Category: Latest Insurance News Articles

The latest headlines, on all lines of insurance, will be updated and listed here.

California on Fire, Again: Are We Prepared for Bigger and Faster Blazes?

Nordstrom
California fires

Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles: A Climate Crisis Unfolds Los Angeles is once again in the grip of a wildfire crisis as multiple blazes, including the Hurst, Palisades, and Eaton fires, scorch the region. These fires have collectively consumed over 16,000 acres, destroyed more than 1,000 structures, and forced tens of thousands of residents to flee. The Hurst Fire, which broke out in the Sylmar area, alone has spread to 500 acres with 0% containment, underscoring the ferocity of these disasters. This comes as Southern California endures powerful Santa Ana winds,…

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Major Decision by Florida Court of Appeals Shakes Up Insurance Landscape

H. Cutner
Florida court of appeals

Florida Court Ruling Redefines Assignment of Benefits (AOB) and Its Impact on Homeowners Insurance A recent ruling by a Florida court of appeals has established that a “direction to pay” (DTP) by a policyholder does not equate to an “assignment of benefits” (AOB). This decision serves as a significant milestone reinforcing the legislative reform introduced through Senate Bill 2-A in 2023. The reform prohibits insurance policy benefits issued after January 1, 2023, from being assigned to third parties. The objective of Senate Bill 2-A is to curb the extensive litigation…

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Palisades Fire Sweeps Through Southern California, Fueled by Strong Santa Ana Winds

Tate Ellison
Palisades Fire

A Dangerous Start to 2025 for Southern California On Tuesday morning, the Palisades Fire erupted in the hills north of Malibu, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds clocking up to 80 miles per hour, exceptionally low humidity, and persistent drought conditions. The blaze quickly grew, threatening thousands of homes in Pacific Palisades and leaving local authorities scrambling to protect lives and property. By late afternoon, the fire scorched over 1,200 acres, with more than 13,000 structures still at risk. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the urgency of the response.…

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Florida Home Insurance Premiums on the Rise Again

G. Turner
Florida Home Insurance

Why Florida’s Insurance Rates Are Climbing Faster Than Ever Home insurance premiums in Florida are climbing higher, sparking fresh concerns among homeowners and consumer advocates. While stabilized rates in early 2024 offered respite, recent data from the third quarter show an uptick in costs, reversing the trend of slowing increases. Understanding the factors behind these changes is vital for homeowners and industry leaders alike, as new dynamics including inflation, reinsurance prices, and storm recovery efforts take center stage. Rising Insurance Premiums in Florida An analysis of data from Florida’s Office…

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How Aetna is Challenging Big Pharma in a Price-Fixing Battle

Tate Ellison
Aetna Lawsuit

Aetna Files Lawsuit Against Major Drugmakers Alleging Price-Fixing Conspiracy Aetna, a leading health insurer, has initiated a lawsuit against major pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, Novartis, and Teva Pharmaceuticals, accusing them of conspiring to manipulate the market for generic drugs. The lawsuit alleges that the drugmakers colluded to artificially inflate prices, disadvantaging insurers, federal programs, and consumers. This legal action highlights growing concerns over anticompetitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry, with potential implications for healthcare costs nationwide. Details of the Lawsuit According to Aetna’s complaint, filed in Connecticut on December 31,…

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USAA Ends Standalone “Pay as You Drive” Program Amid Changing Telematics Landscape

G. Turner
USAA insurance news telematics

Telematics in Insurance: A Growing Trend with Complex Challenges Telematics-based insurance has been at the forefront of innovation in recent years. Harnessing GPS and real-time data, telematics enables insurers to adjust premiums based on driving behaviors, offering personalized pricing models. The concept has gained traction as consumers seek fairer, usage-based policies while insurers explore ways to minimize risk and incentivize safe driving. USAA, a major player in the insurance industry, ventured into telematics by acquiring Noblr in 2021. Noblr’s core product revolved around the “Pay as You Drive” model, where…

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From Repeal to Rescue: Why Republicans Are Backing Affordable Care Act Subsidy Extensions

Live Insurance News
Affordable Care Act

Republicans Warming to ACA Subsidies Amid Healthcare Challenges A recent Forbes article has brought attention to a growing shift among Republican lawmakers regarding their stance on extending health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Commonly known as Obamacare, the ACA has long been polarizing, but this change signals a recognition of the program’s widespread impact. The subsidies, expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, have played a crucial role in making healthcare more affordable for millions of Americans. With these provisions set to expire at the…

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