The Growing Threat of Insurance Deserts and How to Address It

Insurance Deserts

What Are Insurance Deserts? Imagine living in an area so prone to natural disasters that insurance companies decide it’s simply too risky to do business there. This is the concept of an insurance desert—a place where coverage becomes hard to come by or entirely unavailable. These regions are often plagued by events like wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, phenomena that are becoming more frequent and severe in the wake of climate change. For communities labeled as insurance deserts, the ripple effects are far-reaching. Homeowners struggle to secure mortgages without coverage, businesses…

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Florida House Bill 13 Aims to Shake Up Home Insurance in the Sunshine State

Citizens Insurance Focus - home insurance

Expanding Citizens Insurance to Address Windstorm Damage Florida is no stranger to the wrath of hurricanes. With the state regularly experiencing some of the costliest natural disasters in the United States, reliable home insurance has become both a necessity and a challenge. Enter House Bill 13, a proposal that could significantly alter the insurance landscape. Sponsored by Rep. Hillary Cassel of Broward County, this legislation seeks to make Citizens Property Insurance Corp. — a state-run insurer — available to all Florida property owners for windstorm coverage. The bill primarily targets…

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Liberty Mutual Drops a Bombshell on California Condo and Renters Insurance Market

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual to Exit California’s Condo and Renters Insurance Market by 2026 Liberty Mutual, the fourth-largest home insurance provider in California, has announced plans to discontinue offering new condo and rental insurance policies starting January 1, 2025. The company aims for a full exit from these markets by 2026. This decision follows a wave of insurance companies pulling back from California, citing increasing risks and market volatility. Liberty Mutual’s subsidiary, Safeco, will also cease providing these policies, leaving thousands of Californians searching for alternative insurance options. Insurance Company Background Over…

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How Extreme Weather is Reshaping Where and How We Live

How Extreme Weather is Reshaping Where and How We Live

The Push for Climate Insurance as Extreme Weather Events Rise The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are on the rise, leaving communities around the world grappling with the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts. Scientists link these increasingly destructive events to climate change, which is reshaping the way governments, businesses, and individuals approach risk. One of the key responses to this growing challenge is the development of climate insurance. This specialized form of coverage is designed to protect individuals and businesses from the financial impact of climate-related…

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Wildfires are Getting Worse – Geospatial Data Can Help

Geospatial Data and wildfires

How Wildfires Are Transforming America’s Landscape As I write this, fires burn in the north-eastern United States. More than 500 wildfires have broken out in New Jersey alone this autumn, and in recent weeks there have been fires in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, too. A 5,000-acre fire has been burning for over a week on the New York border. And that’s just one region, in one country. I could mention Portugal or Australia, California or Greece. This isn’t normal. Wildfires are getting worse. Why? Because of climate change. Thanks to global…

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Hurricane Helene’s Unyielding Wrath on Florida’s Insurance Market

Hurricane Helene in Florida

Devastating Storm Hits the Southeast Making landfall late Thursday night, Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on Florida and extended its reach far inland to the Southeast and Appalachia. The storm’s torrential rains and fierce winds resulted in extensive flooding and property damage, marking one of the most severe weather events of the year. As the storm battered homes, it left behind a daunting trail of destruction, with early estimates suggesting up to $6 billion in private insurance losses. This catastrophic event has once again underscored the vulnerabilities within Florida’s already…

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Who’s Responsible? California Faces New Rate Hikes from State Farm and Allstate

State Farm and Allstate Buildings - Who is causing high rates in California

California homeowners and renters may soon face significant financial strain as two of the state’s largest insurers, State Farm and Allstate, announce hefty rate hikes. These increases come against a backdrop of escalating climate change impacts and urban expansion into wildfire-prone areas. Significant Increases from Major Insurers State Farm, the largest home insurer in California, has applied for substantial rate hikes across its various insurance lines. The company, which insures nearly one in five homes in the state, has requested a 30% increase for homeowners insurance, a 52% increase for…

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