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…
This lab is testing whether your house can stand up to a hurricane
This lab is testing whether your house can stand up to a hurricane

RICHBURG, S.C. — This hurricane season, your home could take a beating from strong winds, high flooding, and maybe even hail. It’s important to make sure your home is built to fight through any severe weather. Channel 9 Meteorologist Keith Monday took a tour of…
NC COVID Ruling May Have Greater Coverage Implications
NC COVID Ruling May Have Greater Coverage Implications

While the North Carolina Supreme Court’s recent finding in favor of policyholders in a suit for business interruption coverage due to COVID-19 comes too late for most insureds to benefit, it should nonetheless have coverage implications far beyond COVID-19 claims, say attorneys at Robinson Bradshaw.…
Policyholders See Notable But Limited Win In NC Virus Suit
Policyholders See Notable But Limited Win In NC Virus Suit

North Carolina’s top court handed policyholders a rare victory last week in finding that the “direct physical loss” requirement for “all-risk” insurance can cover losses connected to the coronavirus pandemic, but… Read more
Policyholders Win a Covid Case! North Carolina Supreme Court Rules Government Closure Order Can Result In “Direct Physical Damage”
Policyholders Win a Covid Case! North Carolina Supreme Court Rules Government Closure Order Can Result In “Direct Physical Damage”

I have a vision of Amy Bach, the Executive Director of United Policyholders, jumping for joy as she read the North Carolina Supreme Court opinion, which the insurance industry must think of as a Friday the 13th ruling. The court noted its conclusion early in the opinion: Because…
NC Justices Topple Insurer Victory In COVID Coverage Battle
NC Justices Topple Insurer Victory In COVID Coverage Battle

The North Carolina Supreme Court handed policyholders a rare win Friday… Read more
Things are changing fast in the home insurance market
Things are changing fast in the home insurance market

In the weeks after Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the Southeast, the price to rebuild has become a contentious topic in the home insurance market. For years, home insurers have identified climate change as a threat, cut coverage and increased premiums for properties in disaster-prone…
Resources from Nonprofits
Resources from Nonprofits

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2024) – In the wake of Hurricane Milton, more resources are available from nonprofit agencies for Floridians and Charlotte County residents: Insurance Help The Florida Division of Consumer Services assists insurance consumers in the aftermath of a disaster. https://myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/storm/resources or…
After hurricanes, the business of rebuilding lives means navigating the insurance claims process
After hurricanes, the business of rebuilding lives means navigating the insurance claims process

Now that the threat of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has receded, millions of homeowners and business-owners across Florida and the Southeastern U.S. are faced with traversing the often long and laborious process of using insurance to rebuild their lives. Immediately after disasters like these, property…
Navigating Insurance Claims After Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Navigating Insurance Claims After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Insurance Claims After Hurricanes Helene and Milton: Quick Looks Understanding policies: Know your coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles to determine if filing a claim is worthwhile. Documentation is key: Keep detailed records of damages, expenses, and interactions with adjusters to support your claim. Seek professional…
Hurricanes Milton, Helene underscore potentially devastating gaps in home insurance coverage
Hurricanes Milton, Helene underscore potentially devastating gaps in home insurance coverage

Hurricanes Milton and Helene are exposing holes in the home insurance coverage that many Americans have leaned on for a sense of security in the face of natural disasters. Milton is currently headed for Tampa Bay, where — if the hurricane’s angle of approach is…
Homeowners Hit by Helene Are In for an Insurance Claim Shock
Homeowners Hit by Helene Are In for an Insurance Claim Shock

Homeowners are rushing to file insurance claims after Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction across six states. Many of them will likely be left empty-handed. Property insurers in recent years have hollowed out coverage and sharply increased rates to make up for steep underwriting…
Homeowners hit by Hurricane Helene face the grim task of rebuilding without flood insurance
Homeowners hit by Hurricane Helene face the grim task of rebuilding without flood insurance

The Category 4 storm that first struck Florida’s Gulf Cost on September 26 has dumped trillions of gallons of water across several states, leaving a catastrophic trail of destruction that spans hundreds of miles inland A week after Hurricane Helene overwhelmed the Southeastern U.S., homeowners…
Hit by Disaster? How to Get What You Deserve From Insurers or FEMA
Hit by Disaster? How to Get What You Deserve From Insurers or FEMA

If your home was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene, the most daunting challenge may still be ahead: Getting your insurance company, or the federal government, to give you the money you’re entitled to receive. That process can be infuriating and baffling, and it comes…
Where Helene victims can go for help rebuilding their homes and lives
Where Helene victims can go for help rebuilding their homes and lives

Insurance policyholders have a right to quick and full payment of claims As homeowners struggle to recover from Hurricane Helene, most will turn to their homeowners and flood insurance for relief. The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and United Policyholders are sharing resources and tips…
Hurricane Helene brought major damage, spotlighting lack of flood insurance
Hurricane Helene brought major damage, spotlighting lack of flood insurance

Kayla Ward was drinking coffee on her porch Friday afternoon when she noticed water from the nearby Nolichucky River rising fast. After nearly a year in the house in the Appalachian Mountains, Ward never thought to worry about flooding. But she and her husband had…
Homeowner says she needs new roof, insurer says no, just one shingle
Homeowner says she needs new roof, insurer says no, just one shingle

It started with Tropical Storm Debby back in August and more homeowners could find themselves in a similar situation after Helene. “My husband went through the house and came back and looked at me and said, ‘We got problems,’” Mary Barnes said. She says her…
‘We have no voice’: NC consumers sidelined as state and insurers negotiate new rates
‘We have no voice’: NC consumers sidelined as state and insurers negotiate new rates

As weather-related risks mount, companies are pushing for higher homeowners’ premiums in North Carolina. Policyholders are pushing back. Read more.