Live Insurance News

Maryland Insurance Professionals Face Stricter Standards

August 13, 2024August 12, 2024 H. Cutner

Protecting Maryland Consumers: A Closer Look at Stricter Penalties Starting October 1, consumers in Maryland will witness the implementation of more stringent penalties for unauthorized insurance activities. These legislative changes, introduced by the Maryland Insurance Administration, aims to protect consumers from fraudulent practices while ensuring that insurance professionals uphold the highest standards. Unauthorized Insurer Fines Soar: The fines for unauthorized insurers have substantially increased, with penalties rising from $50,000 to a maximum of $125,000. Higher Penalties for Dishonest Practices: Insurance producers and public adjusters indulging in dishonest or incompetent practices…

California Fair Plan Under Fire for Alleged Policy Violations

July 31, 2024July 30, 2024 G. Turner

California Fair Plan Under Fire: Attorney Calls Policies “Criminally Restrictive” The California Fair Plan, designed as a last-resort insurance option for those unable to secure coverage elsewhere, is now under significant scrutiny. An Oakland attorney has spotlighted troubling issues impacting hundreds of thousands of policyholders. According to reporter Shandel Menezes from NBC San Diego, Attorney Dylan Schaffer of the Kerley Schaffer law firm has described the policies under the Fair Plan as “criminally restrictive” and asserts that selling these policies constitutes a misdemeanor under Insurance Code 2083. Schaffer claims that…

State Farm Seeks Major Rate Increase in California

July 8, 2024July 8, 2024 Live Insurance News

State Farm, California’s largest insurer, is proposing sizable rate increases for its residential insurance policies in the state, potentially impacting millions of homeowners and renters. The company has filed for a 30% rate hike for its homeowners’ insurance, a 52% increase for renters, and a 36% escalation for condominium owners. This marks the third major change for State Farm in California within a year. State Farm’s Justification In a statement, State Farm indicated that these rate increases are necessary for the long-term sustainability of its California subsidiary, State Farm General.…

California Insurance Commissioner Lara seeks new guidance to overcome state crisis

April 17, 2024April 16, 2024 G. Turner

California insurance - Home insurance crisis guidance

The state is working on establishing new regulations to help the industry there recover California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has reached out to insurers in the state, telling them that they must develop ideas beyond rate hikes to overcome the current crisis in the state. Lara is simultaneously working on new state regulations According to Lara, his office and the California insurance industry are “in a forced marriage,” in which “we’re staying together for the kids.” However, the commissioner was also able to find common ground with the Farmers Insurance…

California Insurance Market Seeks Solutions Amid Homeowner Policy Crisis

February 20, 2024February 19, 2024 Loreen

California’s insurance landscape is poised for a substantial rewrite as authorities deal with the implications of devastating wildfires and market instability. With a pivotal public hearing on the horizon, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara spearheads the effort to address the frustrations of both homeowners and insurers. The Plight of California Homeowners and Insurers Amid the ashes of devastating wildfires, Californian homeowners have faced soaring insurance premiums and widespread policy cancellations, driving the need for regulatory reform. A proposed overhaul by Commissioner Lara aims to streamline rate increase approvals and clarify regulations…