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…
Here’s how California homeowners are trying to save their fire insurance
Here’s how California homeowners are trying to save their fire insurance

With insurers canceling coverage and raising rates, should fire-proofing homes count? Susan Hassett did everything she could to convince the insurance companies her Yolo County ranch could survive a wildfire. After Allstate told the retired firefighter in 2017 that the devastating blazes across the state…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Butte Strong Fund grants for fire recovery include rebuilding, fire mitigation funding
Butte Strong Fund grants for fire recovery include rebuilding, fire mitigation funding

PARADISE — The Butte Strong Fund approved $250,000 for Habitat for Humanity to buy home lots in Paradise for affordable housing in March. Nine grants approved by the North Valley Community Foundation in the past month total $610,805. The grant to Habitat for Humanity of…
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…
Rep. Marsh hosts insurance webinar, legal clinic for fire survivors
Rep. Marsh hosts insurance webinar, legal clinic for fire survivors

Those who lost homes in the Almeda and South Obenchain fires could find advice handling their insurance in a webinar this week and an online clinic next week. Oregon Rep. Pam Marsh of Ashland will host a free online workshop with an insurance focused nonprofit…
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…
Proposed insurance rules would give property owners access to wildfire risk score
Proposed insurance rules would give property owners access to wildfire risk score

Under new rules proposed by California’s insurance commissioner, home and business owners will have open access to their wildfire risk scores that companies use to determine rates and renew coverage. Commissioner Ricardo Lara said he has heard the frustration and confusion from residents over how…
Insurance claims skyrocket as pipes burst from winter storm
Insurance claims skyrocket as pipes burst from winter storm

Even as power has flickered back on, the deep freeze San Antonio was cast into last week continues to cause problems in the form of burst pipes, collapsed roofs, and water damage. As costs begin to tally, many are utilizing thier homeowners insurance at predicted…
Now That The Winter Storm Has Passed, It’s Time To Start Filing Insurance Claims
Now That The Winter Storm Has Passed, It’s Time To Start Filing Insurance Claims

Disaster struck. So what happens next? First, stop the bleeding. That’s the advice Amy Bach gives — she’s a lawyer and president of United Policyholders, a nonprofit that advises consumers on insurance issues nationwide. That means: find a reputable repairman, patch bursting pipes, and get…