Up in the News

A conversation with a lobbyist secretly recorded on an airplane is shedding light on discussions of possible wildfire insurance legislation that consumer advocates are worried will be pushed through the Legislature in the final two weeks of the session. “We are trying to jam a…

Another major insurance company plans to impose new restrictions on its homeowners business in California, potentially worsening the state’s growing insurance woes and making it more difficult for homeowners and buyers to cover their residences. United Services Automobile Association—more commonly known as USAA—will sharply increase…

The legislation makes it difficult to sue insurance companies for short-changing policyholders. Hurricane Idalia struck Florida 190 miles north of Tampa on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, a classification that causes “devastating” damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. With 125-mile-per-hour winds…

An ABC10 viewer in Auburn said her insurance premium costs have gone up from just under $2,500 to more than $10,000. The rise in home insurance costs, especially in high fire risk areas, have left many frustrated and confused. Those feelings come as some big…

Hurricane Idalia intensified Tuesday as it approached the Gulf Coast of Florida. Given that, recent reporting in The Wall Street Journal caught our eye. Its headline: “Americans Are Bailing on Their Home Insurance.” The Journal reported that some 12% of homeowners are choosing not to…

Sonoma County resident Annie Barbour arrived in Maui last week hoping her past may help rebuild the future of survivors of the devastating wildfires that leveled the island town of Lahaina. Barbour’s work connecting survivors with resources through United Policyholders of San Francisco comes with…

The Florida governor’s insurance overhaul is hurting homeowners—and possibly his presidential campaign. Last fall, Jonathan Stettin decided he and his longtime partner Jeanie would stay put in their Cape Coral, Florida, home, rather than evacuate for Hurricane Ian. Meteorologists had warned that the storm was…

As many Californians recover from the devastating winter storms, many are realizing there are gaps in their insurance coverage, leaving them vulnerable. It’s been months since the devastating winter storms destroyed homes and businesses in the state. As many Californians are still struggling to recover,…

Two more insurance companies will exit the California homeowners market, further narrowing options for people seeking to insure their home or to purchase a house with a mortgage. AmGUARD Insurance—a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies—will withdraw its homeowners and personal umbrella programs in…

Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Lakers and Ross Stores are among 10 parties that have filed amicus briefs as the California Supreme Court ponders whether the virus that causes COVID-19 can cause direct physical damage or loss to property. The sports organizations and discount…

It’s becoming harder and harder to get a homeowner insurance policy in California. State Farm and Allstate stopped writing new policies, citing wildfire risks. Others are limiting new customers. And now, several viewers tell San Francisco’s KGO-TV that AAA is not renewing their longtime policies…

Homeowners in San Francisco and the East Bay who protect their homes with Safeco Insurance may need to brace for some bad news. The insurance company plans to quietly drop over 950 policies in the Bay Area when they come up for renewal starting in…

To address growing concerns surrounding finding and maintaining homeowners insurance coverage in California, experts at the California Dept. of Insurance, CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and United Policyholders, a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of consumers, recently gathered for an insurance townhall briefing for REALTORS®. View…