Live Insurance News

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

March 15, 2025March 12, 2025 Ester Adams

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…

State Farm’s Financial Challenges Leave California Homeowners in Limbo

March 3, 2025March 3, 2025 Ester Adams

State Farm, the largest property insurance provider in California, is dealing with financial instability after a series of devastating wildfires. This turmoil has placed homeowners across the state in a precarious position, as discussions between the insurer and state regulators continue with no resolution yet in sight. Wildfire Losses Plunge State Farm Into Financial Uncertainty The Los Angeles fires, which ravaged neighborhoods earlier this year, have dealt a heavy financial blow to insurers, with State Farm bearing the brunt of the damage. The company’s homeowner claims have surged to a…

Rising Car Insurance Rates in 2025: Why Wisconsin Is Bucking the Trend

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 Ester Adams

Car insurance rates are climbing steadily across the United States, with most policyholders seeing their premiums rise again in 2025. While this trend isn’t new—rates have been increasing since 2022—Wisconsin drivers may find some relief compared to the rest of the nation. A recent study by insurance platform Insurify predicts that Wisconsin’s rate hike will be significantly smaller than most states, offering residents a bit of a silver lining amidst this nationwide trend. Wisconsin Car Insurance Rates vs. the National Average According to Insurify’s projections, the average annual cost of…

Private Firefighters in Los Angeles – A Lifeline or a Luxury?

January 14, 2025January 13, 2025 Ester Adams

Private Firefighters Play a Growing Role in Los Angeles Wildfires The wildfires that often ravage Los Angeles pose a persistent challenge to the region’s safety and infrastructure. This past season’s fires have once again highlighted the role of private firefighting services, which are increasingly called upon to safeguard high-value properties. While traditionally perceived as an option reserved for the wealthy, the growing interest in these services raises questions about their integration into broader insurance policy offerings—and whether they could become more accessible in the future. Private Firefighters Mobilize to Protect…

California’s Evolving Insurance Market: Is Relief on the Horizon?

December 13, 2024December 12, 2024 Ester Adams

California’s home insurance market has been under immense pressure in recent years, leaving homeowners dealing with uncertainty about their coverage. Farmers Insurance, the state’s second-largest home insurer, recently announced a significant decision to expand the number of policies it writes each month. While it marks a potential turning point, many questions remain about the long-term sustainability of California’s insurance landscape. Here’s a breakdown of the situation, players involved, and what lies ahead. Farmers Insurance Expands Policy Sales Cap After limiting itself to selling 7,000 policies per month in California, Farmers…

The Hidden Costs of a DUI That Can Drain Your Wallet Over Time

December 12, 2024December 11, 2024 Ester Adams

Driving under the influence (DUI) isn’t just a legal problem—it’s a financial nightmare. What might start as a temporary lapse in judgment can leave a lasting impact on your wallet, particularly when factoring in long-term expenses such as rising insurance premiums. Across the United States, these costs vary significantly depending on your state, but no matter where you live, the hit to your finances is substantial. Here, we’ll break down how DUIs cause insurance costs to spike, highlight alarming DUI statistics during holidays, compare these expenses to alternative options like…

Insurance Giants in Focus: A Tale of Two Third Quarters

November 6, 2024November 5, 2024 Ester Adams

Spotlight for Insurance Investors As the third-quarter financial results roll in, the spotlight is on two titans of the insurance industry: Berkshire Hathaway and Allstate. Both companies have reported significant figures that reflect their current standing and future prospects in the insurance market. The question arises: Are insurance investors likely to shift their focus, perhaps swayed by Allstate’s recent performance? Berkshire Hathaway: Navigating Setbacks Berkshire Hathaway, renowned for its exceptional insurance underwriting, faced uncharacteristic setbacks this quarter. The company reported more than $1 billion in insurance-related losses, attributed to increased…