Hawaii’s Governor Green Ignites State Farm Debate and Disaster Fee Proposal

Governor Green critizising the insurance industry

Governor Green Proposes Visitor Impact Fee for Disaster Insurance Amid Maui Wildfire Recovery In the aftermath of the devastating Maui wildfires on August 8, 2023, which claimed 102 lives and destroyed nearly 4,000 structures, Hawaiian Governor Josh Green has proposed a visitor impact fee to fund state disaster insurance. This initiative aims to ensure Hawaii’s resilience in the face of future natural disasters while addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the recent fires. Criticism of the Insurance Industry With an Emphasis on State Farm Governor Green has criticized…

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Ricardo Lara’s Reforms: Can They Save California’s Property Market from Fire Risks?

Can They Save California's Property Market from Fire Risks?

Commissioner Lara’s Reforms to Rescue California’s Property Market In a bid to rescue California’s beleaguered property market, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has announced a series of reforms aimed at addressing the growing crisis in the state’s insurance sector. The situation has reached a critical point, with many insurers either pausing or severely limiting new policies, particularly in high-risk areas prone to wildfires. The Roots of the Crisis The current crisis is partly rooted in the 1988 voter-passed Proposition 103, which mandates that insurance companies obtain approval from the California Department…

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APCIA Criticizes Consumer Watchdog’s Eligibility in California Insurance Proceedings

California insurance nonprofit organization consumer advocate group

Controversy Arises in California Insurance Over Consumer Watchdog’s Eligibility The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) has issued a statement against Consumer Watchdog following a recent development that has sparked significant controversy within the insurance industry. Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit organization, was deemed eligible to receive compensation in California Department of Insurance proceedings as an intervenor for the next two years. This decision came despite numerous concerns raised by both the insurance industry and government officials regarding the group’s role and effectiveness. Industry Concerns Raised Questions have emerged about how…

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Is Crop Insurance Sabotaging Sustainable Farming? The Urgent Reforms We Need Now

crop insurance reform

The Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) serves as a critical financial safeguard for farmers, offering protection against natural disasters and market fluctuations. However, its current structure often conflicts with the innovative and sustainable practices of regenerative agriculture. This analysis examines the challenges faced by regenerative farmers, the impact of climate change on crop insurance, and the policy reforms necessary to align insurance frameworks with climate-smart practices. Federal Crop Insurance Program Overview The Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP), managed by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture…

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California Governor Newsom backs property insurance reform measure

Property insurance - California Law - Support

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…

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