Homeowners face increasing struggles as their home values continue to fall and maintenance costs continue to climb, with a new setback consisting of significantly higher insurance payments. Insurance rates for homes have been increasing steadily over the last few years, and the Insurance Information Institute has indicated that this year is expected to continue in that trend, with a rise of about 5 percent to reach an average of $1,004. This will have been the largest annual increase since the start of the recession, and will mark the first time…
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UK property owners struggle to find home coverage into 2013 as flood insurance agreement ends
Approximately 200,000 U.K. homeowners face fears over a struggle to adequately insure their properties after the flood insurance agreement ends in 2013. Since 2000, the Provision of Flood Insurance Statement of Principles has been continuing an agreement between the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the government. It states that homeowners’ insurers must make flood insurance as accessible as possible to residents of the U.K. This has make homeowners’ insurance available to customers who are living in regions with a high flooding risk. However, this agreement will end as of…
Read MoreUnderstanding what is – and is not – covered by tornado insurance
The surge of destructive and deadly twisters last week has put the spotlight on tornado insurance once more, as consumers attempt to understand the type of coverage that it will provide, including why many homeowners are still forced to pay repair bills related to tornado damage regardless of their policies. The Insurance Information Institute has said that the majority of insurance policies for homeowners, businesses, and vehicles will include tornadoes as an element of their standard severe weather and wind coverage. Typically speaking, renters’ and homeowners’ insurance will cover the…
Read MoreAIG unit faces potential fines in California over management of fire claims
American International Group Inc. (AIG) subsidiary, New Hampshire Insurance Co., along with York Risk Services, its claims processing agent, are now facing citations for 125 violations connected with alleged improper handling of California wildfire related claims from 2008. According to California Department of Insurance (CDI) general counsel, Adam M. Cole, “The allegations in this case reflect a troubling lack of attention to consumer needs by New Hampshire Insurance Company.” CDI has stated that each of the various violations for which the insurer has been sited have to do with “an…
Read MoreFannie Mae takes charge on forced-place insurance, announces changing of rules
The issue of force-placed insurance has been thrust into the limelight this week by the Federal National Mortgage Association, more commonly known as Fannie Mae. Forced-placed insurance is a practice that some insurance companies and banks utilize to force homeowners to purchase expensive insurance policies. In New York, insurance regulators have been investigating the issue in the local industry. Spurred by state, federal and consumer attention, Fannie Mae has announced that it will be changing the rules concerning forced-placed insurance. For one, the government-sponsored enterprise will be overseeing forced-placed policies…
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