The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has released a statement reminding property owners in Southern California that the Santa Ana winds are bringing a serious risk of wildfires with them, and that certain precautions should be taken. The National Weather Service has announced that the region could be affected by another significant shove by the winds, which can gust at more than 60 miles per hour. According to an IBHS senior Scientist, Dr. Steve Quarles, “Santa Ana winds are generally warm and dry, creating tinderbox conditions, but…
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S&P downgrades Californian insurers while Commissioner Jones insists the companies are financially sound
Rating agency Standard & Poor’s seems to be in the grips of a downgrading frenzy as the agency downgrades the credit ratings of five of California largest insurance companies. The move comes on the heels of the agency’s downgrading of the federal government’s credit rating, which sparked controversy throughout the country and drove many businesses to re-evaluate their place in the commercial market. S&P downgrade of the state’s insurers could have major implications for the industry, but Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones says that there should be no doubt about the…
Read MoreRights of policyholders to sue insurance companies expanded by California court
Legal observers are predicting a small increase in the number of consumer protection lawsuits against insurers in California, as a result of a decision by state appellate that says that in a case of alleged unfair claims practices, policyholders are permitted to sue The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. Until now, California courts had maintained that individuals have no private right of action to file a lawsuit within the Unfair Insurance Practices Act (UIPA) of the state for alleged violations. A California Supreme Court decision in 1988 stated that the…
Read MoreNew insurance regulations for California homeowners take effect
Despite numerous challenges, a new set of regulations for California homeowners took effect on June 27, 2011. These changes were geared toward improving the standards and training processes for the replacement value estimations of a homeowner’s insurance should a disaster occur. At the same time, the controversial alterations are still being contested by two insurance trade associations. The new cost regulations include the following (California Code of Regulations Section 2695.183 (h)): • Conditions for outlining the requirements that involve the replacement cost and value estimates designed to improve comprehensiveness, consistency,…
Read MoreCalifornia insurer announces rate reduction
In a time when most insurance companies are raising rates on their property coverage, USAA is lowering theirs. Policyholders in California will see their rates drop an average of 15%. The rate change has been approved by the California Department of Insurance and is being lauded as a move to ease the financial burden of individuals and families struggling with a troublesome economy. Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones was particularly elated at the news as he has spent the better part of this year battling the state’s insurers regarding proposed rate…
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