UP and WRAP partners testify before Congress on insurance challenges and progress in wildfire-prone states
UP and WRAP partners testify before Congress on insurance challenges and progress in wildfire-prone states

On September 22, 2022, in invited testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance, Executive Director Amy Bach presented consumer viewpoints and initiatives that are underway to restore affordable insurance options for property owners in wildfire-prone regions.…
We got UP to Good! Thank you for supporting United Policyholders
We got UP to Good! Thank you for supporting United Policyholders

On Friday, September 9th, 2022, wildfire survivors, public officials and generous businesses and individuals gathered outdoors at the elegant and historic Buena Vista Winery to raise funds for the our Roadmap to Recovery, Preparedness and Advocacy programs.   Funds raised in connection with this event…
New rule aims to help California homeowners dropped by insurance companies over wildfire risk
New rule aims to help California homeowners dropped by insurance companies over wildfire risk

Rita Tanner noted that she did much of what state officials have asked of California homeowners to better fireproof their homes. She and her husband put on a new fire-resistant roof in January and have cleared the defensible space around their home along Calistoga Road…
Will new regulations do enough to keep homeowners from losing fire insurance?
Will new regulations do enough to keep homeowners from losing fire insurance?

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) — Homeowners in California who live in a high-risk fire zones could find it easier to get their home policies renewed. That’s if new state regulations work as intended. Not everyone is convinced it will work. John Campos says he’s done…
CDI Regulations Moving Forward
CDI Regulations Moving Forward

United Policyholders is pleased to share the news that the California Department of Insurance has now announced its intention to formally move forward with its proposed “Mitigation in Rating Plans and Wildfire Risk Models” regulations.  Once formally adopted, the regulations will legally require insurers to…
Commissioner Lara submits first-in-nation wildfire safety regulation to drive down cost of insurance
Commissioner Lara submits first-in-nation wildfire safety regulation to drive down cost of insurance

Strong support in public meetings and written testimony for requiring insurance companies to provide discounts to consumers under new Safer from Wildfires framework SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara submitted his insurance pricing regulation to the California Office of Administrative Law that would recognize…
Yahoo Defense Tab Up for Grabs in California Supreme Court Case
Yahoo Defense Tab Up for Grabs in California Supreme Court Case

Yahoo! Inc., besieged by class actions accusing the pioneering internet search engine of sending unwanted ads via text message in violation of federal law, turned to its insurer to provide and pay for its legal defense. But, despite the existence of specifically negotiated and distinct…
Insurance Industry Groups Criticize Litigation, Regulations
Insurance Industry Groups Criticize Litigation, Regulations

Law360 (August 30, 2022, 9:45 PM EDT) — A new report from a group of insurance industry organizations blamed “man-made” factors for much of the troubles facing property insurance markets in states such as California, Louisiana and Florida. While the organizations said they are able…
Marshall Fire victims pressured to return to toxic home
Marshall Fire victims pressured to return to toxic home

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (KDVR) — A family of Marshall Fire victims is speaking out after getting pressure to move back into their home with toxic levels of contamination inside. Having a mailbox to check and a roof still standing in a town ravaged by the fire,…
Using Social Media Strategically
Using Social Media Strategically

Your insurance company likely uses social media to promote their feel good, “we’re here for you” brand. That’s their business strategy. But if your insurance claim is not moving forward and/or you are being treated unfairly – it does not feel good. You need your…
Preparing Financially, Before the Storm Hits
Preparing Financially, Before the Storm Hits

With the cost and frequency of weather-driven disasters on the rise, taking steps to be ready is more crucial than ever. As a lifelong resident of Lafourche Parish in southern Louisiana, Jeanne Gouaux knew the storms that cut through the region demanded preparation. She had…
INSURANCE AFLAME: COVERAGE INEQUITIES RAGE AS POPULATION GROWS IN WILDFIRE REGIONS
INSURANCE AFLAME: COVERAGE INEQUITIES RAGE AS POPULATION GROWS IN WILDFIRE REGIONS

Northern California is currently ablaze with numerous wildfires, including the deadly McKinney Fire in Siskiyou County that burned more than 60,000 acres and killed four people. As of August 15, the National Interagency Fire Center cites more than 5.9 million acres burned in over 42,000…
More homeowners report insurance claims being denied, MN Department of Commerce says
More homeowners report insurance claims being denied, MN Department of Commerce says

The state is reporting a spike in complaints from homeowners whose insurance claims were denied following recent storms, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The department is issuing an alert, asking Minnesotans to review their insurance policies, particularly in the areas of hail and…
A Flagstaff family’s insurance came up short after their home was destroyed by a wildfire
A Flagstaff family’s insurance came up short after their home was destroyed by a wildfire

The Leazier family has lived at the same Flagstaff property more than three decades. This past April, theirs was one of 30 homes that burned down in the Tunnel Fire. The fire took nearly everything they had, including sentimental items that reminded them of the…
Why didn’t Marshall fire homeowners have enough insurance? Watchdogs blame industry software.
Why didn’t Marshall fire homeowners have enough insurance? Watchdogs blame industry software.

In 2021, a Louisville couple bought $419,000 worth of insurance coverage for their home, based on their agent’s recommendation. Now, that policy payout is only providing about half of what they need to rebuild the house they lost in the Marshall fire. In a lawsuit…
Guest Blog: Mobile Inspections for Property Claims
Guest Blog: Mobile Inspections for Property Claims

When most people file a property claim with their insurer, their insurance company will typically send out an insurance company employee (staff adjuster or claims representative) or a 3rd party insurance company representative (independent adjuster, or other representative), to perform an initial damage inspection. While…
Improving Disaster Recovery
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,…
Survivors of East Troublesome Fire sue insurance company
Survivors of East Troublesome Fire sue insurance company

Fire survivors said State Farm low-balled them on rebuilding costs and took too long to pay their insurance claims after the East Troublesome Fire. GRAND COUNTY, Colo. — There are survivors of the East Troublesome Fire in October 2020 who are suing their insurance company…