Homes that survived historic LA wildfires now face dangerous levels of toxic compounds
Homes that survived historic LA wildfires now face dangerous levels of toxic compounds

“DANGER: Lead Work Area” reads a sign on a front door of an Altadena home. “May damage fertility or the unborn child. Causes damage to the central nervous system.” Block after block there are reminders that contaminants still linger. House cleaners, hazardous waste workers and…
CA homeowner stuck with $50K bill after neighbor’s tree crashes into her house. Insurer denies claim, argues it was ‘unforeseeable.’ Is that legit?
CA homeowner stuck with $50K bill after neighbor’s tree crashes into her house. Insurer denies claim, argues it was ‘unforeseeable.’ Is that legit?

As extreme weather events become more frequent, homeowners are increasingly relying on property insurance as their last line of defense. But coverage can unravel quickly when an act of nature blurs legal boundaries. That’s what Castro Valley homeowner Angela Bereola recently discovered. Last year, heavy…
Renters insurance is a must-have: Protect your belongings for less than a coffee a day
Renters insurance is a must-have: Protect your belongings for less than a coffee a day

Millions of Americans have discovered the benefits of renters insurance. Because landlords aren’t liable for any personal possessions or activities in your apartment, these policies can provide an important safety net if something happens. “For less than the cost of a coffee a day, renters…
Liberty Mutual exiting condo, rental insurance market
Liberty Mutual exiting condo, rental insurance market

Liberty Mutual plans to stop offering condo and rental insurance policies in California over the next two years. One of the state’s largest insurers made three filings indicating the withdrawal of business in this category of coverage, the California Department of Insurance reported Dec. 20.…
Liberty Mutual company Safeco drops condo coverage and renters insurance
Liberty Mutual company Safeco drops condo coverage and renters insurance

Another major insurance company is trimming its risk by refusing to sell more insurance to multifamily developments. The insurance commissioner promised a more stable and affordable market, but what we have right now are cross currents, contradictions, and chaos. Safeco is a branch of Liberty…
How to stay in the know?
How to stay in the know?

Ask any person who’s survived a disaster and they’ll give you solid preparedness advice. UP’s consumer guidance draws heavily on those insights.  And while survivors won’t all agree on what to have in your “go bag,” everyone agrees on the value of timely emergency alerts.…
LA to consider prohibiting landlords from asking about criminal history
LA to consider prohibiting landlords from asking about criminal history

The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to consider prohibiting landlords from inquiring about prospective tenants’ criminal history. Council members voted 11-0, with no discussion, to reactivate a motion seeking to establish a so-called “fair chance” housing ordinance. Council President Paul Krekorian and Councilman Curren…
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…
Why You Should Buy Renters Insurance: 5 Things to Know
Why You Should Buy Renters Insurance: 5 Things to Know

The coverage is affordable and easy to buy, and provides a safety net if something goes wrong When the deep freeze hit Texas in February, Amani Elsawah was among the millions of residents who lost power and suffered water damage from burst frozen pipes. The…
How to Bundle Renters and Auto Insurance
How to Bundle Renters and Auto Insurance

Bundling is a common way to save money on most types of insurance policies, including renters insurance. When it comes time to renew your renters insurance policy or shop for a new one, it’s worth finding out if you can save money by bundling your…
Florida’s Insured Losses From Irma Reach Nearly $2B and Growing
Florida’s Insured Losses From Irma Reach Nearly $2B and Growing

Florida policyholders so far have filed nearly $2 billion in claims to insurers for damage from Hurricane Irma, the state’s insurance regulator said on Monday. The estimate of insured losses is based on preliminary statewide data that insurers filed with the Florida Office of Insurance…
Claims Teams Begin Handling Onslaught of Harvey Claims
Claims Teams Begin Handling Onslaught of Harvey Claims

Hurricane Harvey has set a U.S record, according to the National Weather Service, dumping 51.88 inches of rain in parts of Texas. As the tropical storm moves over southern Louisiana, claims catastrophe teams are moving in to devastated cities in Texas. AIR Worldwide reported severe…
Wise UP: The Savvy Consumers Guide To Buying Insurance
Wise UP: The Savvy Consumers Guide To Buying Insurance

Wise UP: The Savvy Consumers Guide to Buying Insurance, a United Policyholders’ publication This compact guide will give you the inside scoop on what really matters when buying or renewing insurance for your car, home and assets. It’s short, easy to read and gives you…
25 years later: Oakland hills ripe for another firestorm
25 years later: Oakland hills ripe for another firestorm

Twenty-five years after a horrific firestorm killed 25 people and wiped out nearly 3,500 homes in the Oakland hills, the conditions are ripe once again for a similar — if not worse — disaster. The 1991 inferno led to improved policies and equipment for fire…
Document Flood and Fire Damage to Ease Insurance Claims
Document Flood and Fire Damage to Ease Insurance Claims

Victims of the recent flooding in Louisiana and wildfires in California should all do one thing: Document the damage to their property. Taking photos is crucial to help bolster an insurance claim, said Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a nonprofit consumer advisory group,…
Home is home, rented or owned
Home is home, rented or owned

Buying renter’s insurance is an easy “yes” decision if you’ve got assets to protect. Most policies cost the equivalent of a few cups of coffee a week. A renter’s policy can give you money to repair/replace damaged and stolen stuff, moving costs if your place…
How to Save by Bundling Auto and Home Insurance
How to Save by Bundling Auto and Home Insurance

When it comes to insurance, we all look for ways to save money. One of the easiest and most common ways to save is by bundling auto and home insurance with one company. Insurance companies typically offer discounts in exchange for carrying more than one…
Connecticut bans use of price optimization for insurance rates
Connecticut bans use of price optimization for insurance rates

Insurance Commissioner Katharine L. Wade announced last week that the state’s Insurance Department has officially warned property and casualty insurance companies against using a controversial pricing method that relies more on consumer buying habits than sound actuarial and risk-based principles. Called “price optimization” or “elasticity…