Oregon Supreme Court Ruling in Bellshaw v. Farmers Insurance Company of Oregon Rewrites the Playbook for Insurer Obligations The Oregon Supreme Court’s April 2025 decision in Bellshaw v. Farmers Insurance Company of Oregon has drawn attention across the insurance industry, raising questions about insurer liability, policyholder rights, and the future of regulatory practices. By reversing a staggering $26.3 million class action judgment against Farmers Insurance, the court defined the scope of insurers’ obligations under Oregon’s “choice-of-shop” insurance law, leaving both insurers and policyholders to grapple with its broader implications. A…
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State Farm Rate Hike Fallout: Californians Brace for Judge’s Decision
Californians on Edge as Judge Weighs State Farm’s Rate Hike Request The courtroom drama around State Farm’s emergency rate hike request might be finished, but the fallout is just beginning. After a high-stakes, three-day hearing in Oakland, the insurer, the California Department of Insurance, and advocacy groups are all waiting on an administrative law judge to decide if the proposed increases will formally take effect. And while this legal tug-of-war plays out, roughly three million California homeowners and policyholders are bracing themselves for what these changes might mean for their…
Read MoreFrom 22% to 17%: The Inside Story of State Farm’s Rate Cut Pivot
State Farm’s Rate Pivot in California: What the 17% Request Means for You State Farm, one of the nation’s largest insurers, has been making headlines after scaling back its California emergency rate hike request to 17%. For policyholders and industry watchers alike, this isn’t just another number shuffle; it’s a significant moment in the ongoing tug-of-war between insurers and state regulators. What prompted this shift? And more importantly, what does it mean for the people paying the bills? Read on as we dissect the moving parts of this story. From…
Read MoreYour Quick Guide to the Day’s Top Insurance News Headlines
Lemonade’s Car Insurance Waitlist Reaches 700K Lemonade, a leader in the insurtech sector, announced an impressive milestone with 700,000 customers on the waitlist for its car insurance offerings. The service, which is only available in select areas, has generated significant consumer interest due to its tech-driven, user-friendly approach. Lemonade’s business model heavily relies on artificial intelligence to streamline every aspect of the insurance process, from underwriting to claims settlement. This innovation continues to disrupt traditional insurance practices, highlighting the growing appeal of modernized, hassle-free coverage options. To Read More About…
Read MoreCalifornia’s FAIR Plan Offers a Lifeline, But Is It Sustainable?
California Expands FAIR Plan Insurance Limits Amid Wildfire Risks and Insurer Withdrawals The California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan serves as the state’s insurer of last resort, stepping in to provide essential property coverage when traditional insurers leave high-risk zones. Established in 1968, the FAIR Plan is a private consortium of insurance companies operating under state oversight. It was never designed to replace private insurance but to act as a safety net for those unable to secure coverage due to location or elevated risk factors. Recent years, however,…
Read MoreThe Real Cost of Safer Cars: What Hyundai and Kia’s Tech Means for Your Insurance
Analyzing the Ripple Effects of Declining Vehicle Thefts on Insurance Premiums and Community Safety The sharp decline in vehicle thefts across the U.S., driven in part by Hyundai and Kia’s advanced anti-theft technologies, has implications that stretch beyond the obvious. While fewer stolen vehicles bring immediate relief to affected owners, the cascading effects on insurance premiums and community safety are just as significant. This analysis dives deep into the tangible benefits of declining theft rates, with a focus on how it impacts Hyundai and Kia owners, broader insurance trends, and…
Read MoreHow a Single Bill Could Reshape Insurance Regulation in America
Congressman Troy Downing Introduces Legislation to Abolish the Federal Insurance Office Congressman Troy Downing, representing Montana’s 2nd district, has introduced a new bill, H.R. 643, in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at abolishing the Federal Insurance Office (FIO). The proposed legislation seeks to return full regulatory authority over the insurance industry to state governments, eliminating what supporters consider an unnecessary and duplicative federal entity. “The law is clear. Regulation of the insurance industry rests with the states, not big government,” Downing stated in a press release. This reflects his…
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