Live Insurance News

How a Single Bill Could Reshape Insurance Regulation in America

January 29, 2025January 28, 2025 G. Turner

Congressman Troy Downing Introduces Legislation to Abolish the Federal Insurance Office Congressman Troy Downing, representing Montana’s 2nd district, has introduced a new bill, H.R. 643, in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at abolishing the Federal Insurance Office (FIO). The proposed legislation seeks to return full regulatory authority over the insurance industry to state governments, eliminating what supporters consider an unnecessary and duplicative federal entity. “The law is clear. Regulation of the insurance industry rests with the states, not big government,” Downing stated in a press release. This reflects his…

Mangrove Property Insurance Takes Root in Florida’s Growing Market

January 29, 2025January 28, 2025 Live Insurance News

New Regulatory Changes Pave the Way for Florida’s Newest Insurer Florida’s tumultuous property insurance market welcomes a new player as Mangrove Property Insurance officially enters the scene. This new Florida-domiciled insurance carrier, spearheaded by Stephen Weinstein, aims to provide stability and comprehensive solutions for homeowners navigating one of the nation’s most challenging insurance landscapes. With its approval secured in mid-January 2025 from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR), Mangrove has ambitious plans to assume about 81,000 policies from Citizens Property Insurance Corp. by mid-April. The launch of Mangrove comes…

What Happens to 9,000 Burned Homes? Inside the Massive Cleanup After the Eaton Fire

January 28, 2025January 27, 2025 Tate Ellison

Eaton Fire’s Devastating Impact The Eaton Fire, which ignited late on January 7, 2025, under fierce Santa Ana wind conditions, has left an indelible mark on Altadena and its surrounding communities. Covering over 14,000 acres, the wildfire destroyed a staggering 9,418 structures, damaged another 1,073, and claimed 17 civilian lives. Though containment has reached 95%, the scarred landscape and displaced residents paint a grim picture of the fire’s aftermath. The fire’s origins remain under investigation, with recent video footage suggesting potential electrical activity near the ignition point. Meanwhile, local utility…

Higher Coverage, Higher Costs? Massachusetts Rolls Out New Auto Insurance Law

January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 Ben Jones

Massachusetts to Raise Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Limits by July 2025 Massachusetts is set to implement significant changes to its mandatory auto insurance coverage requirements starting July 1, 2025. Governor Maura Healey recently signed legislation increasing the minimum insurance coverage limits, aligning with a growing trend across the United States. These updates aim to improve financial protection for drivers while minimizing the risk of policyholders facing inadequate coverage after an accident. Below, we examine the rationale behind the changes, statistics on how often claims exceed policy limits, and national shifts…

Work-Related Stress Compensation Reform in New York – Understanding S.B. 755

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 Logan B.

The Stress Debate and Who Really Deserves Compensation? The New York State Senate is set to deliberate on S.B. 755, a bill proposing significant amendments to the workers’ compensation law passed in December 2024. This 2024 statute opened a pathway for employees experiencing “extraordinary work-related stress” to file compensation claims, broadening access to mental health support in the workplace. However, S.B. 755 seeks to narrow this scope, limiting eligibility for such claims to first responders only. If adopted, the bill would focus on professions such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics,…

Affordable Care Act Enrollment Breaks Records But Faces an Uncertain Political Future

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 Live Insurance News

Record ACA Enrollment Under Biden Administration The Biden administration has announced a groundbreaking achievement in health care access, with nearly 24 million Americans enrolling in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans for 2025. This record-breaking figure nearly doubles the enrollment totals from four years ago, solidifying the ACA as a critical pillar of American health care. The success is attributed to expanded federal subsidies, streamlined enrollment processes, and heightened outreach efforts under President Joe Biden’s leadership. The Role of Enhanced Federal ACA Subsidies A significant driver behind the surge in…

Florida Home Insurance Premiums on the Rise Again

January 8, 2025January 7, 2025 G. Turner

Why Florida’s Insurance Rates Are Climbing Faster Than Ever Home insurance premiums in Florida are climbing higher, sparking fresh concerns among homeowners and consumer advocates. While stabilized rates in early 2024 offered respite, recent data from the third quarter show an uptick in costs, reversing the trend of slowing increases. Understanding the factors behind these changes is vital for homeowners and industry leaders alike, as new dynamics including inflation, reinsurance prices, and storm recovery efforts take center stage. Rising Insurance Premiums in Florida An analysis of data from Florida’s Office…