Flying Cameras Are Snapping Photos of Houses for Insurers. Will a California Bill Help Homeowners See Them?
Flying Cameras Are Snapping Photos of Houses for Insurers. Will a California Bill Help Homeowners See Them?

Airborne cameras are taking pictures of individual houses across the U.S. Insurance companies use the photos to inspect buildings after extreme weather, from hurricanes to hailstorms. But they also use them to determine which homes are too risky to insure. A bill in California—a state…
California Insurance Bill – The Fight Over Public Adjuster Fees and Homeowner Payouts
California Insurance Bill – The Fight Over Public Adjuster Fees and Homeowner Payouts

What’s the real cost of AB 597? The proposed California bill is stirring up heated debates. Depending on who you ask, it’s either a game-changer or a disaster waiting to happen. On the surface, it’s all about “transparency” and reining in shady contracts. But dig…
A bad bill to rein in insurance adjusters? Proposed state law draws criticism
A bad bill to rein in insurance adjusters? Proposed state law draws criticism

After the devastating January firestorms left thousands of homeowners to grapple with their insurers over complicated claims for smoke damage and burned-down houses, many turned to public adjusters for help. The state-licensed professionals play a vital role in assisting policyholders in preparing property claims and…
Forum offers direction for protecting homes from wildfire, details property insurance efforts
Forum offers direction for protecting homes from wildfire, details property insurance efforts

The first defense against wildfire is in the hands of California homeowners: securing defensible space. “If you’re going to do one thing after this meeting, go buy mesh screening (for roof vents). It’s very easy to do, affordable but very effective,” California State Fire Marshal…
State officials urge homeowners to check fire insurance coverage
State officials urge homeowners to check fire insurance coverage

With the Gifford Fire now the largest wildfire in California this year, Assembly Member Dawn Addis gathered state leaders and insurance experts to help Central Coast homeowners better protect their property and coverage. Experts said many Californians are underinsured and do not realize it until…
Proposed California Ballot Initiative Seeks to Repeal Prop. 103
Proposed California Ballot Initiative Seeks to Repeal Prop. 103

A proposed ballot measure could significantly alter California’s property insurance regulations by repealing Proposition 103, a law passed in 1988 that governs home, auto, and other property and casualty insurance. Background on Proposition 103 Under Prop. 103, insurance companies must obtain approval from the state’s…
Long-shot ballot initiative could have huge effect on California insurance
Long-shot ballot initiative could have huge effect on California insurance

A proposed ballot initiative would drastically change the way property insurance is regulated in California by repealing a law voters passed almost four decades ago. Proposition 103 has regulated home, auto and other types of property and casualty insurance in the state since 1988. It…
The Point Fire came and went in days. A year later, some Sonoma County residents still waiting for answers
The Point Fire came and went in days. A year later, some Sonoma County residents still waiting for answers

The Point Fire burned for just over a week, but for some in Dry Creek Valley, recovery has dragged on with lingering damage, insurance hurdles, and no known cause. Read More 
California’s FAIR Plan facing legal action from State Insurance Commissioner for smoke damage claims
California’s FAIR Plan facing legal action from State Insurance Commissioner for smoke damage claims

SACRAMENTO, Calif — California insurance officials are taking legal action against the state’s last-resort wildfire insurance provider, accusing it of illegally denying or limiting smoke damage claims from homeowners. State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced this week the California Department of Insurance filed an enforcement…
California to allow catastrophe modeling for insurance rates, raising concerns about premium hikes
California to allow catastrophe modeling for insurance rates, raising concerns about premium hikes

SAN DIEGO — California’s Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has announced a new “Sustainable Insurance Strategy” that will allow insurance companies to use catastrophe modeling to determine wildfire risk and set rates. This move, aimed at stabilizing the insurance market in high-risk areas, could potentially lead…
The INSURE Act: Could a New Federal Backstop Stabilize Home Insurance and Make Homes Insurable Again?
The INSURE Act: Could a New Federal Backstop Stabilize Home Insurance and Make Homes Insurable Again?

Across the country, homeowners are facing a home insurance crisis. Not only are premiums on the rise, but the policies themselves are becoming harder—and in some places, nearly impossible—to find. In states vulnerable to natural disasters like California, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, major insurers are…
Schiff revives INSURE Act to create federal reinsurance program
Schiff revives INSURE Act to create federal reinsurance program

US Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has reintroduced the Incorporating National Support for Unprecedented Risks and Emergencies (INSURE) Act, legislation aimed at addressing instability in the residential insurance market through the creation of a federal catastrophic reinsurance program. The bill proposes a federally backed reinsurance mechanism…
Sen. Schiff Introduces Bill to Stabilize Insurance Market, Protect Homeowners from Increased Costs of Natural Disasters
Sen. Schiff Introduces Bill to Stabilize Insurance Market, Protect Homeowners from Increased Costs of Natural Disasters

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the Incorporating National Support for Unprecedented Risks and Emergencies (INSURE) Act, legislation to stabilize the home insurance market by creating a federal catastrophic reinsurance program. This bill will help keep insurance premiums affordable and provide…
How to prepare for a wildfire evacuation
How to prepare for a wildfire evacuation

A wildfire can start at any moment, and they can move fast and unpredictably. Preparing for an evacuation should begin before there is any danger. If your household is under voluntary or potential evacuations, begin to prepare your home and get ready to leave. If…
Embers of Change: Building a fire-resilient California
Embers of Change: Building a fire-resilient California

The recent wildfires that have ravaged Southern California have left an unprecedented trail of destruction. The Eaton fire in Altadena burned more than 14,000 acres, while the Palisades fire in Pacific Palisades consumed 23,448 acres. In total, over 16,000 structures were destroyed, including thousands of…
As Texas floods capture attention, experts urge Californians to reconsider flood insurance
As Texas floods capture attention, experts urge Californians to reconsider flood insurance

While Californians are typically more concerned about wildfires than flooding, many are watching the devastation in Texas unfold. It’s estimated that just 2% of households statewide carry a flood insurance policy. Amy Bach, the executive director of United Policyholders, joined us on ‘The Nine,’ who…
The next big insurance fight headed to California’s ballot
The next big insurance fight headed to California’s ballot

POLITICS OVER POLICIES — Nearly 40 years ago, insurance companies and consumer advocates waged an epic David vs. Goliath battle at the ballot. Now both sides are wondering whether it’s time for a rematch. Since its narrow passage in 1988, Proposition 103 has set the…
Altadena fire survivor is told State Farm’s $900K check on hold due to insufficient funds
Altadena fire survivor is told State Farm’s $900K check on hold due to insufficient funds

Amelia McDonald couldn’t believe her ears. She had been navigating what she calls “a horrible experience” trying to get her claims paid by State Farm after the Eaton Fire burned down her Altadena home and ranch in January. She, along with her father, daughter and…