Some California homeowners in fire-prone areas face steep insurance increase
Some California homeowners in fire-prone areas face steep insurance increase

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Across the state, homeowners are preparing for what could be another long wildfire season. Last year broke records for fires in the state, with more than four million acres burned, and this year has already seen hundreds more fires than the…
Court: California can expand insurance for wildfire areas
Court: California can expand insurance for wildfire areas

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. California’s insurance commissioner can order the “insurer of last resort” to offer more options for homeowners who can’t buy traditional coverage because they live in areas threatened by wildfires, a judge ruled. Massive wildfires in recent years have destroyed thousands of homes across…
California Homeowners Living in Wildfire-Prone Areas May No Longer Have Insurance
California Homeowners Living in Wildfire-Prone Areas May No Longer Have Insurance

At least 2.1 million Californians are at risk of losing insurance coverage on homes in wildfire-prone areas. California’s moratorium on insurance companies dropping coverage for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas is planned to end in November. As wildfires raged along the state last year, California residents living in…
The appeal of COVID-19 business interruption appeals
The appeal of COVID-19 business interruption appeals

July 9, 2021 – More than one year has passed since the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control, COVID-19 has infected more than 33 million people in the United States and more than 600,000 have died. Also in…
After years of deadly fires, PG&E again vows to do better
After years of deadly fires, PG&E again vows to do better

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) — The nation’s largest utility has long vowed to change its reckless ways, but year after year there’s more death and destruction from Northern California wildfires sparked by Pacific Gas & Electric’s equipment. CEO Patricia…
This One Common Insurance Mistake Could Cost You Thousands, Experts Warn
This One Common Insurance Mistake Could Cost You Thousands, Experts Warn

REMEDY IT IMMEDIATELY TO KEEP THIS COSTLY ERROR FROM DRAINING YOUR BANK ACCOUNT. Across the U.S., there have been snowstorms in May and heatwaves in November, making it clear that the weather is getting harder and harder to plan for. When unpredictable weather strikes, having insurance can help protect…
Press Release: 2017 North Bay fire survivors inspire new law in Oregon to ease recovery
Press Release: 2017 North Bay fire survivors inspire new law in Oregon to ease recovery

SANTA ROSA, CA – United Policyholders (UP), a non-profit consumer advocacy group, today announced that California insurance reforms inspired by 2017 Atlas and Tubbs wildfire survivors are now law in our neighbouring State of Oregon. “One positive to come out of this region’s devastating 2017…
With Start of Hurricane Season, It’s Time to Consider Flood Insurance
With Start of Hurricane Season, It’s Time to Consider Flood Insurance

Most policies are issued by the government, which plans to change the way it prices its policies in the fall to better reflect climate risks. This year’s hurricane season began early, with a named storm forming before the official start on June 1, and it is expected…
Bach Talk – Oregon enacts pro-policyholder wildfire claim reforms
Bach Talk – Oregon enacts pro-policyholder wildfire claim reforms

We’re proud to report that UP recently helped enact H.B. 3272, a new Oregon law that will improve the flow of insurance funds for replacing wildfire-destroyed homes and property. UP has long advocated that on total loss claims where the homeowner did nothing to cause…
Insurance Companies Provide Coverage After COVID-19 Vaccination
Insurance Companies Provide Coverage After COVID-19 Vaccination

Three COVID-19 vaccines have received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, and more than 163 million people in the U.S. — nearly 50% of the total population — had received at least one dose of vaccine as of May 25. (See SciCheck’s articles on each…
Cracking the Code
Cracking the Code

From time to time, state and local building codes get updated to meet current safety and energy efficiency standards. If you own an existing home, you don’t need to worry about paying for upgrades to comply with those new codes unless you’re making major repairs…
East Bay Resident Makes Fire Prevention a Passion
East Bay Resident Makes Fire Prevention a Passion

OAKLAND (KPIX) — An Bay Area resident who has been a fire prevention activist since she lost her home in the Oakland Hills firestorm 30 years ago, Sue Piper is passionate about disaster preparedness. The Gateway Preparedness Exhibit Center educates people on how to prepare for wildfires…
Trade Group Backs Legal Sea Foods In Virus Insurance Appeal
Trade Group Backs Legal Sea Foods In Virus Insurance Appeal

Law360 (May 11, 2021, 4:11 PM EDT) — Legal Sea Foods‘ quest to cover losses from the COVID-19 pandemic earned the backing of nonprofit insurance trade group United Policyholders, which told the First Circuit on Monday that a lower court was wrong to dismiss the restaurant…
6 Tips to Streamline Insurance Payment on Home Damage Claims
6 Tips to Streamline Insurance Payment on Home Damage Claims

Maybe it’s a loud crash overhead. Maybe it’s shattering glass. Maybe it’s a steady drip of water coming down from your kitchen ceiling. For a homeowner, any of these sounds might mean that you’re about to get acquainted with the home insurance claims process. But…
Hail, Hail Spring is Here
Hail, Hail Spring is Here

With vaccinations, more daylight and warming weather, things are looking UP. In keeping with our mission of helping people be resilient, here’s an important reminder: It’s hail season and climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of hail events. Now is a great time to check…
Virus Like A Natural Disaster, Nonprofit Group Says On Appeal
Virus Like A Natural Disaster, Nonprofit Group Says On Appeal

Nonprofit group United Policyholders threw its support behind a dental office and the owner of furniture stores in their appeals concerning business interruption coverage for COVID-19-related losses, saying insurers are expected to cover the pandemic the same way they cover natural disasters. United Policyholders told…
Ohio Supreme and 8th Circuit Mull Whether COVID Can Cause Direct Physical Loss
Ohio Supreme and 8th Circuit Mull Whether COVID Can Cause Direct Physical Loss

Two appellate courts took steps this week toward answering a key question that may seal the fate of some 1,500 lawsuits seeking insurance coverage for COVID-19-related business-interruption losses: Does the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus or people infected with it constitute a direct physical loss…
It’s severe weather season in Texas — do you know where your homeowners insurance policy is?
It’s severe weather season in Texas — do you know where your homeowners insurance policy is?

If you tend to stuff your insurance policy away in a drawer or a file and not look at it for a year or more, it could cost you big. DALLAS — Wed., March 24 is an important date if you are eligible for a…