Work to reduce fire insurance costs ongoing, advocates say
Work to reduce fire insurance costs ongoing, advocates say

Fire insurance is a huge pain point for foothills residents, who love their quiet mountain homes but are struggling with the cost to protect them from one of the area’s greatest threats. That frustration was evident among the nearly 200 people who came to Conifer…
BUT IT’S NOT FAIR!
BUT IT’S NOT FAIR!

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara wants to get you off the FAIR plan as soon as possible. His goal is to bring traditional fire insurance companies back to the California market, making these plans affordable and accessible, he said in an online public town hall…
As disaster losses mount, US insurers continue betting on adaptation
As disaster losses mount, US insurers continue betting on adaptation

A landmark Californian bill that could have shifted some wildfire costs on to oil and gas producers was quietly killed in committee Californian governor Gavin Newsom this month signed a package of bills to help with wildfire recovery and prevention in the wake of the…
These Oakland condos are a dream, but the insurance is a nightmare
These Oakland condos are a dream, but the insurance is a nightmare

When a home abruptly loses hundreds of thousands of dollars of value in the supply-constrained Bay Area, the immediate suspicion is that it has some serious defects. But in the case of the Parkwoods condo complex, there isn’t anything structurally wrong. The 400-unit community in…
Where We Stand: A Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights
Where We Stand: A Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, combined with the rising cost of repairs and building materials, has destabilized the home insurance market. Homeowners increasingly face skyrocketing premium prices, and many are losing coverage as insurance companies pull out of regional markets altogether. At the…
Homeowners Are Facing an Insurance Crisis. CR Thinks These 9 Basic Rights Could Help.
Homeowners Are Facing an Insurance Crisis. CR Thinks These 9 Basic Rights Could Help.

Consumer advocates propose a bill of rights. Plus, expert tips on how to protect yourself and your home in the meantime. Melissa Hudson says she was stunned last year when the insurance premiums on her home in Port Orchard, Wash., shot up 40 percent—even though…
Where We Stand: A Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights
Where We Stand: A Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, combined with the rising cost of repairs and building materials, has destabilized the home insurance market. Homeowners increasingly face skyrocketing premium prices, and many are losing coverage as insurance companies pull out of regional markets altogether. At the…
New California laws aim to stabilize state’s wildfire insurance market
New California laws aim to stabilize state’s wildfire insurance market

The recent rains may have lowered the threat of wildfire in the area, but the problem of maintaining fire insurance is a year-round problem for many in California. As a result, a number of new laws have just been adopted that aim to stabilize the…
US insurers using drones to inspect homes without owners knowing — even canceling polices. What can you do?
US insurers using drones to inspect homes without owners knowing — even canceling polices. What can you do?

Your homeowners’ insurance is just that — your peace of mind should something go catastrophically wrong at home. It’s typically not something you expect to be hassled with, nor do you wish to be threatened with policy cancellation over trivial matters. So when a Massachusetts…
For private flood insurance companies, the government shutdown is good for business
For private flood insurance companies, the government shutdown is good for business

Among those feeling the pain of the government shutdown are people in coastal areas and other locations where they need flood insurance. The government-backed National Flood Insurance Program stopped writing new policies on Oct. 1 and can’t resume until it’s reauthorized by Congress. That may…
Policyholder’s Notice Of Claim Does Not Satisfy Notice Requirement For Other Insureds
Policyholder’s Notice Of Claim Does Not Satisfy Notice Requirement For Other Insureds

The United States District Court for the Central District of California, applying California law, has held that coverage was barred for insureds who did not give timely notice, despite timely notice by the policyholder. Evanston Ins. Co. v. Frederick, 2025 WL 2019379 (C.D. Cal., June…
Millions of Americans risk their health and -2-
Millions of Americans risk their health and -2-

“My dad’s sleeping under a dining table because there’s no space,” he said. “My mom had bladder surgery at the end of April and [in] early May had to recover from bladder surgery while basically being homeless.” Comey’s experience is a stark illustration of what…
Wildfire safety leads Commissioner Lara’s agenda as Governor Newsom signs sponsored bills
Wildfire safety leads Commissioner Lara’s agenda as Governor Newsom signs sponsored bills

Putting money in people’s pockets, strengthening incentives, and introducing the nation’s first public wildfire model SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced new wildfire safety protections for California consumers as Governor Gavin Newsom signed three critical bills aimed at enhancing mitigation efforts, reducing risk,…
There’s Help for Dealing with Insurance
There’s Help for Dealing with Insurance

United Policyholders is a nonprofit organization that works for consumers with insurance problems/matters. The nonprofit does not take money from insurance companies, and they don’t sell insurance. Volunteers at United Policy have been through the insurance recovery process before and are strictly here to offer…
Kane County woman says Allstate threatened to drop insurance over Google Earth photos
Kane County woman says Allstate threatened to drop insurance over Google Earth photos

A woman in Kane County, Illinois, said Allstate threatened to drop her insurance coverage after reviewing pictures of her property that were taken without her knowledge. Roseanna Castillo said her insurer used Google Earth to snap aerial photos of her property. Then she received a…
Experts to address insurance crisis at Willits wildfire forum
Experts to address insurance crisis at Willits wildfire forum

With wildfire season looming and insurance rates climbing, Mendocino residents are invited to a free community event aimed at cutting through confusion and offering practical solutions. The Willits Wildfire and Insurance Forum & Fair takes place Thursday, Oct. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the new…
After insurance pullback, advocates demand a ‘bill of rights’ for California policyholders
After insurance pullback, advocates demand a ‘bill of rights’ for California policyholders

A leading consumer group is proposing a policyholder rights initiative that would require insurers to offer coverage to California homeowners who fireproof their homes — or lose the right to sell home or auto insurance in the state for five years. Read more.
California’s insurer of last resort would face more scrutiny under bill heading to Newsom’s desk
California’s insurer of last resort would face more scrutiny under bill heading to Newsom’s desk

In the closing days of the legislative year, California lawmakers sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a bill that is meant to toughen scrutiny of the state’s embattled fire insurer of last resort by insisting that two of their leaders join its governing committee. Assembly Bill 234…