August 25, 2024 $141 billion in Colorado property is at risk from wildfires. Here’s how that affects your homeowner insurance. More than 320,000 homes across Colorado valued at $141 billion are at risk of being destroyed by wildfires, according to a new report that influences how insurance companies set rates. Read more
July 1, 2024 As rates rise and coverage vanishes, Colorado Springs home insurance market reaches ‘tipping point’ If experience is the best teacher, then Leigh Candelas is an expert in protecting her own home from a catastrophic fire. A 2013 Black Forest fire survivor whose ranch-style house was damaged but not destroyed, she has in the intervening years made it a priority…
May 23, 2024 Home-insurance payouts are shrinking. Here’s how to prevent the worst. Thanks to inflation and climate change, homeowners are getting less money back from their insurers to repair and rebuild. With tornado season in full swing — hitting Texas and Iowa hard in the last week — and hurricane and wildfire season looming this summer, insurance…
May 17, 2024 Boulder County Marshall Fire Newsletter – May 17, 2024 United Policyholders 2024 home insurance survey – Read more
April 19, 2024 Aerial photos are leading to insurance non-renewals InsurTech may not be a buzz word at dinner parties, but it sure is in consumer advocate circles. Turns out, “disruptive” is not such a good thing for property owners and home values, especially with climate change in the mix. Today, insurance companies are using…
March 22, 2024 Insurers Report Rising Hail Damage Claims Inflation is driving up the cost of materials and labor to repair roofs and cars. Adding to insurers’ costs is increased development in areas affected by severe storms. Golf balls, tennis balls, softballs. All sound like the stuff of fun games — except when they…
February 16, 2024 As Home Insurance Bills Go Up, Owners’ Coverage Is Going Down Frequent natural disasters and high inflation have led insurers to raise premiums, and forced many customers to pare back their policies. Robert Shiver’s bill for his homeowner insurance jumped from $3,800 in 2022 to $8,000 in July. “I remember opening the bill and, honestly, laughing,…
January 4, 2024 KVNF Regional Newscast: January 4, 2023 Coloradans can now get thirty percent off the price of electric lawn and garden equipment. A new state law that took effect this week offers a tax credit to equipment retailers if they offer the discount to consumers at the time of purchase. Participating retailers…
January 1, 2024 Two years after Colorado’s most destructive wildfire, victims are still struggling with insurance claims It’s been two years since the Marshall Fire burned more than a thousand homes in Boulder County. On December 30, 2021, winds of more than 100-miles-per-hour propelled the flames toward a heavily populated suburban area south of Boulder. Two years on, many homeowners continue to…
December 19, 2023 Urban wildfires may become more likely. A Modern West live panel discusses how to prepare. Urban wildfires in unlikely places are likely to become more prevalent as the climate warms, so homeowners across the American West should consider their immediate risk. That’s according to a panel of wildfire survivors and experts assembled for a Facebook Live event with Wyoming Public…
November 27, 2023 Will climate change make your homeowners insurance unaffordable? Here’s what you need to know With both premiums and sea levels rising, here’s how you can save money on homeowners insurance. Leigh C. knew that the homeowners insurance on her home in Black Forest, Colorado, an area just northeast of Colorado Springs, would be renewing soon. But when she opened…
November 7, 2023 10th Circuit rules Black Hawk casino’s insurance policy did not cover COVID-19 closure The Colorado Supreme Court and the 10th Circuit have both found COVID-19 harms people, but does not damage property The federal appeals court based in Denver decided last week that a Black Hawk casino’s insurance policy, with limited exception, did not provide for hundreds of…
November 6, 2023 Biden wades into home insurance mess Climate change may be forcing millions of Americans to go without home insurance, as unpredictable weather and intensifying disasters prompt major underwriters to flee hard-hit neighborhoods. In response, the Biden administration is asking top insurance companies — for the first time — to provide detailed,…
June 22, 2023 Advocacy Wins in Colorado! (2023) By Lisa Hughes, Marshall Fire Survivor and UP Local Liaison Team UP Colorado worked closely with Insurance Commissioner Mike Conway and Rep. Judy Amabile to enact new consumer protections this legislative session, and we were very pleased to join Governor Polis when he signed HB-23-1174…
June 7, 2023 Climate disasters make it harder to insure your home. Here’s what to know. Premiums are soaring and carriers are pulling back coverage, citing disaster risks. Climate change is a big factor, but there are others at play. Homeowners are bracing for hurricane and fire seasons, but with insurance premiums rising and carriers pulling back coverage in riskier states,…
March 15, 2023 Insurance consumer advocate group unveils state-by-state guide to insurance legal rights For Immediate Release: March 13, 2023 Contact: Amy Bach, Executive Director SAN FRANCISCO, March 9, 2023 – United Policyholders (UP), a national insurance consumer advocacy non-profit, today announced a major expansion of its services. Insurance company claim adjusters are required to know and follow the…
January 16, 2023 Insurance denied: More Coloradans can’t get homeowner’s insurance because of wildfire risk More and more Colorado homeowners across the state are being denied homeowners insurance because of wildfire risk. Now, the state insurance commissioner, state lawmakers, and homeowners are working together on a solution, as the insurance industry issues a warning. Colorado homeowners being denied insurance On…
August 9, 2022 Improving Disaster Recovery UP advocates for expedited insurance payouts and fewer paperwork hassles for disaster survivors. By helping people get the money they need to repair, rebuild and replace with fewer delays, we’re improving their ability to restore the quality of their lives and financial health. This week,…
