Work to reduce fire insurance costs ongoing, advocates say
Work to reduce fire insurance costs ongoing, advocates say

Fire insurance is a huge pain point for foothills residents, who love their quiet mountain homes but are struggling with the cost to protect them from one of the area’s greatest threats. That frustration was evident among the nearly 200 people who came to Conifer…
BUT IT’S NOT FAIR!
BUT IT’S NOT FAIR!

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara wants to get you off the FAIR plan as soon as possible. His goal is to bring traditional fire insurance companies back to the California market, making these plans affordable and accessible, he said in an online public town hall…
As disaster losses mount, US insurers continue betting on adaptation
As disaster losses mount, US insurers continue betting on adaptation

A landmark Californian bill that could have shifted some wildfire costs on to oil and gas producers was quietly killed in committee Californian governor Gavin Newsom this month signed a package of bills to help with wildfire recovery and prevention in the wake of the…
These Oakland condos are a dream, but the insurance is a nightmare
These Oakland condos are a dream, but the insurance is a nightmare

When a home abruptly loses hundreds of thousands of dollars of value in the supply-constrained Bay Area, the immediate suspicion is that it has some serious defects. But in the case of the Parkwoods condo complex, there isn’t anything structurally wrong. The 400-unit community in…
Where We Stand: A Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights
Where We Stand: A Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, combined with the rising cost of repairs and building materials, has destabilized the home insurance market. Homeowners increasingly face skyrocketing premium prices, and many are losing coverage as insurance companies pull out of regional markets altogether. At the…
Calwood Fire ~ 5 Years Later
Calwood Fire ~ 5 Years Later

As we take a moment to mark the 5 year anniversary of the 2020 Cameron Peak, Calwood, Lefthand Canyon, and East Troublesome Fires, we take a look back at one wildfire survivor’s journey home.  Here is Kevin’s story, in his own words: “I have been…
New California laws aim to stabilize state’s wildfire insurance market
New California laws aim to stabilize state’s wildfire insurance market

The recent rains may have lowered the threat of wildfire in the area, but the problem of maintaining fire insurance is a year-round problem for many in California. As a result, a number of new laws have just been adopted that aim to stabilize the…
US insurers using drones to inspect homes without owners knowing — even canceling polices. What can you do?
US insurers using drones to inspect homes without owners knowing — even canceling polices. What can you do?

Your homeowners’ insurance is just that — your peace of mind should something go catastrophically wrong at home. It’s typically not something you expect to be hassled with, nor do you wish to be threatened with policy cancellation over trivial matters. So when a Massachusetts…
Policyholder’s Notice Of Claim Does Not Satisfy Notice Requirement For Other Insureds
Policyholder’s Notice Of Claim Does Not Satisfy Notice Requirement For Other Insureds

The United States District Court for the Central District of California, applying California law, has held that coverage was barred for insureds who did not give timely notice, despite timely notice by the policyholder. Evanston Ins. Co. v. Frederick, 2025 WL 2019379 (C.D. Cal., June…
Wildfire safety leads Commissioner Lara’s agenda as Governor Newsom signs sponsored bills
Wildfire safety leads Commissioner Lara’s agenda as Governor Newsom signs sponsored bills

Putting money in people’s pockets, strengthening incentives, and introducing the nation’s first public wildfire model SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced new wildfire safety protections for California consumers as Governor Gavin Newsom signed three critical bills aimed at enhancing mitigation efforts, reducing risk,…
Colorado Roadmap to Preparedness UPdate
Colorado Roadmap to Preparedness UPdate

We have been hard at work this year helping Colorado residents be adequately insured and wildfire prepared through our Roadmap to Preparedness program. Our most recent Colorado Shopping Help Webinar (watchable online) features up to date guidance from a panel of experts including the CO Division of Insurance,…
Marshall Fire Impact Report
Marshall Fire Impact Report

We are proud to share our Marshall Fire Impact Report. While there is no “end” to a recovery, there are many tangible signs that point to a healthy recovery in the greater Boulder area and UP is proud of our contribution to the process that…
Kane County woman says Allstate threatened to drop insurance over Google Earth photos
Kane County woman says Allstate threatened to drop insurance over Google Earth photos

A woman in Kane County, Illinois, said Allstate threatened to drop her insurance coverage after reviewing pictures of her property that were taken without her knowledge. Roseanna Castillo said her insurer used Google Earth to snap aerial photos of her property. Then she received a…
Experts to address insurance crisis at Willits wildfire forum
Experts to address insurance crisis at Willits wildfire forum

With wildfire season looming and insurance rates climbing, Mendocino residents are invited to a free community event aimed at cutting through confusion and offering practical solutions. The Willits Wildfire and Insurance Forum & Fair takes place Thursday, Oct. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the new…
After insurance pullback, advocates demand a ‘bill of rights’ for California policyholders
After insurance pullback, advocates demand a ‘bill of rights’ for California policyholders

A leading consumer group is proposing a policyholder rights initiative that would require insurers to offer coverage to California homeowners who fireproof their homes — or lose the right to sell home or auto insurance in the state for five years. Read more.
California’s insurer of last resort would face more scrutiny under bill heading to Newsom’s desk
California’s insurer of last resort would face more scrutiny under bill heading to Newsom’s desk

In the closing days of the legislative year, California lawmakers sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a bill that is meant to toughen scrutiny of the state’s embattled fire insurer of last resort by insisting that two of their leaders join its governing committee. Assembly Bill 234…
Bill to Increase Oversight of California’s FAIR Plan Awaits Newsom
Bill to Increase Oversight of California’s FAIR Plan Awaits Newsom

California lawmakers have passed Assembly Bill 234, which aims to increase scrutiny of the state’s FAIR Plan, the insurer of last resort for homeowners who cannot secure policies from other companies. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom. The legislation proposes adding…
California’s insurer of last resort would face more scrutiny under bill heading to Newsom’s desk
California’s insurer of last resort would face more scrutiny under bill heading to Newsom’s desk

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism. Keep up with LAist. If you’re enjoying this article, you’ll love…