Category: Homeowners Insurance

We explore all property insurance for homeowners as well as industry updates. Renters, condo, earthquake insurance as well as flood insurance are all topics covered. Flood insurance is undergoing a slew of changes all over the world that are making headlines daily

Storm Chasers: The Unseen Threat Driving Your Insurance Premiums Sky-High

John B.
Storm chasers targeting vulnerable homeowners

Insurance Industry Battles Surge in Roof Damage Claims and Fraudulent Practices The property and casualty insurance sector faces unprecedented challenges as the frequency and cost of roof damage claims soar, largely attributed to increasingly severe and unpredictable weather patterns. This situation is intensified by fraudulent activities perpetrated by unscrupulous contractors, colloquially known as “storm chasers,” who exploit the system and contribute to escalating insurance premiums for policyholders. Rising Claims Amid Severe Weather In recent years, natural disasters such as hailstorms, hurricanes, and intense winter weather have become more frequent, causing…

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Liberty Mutual’s Subsidiary Non-Renews 17,000 Fire Policies in California Due to Technology

Ester Adams
17,000 Fire Policies Non Renewed in California Due to Technology

Liberty Mutual to Discontinue Dwelling Fire Policies In an unusual development, Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual, has revealed that it will not renew around 17,000 dwelling fire policies in California, citing technology-related factors rather than the increased fire risks that have been prevalent in the state. The decision, set to unfold from September through November, stems from the company’s intent to retire the “antiquated” technology previously used to manage these policies. According to filings with the California Department of Insurance, Liberty Mutual stated that “it…

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California, Colorado and Texas Face Billion-Dollar Home Insurance Dilemma

Nordstrom
california wildfire risk landscape

California’s Growing Wildfire Risk for Home Insurance Market California homeowners face a growing problem: over 1.2 million homes are at moderate or high risk of wildfire damage, with reconstruction costs exceeding $760 billion. According to CoreLogic’s Wildfire Risk Report, this is particularly concerning for those living in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), especially in areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside. Climate change is a significant factor, with NOAA’s data showing the number of acres burned each year has nearly doubled since the early ’80s. Reconstruction costs for damaged…

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Catastrophe Losses in 2024: A Challenging Year for the Insurance Industry

Elizabeth Price
Challenging Year for the Insurance Industry

2024’s Insurance Industry Turmoil: State Farm and Others Navigate the Aftermath of Hurricanes Debby and Beryl The year 2024 has proven to be a tumultuous period for the insurance industry, with back-to-back natural disasters resulting in substantial financial losses for major insurers. Hurricanes Debby and Beryl have left a trail of destruction across multiple states, posing significant challenges for companies like State Farm and Allstate as they navigate the aftermath. Hurricane Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region on August 5, 2024. With maximum…

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

Marc
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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