Can a Bernie-Backed Populist Fix California’s Home Insurance Crisis?
Can a Bernie-Backed Populist Fix California’s Home Insurance Crisis?

In the spring of 2023, insurance giants State Farm and Allstate announced they would no longer write new home insurance policies in California, citing intolerable exposure to the devastating wildfires that have become routine in the state. Farmers, USAA, and several smaller insurers quickly followed…
More California Communities Adopting Zone 0 Policy for Fire Safety
More California Communities Adopting Zone 0 Policy for Fire Safety

Insurance companies pushing homeowners to adopt Zone 0 policy for wildfire safety Catastrophic wildfires have devastated California in recent years. In the aftermath, we often ask ourselves – how do we make sure this doesn’t happen again? State officials are slowly phasing in one of…
‘A Band-Aid on a bullet wound’: New federal home insurance rule could leave you paying thousands out of pocket for a damaged roof
‘A Band-Aid on a bullet wound’: New federal home insurance rule could leave you paying thousands out of pocket for a damaged roof

While Americans were thrilled when the summer season began in late June, a slew of severe storms has likely dampened the mood for many in recent weeks. And the timing couldn’t have been worse. As Americans gathered to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday on July…
SBA extends Los Angeles wildfire loan deadlines a third time
SBA extends Los Angeles wildfire loan deadlines a third time

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a final extension of loan disbursement deadlines for Los Angeles wildfire survivors. The agency cited ongoing insurance claim disputes and permitting delays as reasons borrowers have been unable to access approved funds. The extension gives approved borrowers 24…
Worried about insurance rates? Your loyalty might be costing you
Worried about insurance rates? Your loyalty might be costing you

Insurance rates have skyrocketed since the pandemic, and jaw-dropping renewal notices have left many consumers stretched thin when it comes to protecting their assets. Nearly half of Americans with auto insurance (49%) and homeowners insurance (46%) say they’re stressed about their premiums, according to a…
Wildfire Evacuation Tips
Wildfire Evacuation Tips

If you are told to evacuate immediately, do so. If you think you may have to evacuate, we suggest the following ASAP: 1) Document your home and “stuff.” If you do not have a home inventory, create one before you evacuate.  Take pictures or a video of each…
Garden Grove Evacuation Highlights Insurance Claim Challenges Following Chemical Tank Emergency
Garden Grove Evacuation Highlights Insurance Claim Challenges Following Chemical Tank Emergency

Residents evacuated during last month’s chemical tank crisis in Garden Grove, California, are reporting difficulties recovering evacuation-related expenses, with some insurance claims denied despite mandatory evacuation orders. On May 22, authorities ordered evacuations in parts of Orange County after firefighters warned that a tank containing…
You probably undervalue your stuff. Proper documentation could save you money.
You probably undervalue your stuff. Proper documentation could save you money.

It’s Oklahoma. Severe weather is a given. But after those storms, a staggering number of homeowners find out too late they are underinsured — leaving thousands of dollars on the table because they forgot to account for what’s hidden in their drawers and closets. Around…
Chase Bank withheld $100K from Florida couple for an entire year, forcing them to take $250K from their 401(k). Now they owe the IRS tens of thousands
Chase Bank withheld $100K from Florida couple for an entire year, forcing them to take $250K from their 401(k). Now they owe the IRS tens of thousands

Chris and Analia DeHayes lost their Ruskin, Florida home to flooding during Hurricane Helene two years ago. What followed was a nightmare that had nothing to do with the storm, but everything to do with their bank. The couple had flood insurance through FEMA’s National…
Evacuees face hurdles with insurance claims following Garden Grove chemical tank crisis
Evacuees face hurdles with insurance claims following Garden Grove chemical tank crisis

Residents forced to evacuate parts of Orange County last month after a chemical tank crisis in Garden Grove say they are struggling to recover out-of-pocket costs, with some insurance claims quickly denied. A fund created to support about 50,000 affected residents has stopped accepting applications…
Inside California’s Home Insurance Squeeze: Higher Bills, Fewer Choices
Inside California’s Home Insurance Squeeze: Higher Bills, Fewer Choices

After the LA fires, a $1 billion bill landed on providers and their customers; costs jumped 84% over 6 years, Stanford data shows. In A Nutshell Average monthly home insurance premiums for California single-family homes rose 84% between 2020 and 2026 (45% after inflation), about…
Is Your Home Underinsured? Here’s How to Tell.
Is Your Home Underinsured? Here’s How to Tell.

Your house isn’t just a place to hang your hat — it’s also one of your most valuable financial assets. That’s why homeowners without enough insurance can face financial ruin when disaster strikes and they find themselves suddenly homeless and unable to rebuild. The problem…
Community Advocacy and Impact Initiative Finalist: Reed Smith
Community Advocacy and Impact Initiative Finalist: Reed Smith

Reed Smith is one of the finalists of The Recorder’s Community Advocacy and Impact Initiative award. Read a Q&A below. Read more.
Is Climate Disaster Insurance a Worsening Disaster?
Is Climate Disaster Insurance a Worsening Disaster?

When Hurricane Helene inundated and wiped out large swaths of North Carolina and Tennessee in 2024, in some counties fewer than 2% of residents had flood insurance. Today, many still have not recovered. Climate disasters are getting worse. It’s not just floods. The 2018 Camp…
California Homeowners Face New Wildfire Deductibles
California Homeowners Face New Wildfire Deductibles

Some California homeowners are now facing new wildfire deductibles in their insurance policies, causing concern among residents and officials. Attorney Shant Karnikian, who represents Los Angeles residents affected by last year’s fires, discovered a $621,000 wildfire deductible in a client’s AIG insurance policy. This is…
Some California homeowners now face ‘wildfire deductibles.’ Why that’s a problem.
Some California homeowners now face ‘wildfire deductibles.’ Why that’s a problem.

After a Washington Post inquiry, Michael Soller, deputy commissioner of communications for the California Department of Insurance, indicated Commissioner Ricardo Lara will launch a review of these insurance policies. Read more.
Homeowners face crushing insurance cost increases
Homeowners face crushing insurance cost increases

Homeowners insurance premiums climbed 24% nationwide between 2021 and 2024, with the steepest increases hitting inland states like Utah and Illinois rather than the hurricane-prone coasts. Communities that were once considered low risk for insurance pricing are now facing double-digit rate increases. Higher construction costs…
Homeowners face crushing insurance cost increases
Homeowners face crushing insurance cost increases

Homeowners insurance premiums climbed 24% nationwide between 2021 and 2024, with the steepest increases hitting inland states like Utah and Illinois rather than the hurricane-prone coasts. Communities that were once considered low risk for insurance pricing are now facing double-digit rate increases. Higher construction costs…