Panel to tackle state fire insurance crisis Dec. 8
Panel to tackle state fire insurance crisis Dec. 8

California’s insurance crisis and what can be done about it is the focus of a panel discussion set for Sunday, Dec. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ojai Retreat & Inn, 160 Besant Road. The wildfire insurance coverage panel, organized by the Ojai…
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Fall 2024 Meeting Summary
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Fall 2024 Meeting Summary

The Mitchell Williams Insurance Regulatory team of attorneys recently attended the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Fall 2024 National Meeting which was held in Denver, Colorado. We have prepared a summary of the open sessions conducted over the course of the meeting highlighting issues…
Insurance Insiders Say Regulation and Mitigation Can Keep the Industry from Retreating in Colorado
Insurance Insiders Say Regulation and Mitigation Can Keep the Industry from Retreating in Colorado

Underwriters aren’t pulling back from Colorado like they have in Florida and California, but industry workers say the state is at a tipping point. David Selden and his wife, Karen, recently moved into the country 10 miles outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, after living in…
Flood insurance in California: Here’s how to sign up
Flood insurance in California: Here’s how to sign up

California is once again being drenched by an atmospheric river-driven storm — but by the time a storm is in the forecast, it’s most often too late for homeowners to buy flood insurance. But it’s not too late to protect against future storms. Just 185,000…
‘Insurance Coverage Law’ certification takes another step forward
‘Insurance Coverage Law’ certification takes another step forward

The Board of Legal Specialization and Education is poised to grant final approval of a proposed new “Insurance Coverage Law” board certification program, after sponsors agreed to make final revisions. “The BLSE approved the new certification area in concept, but the standards need additional work…
Here’s where to go for help with Mountain Fire recovery
Here’s where to go for help with Mountain Fire recovery

The Mountain Fire has ripped through 20,630 acres and destroyed more than 200 homes and other structures since it sparked in the Somis area, north of Camarillo, on the morning of Nov. 6. By Thursday afternoon, the fire was 82% contained, according to the California…
Here are the steps to take if your home, business was damaged by the Givaudan explosion
Here are the steps to take if your home, business was damaged by the Givaudan explosion

Residents of the Clifton neighborhood experienced broken windows and doors, roof and vehicle damage, and flying debris Tuesday after an explosion at the Givaudan Sense Colour industrial facility that left two employees dead and several injured. If your property has been damaged due to this…
Take these steps if your home or business could be damaged by NJ wildfires
Take these steps if your home or business could be damaged by NJ wildfires

As a wildfire fueled by drought near the New Jersey-New York border left an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter dead and burned through thousands of acres, forecasters are warning of an increased risk of spread throughout the week. The blaze, formally named the Jennings Creek wildfire, is…
Officials offer tips to Portola Valley residents struggling to maintain home insurance
Officials offer tips to Portola Valley residents struggling to maintain home insurance

Portola Valley hosted an event to inform local residents about home insurance options and policies, an important topic for a community at risk for wildfires. On Nov. 11, over 60 residents joined a presentation and Q&A with the California Department of Insurance and United Policyholders,…
FEMA and SBA 2024 Updates Overview
FEMA and SBA 2024 Updates Overview

On March 22, 2024 new rules regarding FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) went into effect. The new rules are intended to provide quicker access to needed funds, expanded eligibility for property and home repairs, and an easier application process for survivors to jumpstart their…
THE BERKELEY ACTIVISTS’ CALENDAR, November 10-17
THE BERKELEY ACTIVISTS’ CALENDAR, November 10-17

Worth Noting: Monday, November 11, 2024 is the Veteran’s Day Holiday. The agenda for the November 19, 2024 City Council meeting is available for comment. Check City website for meetings posted on short notice https://berkeleyca.gov Go to meetings are: City Council on Tuesday, the Parks…
Homeowners try to move forward when wildfire losses weren’t covered by insurance
Homeowners try to move forward when wildfire losses weren’t covered by insurance

More homeowners across the country are going without insurance. In a dispersed California community, some homeowners are trying to figure out how to move forward when their losses weren’t covered. ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: If your home gets wiped out by a natural disaster and you…
Dropped by your insurance company? Here’s what you should do next
Dropped by your insurance company? Here’s what you should do next

Whether you live in the foothills or the suburbs, it’s likely you or someone you know has received a letter of non-renewal from their insurance company. SACRAMENTO, Calif. — ‘Support consumers, not sell them on something,’ is a policy insurance consumer advocate Amy Bach grew…
‘Board Certified’ Could Soon Be an Advertising Thing for Florida Insurance Lawyers
‘Board Certified’ Could Soon Be an Advertising Thing for Florida Insurance Lawyers

By this time next year, plaintiffs lawyers, who have frequently been held up as thorns in the side of the Florida property insurance industry for their sometimes-aggressive pursuit of policyholder claims litigation, could have a stamp of credibility to brandish in advertisements: “board certified in…
Florida Bar to vote on new certification in insurance coverage law
Florida Bar to vote on new certification in insurance coverage law

Proposal backed by key legal groups, aims to elevate insurance law expertise On Nov. 8, the Florida Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization and Education will vote on a proposed board certification program for insurance coverage law, which would recognize attorneys specializing in this area. Submitted…
Push for insurance law certification gains momentum
Push for insurance law certification gains momentum

Sponsors hope three major hurricanes this year will help convince the Board of Legal Specialization and Education to approve an “Insurance Coverage Law” board certification program when it meets November 8. “I am very optimistic that the full BLSE will agree that there is a…
NJ auto insurers seeking double-digit rate hikes
NJ auto insurers seeking double-digit rate hikes

NJ auto insurers seeking double-digit rate hikes Most of New Jersey’s auto insurers are asking for double digit rate hikes this year — the most, 63% from Metromile, followed by 43% from Farmers. “It’s really related to how insurers are reacting in general both to…
Auto insurance costs up nearly 20% nationwide. Here’s how to save | Dollars & Sense
Auto insurance costs up nearly 20% nationwide. Here’s how to save | Dollars & Sense

You’re likely paying more for auto insurance here in California than you were last year, according to new data. The Consumer Price Index shows auto insurance rates went up 20% from May 2023 to May 2024, based on the U.S. average. Amy Bach, executive director…