Staying protected after a loss without wasting $$
Staying protected after a loss without wasting $$

New Publication – We have updated our Claim Guidance Library to include a new publication: Updating Your Insurance After a Loss. If your home and property were severely damaged or destroyed, you may be thinking about adjusting your insurance coverage to avoid wasting money insuring things that no longer…
Tips for talking to your insurance company after a car accident
Tips for talking to your insurance company after a car accident

USA Today – It’s your “good neighbor.” It’s “on your side.” But after a car accident, some drivers fear their insurance company won’t be such a pal. “Hopefully, your insurer will step up,” says Amy Bach, executive director of consumer advocacy group United Policyholders. “But…
6 Month Wildfire Survey
6 Month Wildfire Survey

At the six-month mark of the Valley and Butte Wildfires, we ask that fire survivors please take a few minutes to complete a short online survey regarding your experience regarding the insurance claims process and the status of your recovery. Your identity will be kept confidential when…
Income tax tips workshop for Butte Fire survivors
Income tax tips workshop for Butte Fire survivors

United Policyholders, a San Francisco-based nonprofit agency that assists insurance holders after disasters, will host a workshop offering tax tips for Butte Fire victims at 6 p.m. Friday in the Mountain Ranch Community Club, 8049 Washington St., Mountain Ranch. United Policyholders Executive Director Amy Bach…
Flooded by winter storm? 5 steps you must take
Flooded by winter storm? 5 steps you must take

Many Jersey Shore residents had to mop up from flooding after the weekend blizzard — despite what Gov. Chris Christie initially said — and experts offer these five tips to residents and business owners looking to maximize their flood insurance claims. There was nearly $3…
For Blizzard Damage, Turn to Your Homeowner’s Policy
For Blizzard Damage, Turn to Your Homeowner’s Policy

Atlantic Coast residents digging out from last weekend’s blizzard may be relieved to know that a standard homeowner’s insurance policy covers most types of damage caused by winter storms. “We pay for most things that are the result of a snowstorm,” said Don Griffin, vice…
Insured Losses From California Fires Top $1B
Insured Losses From California Fires Top $1B

Damages from two destructive Northern California wildfires that killed six and sent thousands fleeing their homes topped $1 billion in insured losses, according to a preliminary estimate by the state’s insurance department. The two fires started days apart in September, burning more than 200 square…
Valley Fire Roadmap to Recovery Workshop 1/21/16 at 6pm
Valley Fire Roadmap to Recovery Workshop 1/21/16 at 6pm

UP is hosting a Roadmap to Recovery workshop for Valley Fire survivors Thursday, January 21st at 6pm at Middletown High School. This workshop will discuss the contents portion of your claim, including understanding depreciation and strategies for preparing your home inventory. There will be a Q&A session after…
Expert says Butte Fire homeowners should take time on insurance claims
Expert says Butte Fire homeowners should take time on insurance claims

An expert on wildfire insurance claims Wednesday night told a small group of property owners who lost buildings in the Butte Fire not to be in a hurry to settle with their insurance carriers. “Statistics show that the longer your claim remains open, the more…
Post-Disaster Income Tax Workshops for Valley Fire Survivors
Post-Disaster Income Tax Workshops for Valley Fire Survivors

This week there will be two post-disaster tax workshops for Valley Fire survivors. Residents whose homes or businesses have been damaged or destroyed in the recent wildfires are encouraged to attend as well as income tax and personal finance professionals. Middletown: Twin Pines Casino Event Center…
Butte Fire Roadmap to Recovery Workshop 1/13/16
Butte Fire Roadmap to Recovery Workshop 1/13/16

UP is hosting a Roadmap to Recovery workshop for Butte Fire survivors on Wednesday, January 13th at 6pm at Mountain Ranch Town Hall.  This workshop will focus on the dwelling portion of your insurance claim and will discuss how to document and value the damage…
Guest Blog: Flood Claim Guide – A Look Under the Hood
Guest Blog: Flood Claim Guide – A Look Under the Hood

Your flood adjuster arrives with a few forms for you to fill out.  Typically, you will be asked some questions about when the water entered the building, how long it stayed, and that sort of thing.  He/She will also ask some questions to update your…
8 Ways to Help after a House Fire
8 Ways to Help after a House Fire

Here are the top items survivors may need for health, safety and comfort A family whose home goes up in flames may lose everything — but simple items from friends, neighbors and relatives can help them make it safely and comfortably through the next days,…
Thousands of homes damaged by Sandy remain uninsured
Thousands of homes damaged by Sandy remain uninsured

Thousands of Long Island homes damaged by superstorm Sandy are still not covered by flood insurance, leaving much of the region dependent on government aid if another catastrophe hits, a Newsday analysis of federal data has found. Since the 2012 storm, the number of properties…
Valley Fire Roadmap to Recovery Workshop 12/3/15
Valley Fire Roadmap to Recovery Workshop 12/3/15

UP is hosting a Roadmap to Recovery workshop for Valley Fire survivors Thursday, December 3rd at 6pm at Middletown High School. This workshop will cover how to effectively communicate with your insurance company, underinsurance, and your insurance legal rights in California.  There will be a Q&A…
Don’t Make These Mistakes When Filing an Insurance Claim
Don’t Make These Mistakes When Filing an Insurance Claim

The biggest insurance mistake you can make is not having insurance. That sounds like an advertisement for an insurance company, but generally, it’s true. If you’re driving without car insurance, you’re breaking the law. If you don’t have health insurance, you’ll likely pay a fee…
Challenging insurers’ hired guns – Bach Talk
Challenging insurers’ hired guns – Bach Talk

When you buy insurance, you pay for coverage and good service if and when you file a claim.  Good claim service includes estimating the extent and value of your claim fairly and promptly. Insurance company claim adjusters often bring in outside experts to inspect and give their…
Unscrupulous Insurers Are Stalling Sandy Recovery
Unscrupulous Insurers Are Stalling Sandy Recovery

Three years ago, New York City was devastated by Superstorm Sandy. While we are making progress in the post-Sandy rebuild and recovery, too many New Yorkers are still fighting with their insurance companies about what type of damage is covered. And many have simply given…