’s nearly double the 6.9%…

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Allstate CEO: Trust Isn’t Just a Buzzword, It’s Survival

Tate Ellison
Allstate

Trust in America: Allstate CEO Sounds the Alarm Tom Wilson, Allstate’s CEO, isn’t mincing words. Trust in America? It’s at a tipping point. And he’s not just talking about politics or government. He’s talking about everything—leaders, institutions, even businesses. “It’s a problem for Americans,” Wilson told CNBC. “We don’t trust our leaders. We don’t trust our government. We don’t trust other institutions.” But why does this matter? For democracy, for capitalism, for everyday life? Wilson says trust is the glue that holds it all together. Without it, people hesitate. They…

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ACA Health Insurance Premium Tax Credits: A Lifeline on the Brink

Logan B.
ACA

The Clock is Ticking: What’s Next for ACA Premium Tax Credits? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits have been a lifeline for millions. But with their enhanced version set to expire at the end of 2025, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s break it down. A Timeline of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits 2021: The American Rescue Plan Act introduced enhanced premium tax credits, making health insurance more affordable for millions. It expanded eligibility and capped premiums at 8.5% of income for many. 2022: The Inflation Reduction Act…

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Illinois Homeowners Face Higher Costs as State Farm Raises Rates

Angela Linders
State Farm Rate Increases

State Farm to Raise Illinois Homeowners Insurance Rates by 27.2% Big news for Illinois homeowners. State Farm, the Bloomington-based insurance giant, is hiking its homeowners insurance rates by a staggering 27.2%. The increase, set to take effect on August 15, 2025, will impact nearly 1.5 million policyholders across the state. New customers? They’ll start paying the higher rates even sooner—on July 15. Why the jump? State Farm says it’s all about extreme weather. Tornadoes, floods, hailstorms—Illinois has seen it all. And it’s costing insurers big time. In fact, State Farm…

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