Live Insurance News

Busting Common Misconceptions About FEMA Relief for California Wildfires

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 Tate Ellison

FEMA Addresses Common Misconceptions While Supporting Los Angeles Fire Victims Federal and State Agencies Join Forces to Aid Wildfire Survivors The recent hurricane-force firestorm in Los Angeles County has left behind a devastating trail, affecting thousands of residents and businesses. With President Joe Biden’s swift approval of a Major Disaster Declaration and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s all-in response, federal and state agencies are working together to provide immediate and long-term relief to those impacted. However, as FEMA rolls out its assistance programs, several misconceptions about their services continue to circulate,…

How Rising Auto Insurance Costs Are Changing the Way We Buy Cars

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 John Bowers

Rising Auto Insurance Costs: A Growing Concern for U.S. Drivers Auto insurance premiums in the United States have reached record highs, raising concerns about affordability for many Americans. A recent study by Jerry revealed that eight out of 10 U.S. drivers believe auto insurance has become prohibitively expensive for the average person. Even higher-income earners, those making more than $129,000 annually, are feeling the pinch. Nearly half of them have been shopping for better rates, while over half have opted for reduced coverage heading into 2024. This steady climb in…

High Wind Warnings Issued as California Faces $20 Billion in Fire Losses

January 11, 2025January 13, 2025 Live Insurance News

California Wind Forecast and Fire Risk Southern California is bracing for another dangerous fire weather event as the Santa Ana winds are set to return. After a brief reprieve over the past 24 hours, forecasters predict wind gusts of up to 65 mph will sweep through the region late Saturday into Sunday morning, once again intensifying wildfire threats. The National Weather Service has issued High Wind Warnings for much of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, elevating the fire outlook to a “Critical” risk level. Key fire zones, including areas affected…

California Health Insurance Law SB 1120 Takes a Stand Against AI-Driven Health Insurance Denials

January 11, 2025January 10, 2025 Angela Linders

California Enacts SB 1120 to Rein in AI-Powered Health Insurance Decisions California has taken a groundbreaking step in regulating the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health insurance decision-making. Senate Bill 1120 (SB 1120), also known as the “Physicians Make Decisions Act,” prohibits health insurers from denying, delaying, or altering claims solely based on AI algorithms. Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, this legislation ensures human oversight in healthcare coverage decisions, addressing mounting public concerns about fairness and accuracy in the use of AI technologies. Effective as of January…

Massachusetts Court Orders UnitedHealthcare Affiliates to Refund Millions to Victims

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 Logan B.

Massachusetts Court orders Unitedhealthcare refund

UnitedHealthcare-Affiliated Insurers Ordered to Pay $165 Million for Misleading Consumers Historic Ruling Against Deceptive Sales Practices A Massachusetts Superior Court has ordered HealthMarkets Inc. and its subsidiaries, The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company and HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, to pay $165 million for engaging in what the court described as “egregious” and widespread deceptive practices. These companies, owned by UnitedHealth Group, have been found guilty of misleading thousands of Massachusetts consumers into purchasing supplemental health insurance policies they did not need or fully understand they were buying. This judgment—comprising $50 million in…

Don’t Sign Anything Yet! California Insurance Commissioner Warns of Fraud Post Wildfire

January 9, 2025 H. Cutner

California insurance wildfire update on conditions

Wildfires Ravage Southern California: Safety First Southern California faces a devastating challenge as powerful wildfires, driven by intense winds, have scorched over 23,000 acres and forced thousands to evacuate their homes. The fires, which erupted following a windstorm on Tuesday, have also destroyed at least 1,100 structures across affected regions. With lives disrupted and communities left in turmoil, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is urging residents to prioritize safety above all else during this difficult time. Lara has advised individuals to avoid entering disaster zones and refrain from making hasty…

Liberty Mutual Lawsuit Raises Alarming Questions for California Homeowners

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 Live Insurance News

Southern California Homeowner Challenges Liberty Mutual Over Policy Cancellation A Poway homeowner, Maria Badin, has filed a lawsuit against Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., alleging unjust cancellation of her long-standing home insurance policy. This legal battle may have significant implications not only for Badin but also for many other Californians facing similar situations. Allegations of Misconduct by Insurance Companies Maria Badin, a Liberty Mutual customer since 1993, claims her policy was abruptly nonrenewed after an aerial inspection reportedly identified “algae, mildew, mold, or moss” on her roof. However, upon hiring an…