Nosotros la Gente: FEMA – Dysfunction or distraction
Nosotros la Gente: FEMA – Dysfunction or distraction

My habitual optimism now faces an insurmountable conclusion concerning the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office. When any governmental effort of that size, especially one with a clear and straightforward mission, remains in chaos two years after initial implementation, something is basically wrong. I have…
Park Fire Survivors Stuck in Recovery Limbo as Officials Figure Out What to Do
Park Fire Survivors Stuck in Recovery Limbo as Officials Figure Out What to Do

Under a low-slung ceiling of flashing disco lights, Yahmo Ahqha roared into the mic during his band’s practice. The band, called Yahmo, is in the performance space of an independent radio station in Chico. They have shows coming up, want to record an album, and…
Think wildfires and hailstorms are raising the cost of home insurance? Technology may be the bigger culprit
Think wildfires and hailstorms are raising the cost of home insurance? Technology may be the bigger culprit

Homeowners in Colorado have been watching their insurance costs increase at rates faster than the national average. And they pay more on average to insure their homes than homeowners in other states – about $1,700 more, according to recent figures. You might hear that and…
California plans significant changes to insurance rules as wildfires increase risk
California plans significant changes to insurance rules as wildfires increase risk

California regulators propose major insurance reforms to address soaring costs and dwindling options for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas. Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill. In short: California is considering updates to Proposition 103, which currently limits insurance rate changes, to require firms to cover high-risk…
$141 billion in Colorado property is at risk from wildfires. Here’s how that affects your homeowner insurance.
$141 billion in Colorado property is at risk from wildfires. Here’s how that affects your homeowner insurance.

More than 320,000 homes across Colorado valued at $141 billion are at risk of being destroyed by wildfires, according to a new report that influences how insurance companies set rates. Read more
Phoenix insurance consumers have few ways to minimize skyrocketing premiums
Phoenix insurance consumers have few ways to minimize skyrocketing premiums

Most American auto and homeowners insurance consumers have noticed the recent spike in premiums. Disasters and other incidents, the corporate push for profits and the use of technology are combining to have consumers see jaw-dropping overnight increases for many Valley residents, across the U.S, and…
Climate damage claims impacting mortgages and insurance consumers
Climate damage claims impacting mortgages and insurance consumers

The application of AI to weather disaster coverage and claims is creating problems for mortgage lenders, not just claimants, according to policyholder advocates who addressed the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) at its summer conference August 12. Read more.
Assistance centers opening for Park Fire victims
Assistance centers opening for Park Fire victims

Tehama County, in conjunction with local, state, and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, will host a local assistance center for individuals, families and businesses affected by the Park Fire. The event will be held inside the Red Bluff Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. According…
Maui Remembers: West Maui to close Aug. 8 in observation of one-year mark since wildfires
Maui Remembers: West Maui to close Aug. 8 in observation of one-year mark since wildfires

In observance of the one-year mark since the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, the Office of Recovery-West Maui in Lahaina Gateway will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. The office will open Friday, Aug. 9, for a condensed schedule from 8 to 11 a.m.…
Tehama County Evacuation Center is closing tomorrow
Tehama County Evacuation Center is closing tomorrow

In less than 24 hours, the Tehama County Evacuation Center in Los Molinos will be shutting down. Red Cross Shelter manager, Mahogany Coward, says that typically there has to be 10 people or more to keep a shelter open. Only three people are using the…
Office of Recovery-West Maui will close Aug. 8; other agencies provide schedules
Office of Recovery-West Maui will close Aug. 8; other agencies provide schedules

n observance of the one-year mark since the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, the Office of Recovery-West Maui in Lahaina Gateway will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. The office will open Friday, Aug. 9, for a condensed schedule from 8 to 11 a.m.…
A new center opens to assist Butte County fire victims
A new center opens to assist Butte County fire victims

Help for Park Fire survivors will be available in one place for a few weeks. The Local Assistance Center is here to help anyone with financial assistance, home rebuilding or even counseling. Fire victims can show up to the new local assistance center anytime between…
Fire recovery assistance center opens in old Chico 99 Cent store
Fire recovery assistance center opens in old Chico 99 Cent store

For the next two weeks, people impacted by the Park, Thompson, and Apache fires can visit a newly established local assistance center. The center, situated in the old 99 Cent store along Pillsbury Road in Chico, opened Monday morning to a long line of impacted…
First Steps After a Wildfire
First Steps After a Wildfire

United Policyholders is a nonprofit organization that is a voice and an information resource for insurance consumers in all 50 states.  UP has helped guide disaster survivors on the road to recovery since 1991.  Use this information with The Disaster Recovery Handbook and Household Inventory Guide. …
As homeowner’s insurance prices climb, more Americans ask: Is it worth it?
As homeowner’s insurance prices climb, more Americans ask: Is it worth it?

It was 2019 when Anjali Tierra decided that homeowners insurance wasn’t worth the price. The retired high school teacher, 58, took out a policy in late 2018 after purchasing a three-bedroom home nestled in the Tehachapi Mountains of southern California. She considered the insurance affordable…
Wildfires and home insurance: what Arizonans need to know
Wildfires and home insurance: what Arizonans need to know

At least 1.8 million acres have burned in wildfires so far in 2024, according to the National Interagency Fire Center ABC15 meteorologists are forecasting high winds and fire danger heading into the holiday weekend. Already this year, Arizona residents have seen the impact from one…
Boulder County Marshall Fire Newsletter – May 17, 2024
Boulder County Marshall Fire Newsletter – May 17, 2024

United Policyholders 2024 home insurance survey – Read more
Essential Know-How For Wildfire Insurance Policyholders
Essential Know-How For Wildfire Insurance Policyholders

The podcast episode features Amy Bach, the executive director of United Policyholders, an insurance consumer advocacy group. The host introduces Amy as an advocate for policyholders and discusses her background as an attorney. Amy shares her insights on insurance claims and the importance of policyholders…