Live Insurance News

Farmers Insurance to Gradually Reintroduce Coverage Options in California

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024 H. Cutner

Farmers Insurance has announced the phased return of multiple insurance lines for new customers in California, starting December 14, 2024. This move signals a notable shift in the state’s insurance market, bringing expanded coverage options that had been unavailable to new customers for over a year. This development is underpinned by improvements in the regulatory and economic environment, encouraging insurers to revisit their offerings in California. Farmers Reinstated Insurance Lines After a significant pause, Farmers Insurance is set to roll out several key coverage options that aim to alleviate gaps…

State Farm 2025 California Auto Insurance Rate Hike Affecting Millions

December 10, 2024December 9, 2024 Angela Linders

State Farm, California’s largest auto insurer, has received approval to increase its auto insurance rates beginning in January 2025. This marks the second consecutive year of double-digit rate hikes for the company, following a 21% increase implemented earlier this year. The upcoming adjustment, averaging 17.7%, will affect approximately 4 million policyholders across the state. The increase aligns with broader trends in the auto insurance industry, both in California and nationwide, as companies grapple with rising claims, vehicle repair costs, and inflationary pressures. Factors Driving State Farm Auto Insurance Rate Hike…

Florida Cracks Down on Insurers, Returns $6 Million to Consumers

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 Ryan Cox

Florida Insurance Commissioner Returns Nearly $6 Million to Consumers Following Insurance Investigations This Year The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR), under the leadership of the state’s insurance commissioner, has taken significant action against insurers failing to meet administrative and consumer protection standards. Throughout 2024, these efforts have culminated in nearly $6 million being returned to consumers. This regulatory crackdown highlights the state’s commitment to holding insurance companies accountable and ensuring Florida residents receive fair treatment in handling claims and other insurance-related processes. Details of Fines and Investigations FLOIR’s efforts…

Ben Albritton’s Bold Stand Against Hurricane Claim Denials

November 20, 2024November 19, 2024 G. Turner

Can Albritton’s Reforms Save Florida’s Homeowners? In a pivotal moment marked by his first address as president of the Florida Senate, Ben Albritton made it clear that the state’s property insurance companies were under scrutiny. His speech came at a crucial time, following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left many Floridians reliant on their insurance providers for recovery and rebuilding. Albritton, representing the Republican stronghold in Bartow, emphasized the need for insurance companies to honor their commitments to policyholders who have consistently paid premiums over the…

Liberty Mutual’s Subsidiary Non-Renews 17,000 Fire Policies in California Due to Technology

August 31, 2024August 30, 2024 Ester Adams

17,000 Fire Policies Non Renewed in California Due to Technology

Liberty Mutual to Discontinue Dwelling Fire Policies In an unusual development, Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual, has revealed that it will not renew around 17,000 dwelling fire policies in California, citing technology-related factors rather than the increased fire risks that have been prevalent in the state. The decision, set to unfold from September through November, stems from the company’s intent to retire the “antiquated” technology previously used to manage these policies. According to filings with the California Department of Insurance, Liberty Mutual stated that “it…

Ricardo Lara’s Reforms: Can They Save California’s Property Market from Fire Risks?

August 15, 2024August 14, 2024 Marc

Commissioner Lara’s Reforms to Rescue California’s Property Market In a bid to rescue California’s beleaguered property market, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has announced a series of reforms aimed at addressing the growing crisis in the state’s insurance sector. The situation has reached a critical point, with many insurers either pausing or severely limiting new policies, particularly in high-risk areas prone to wildfires. The Roots of the Crisis The current crisis is partly rooted in the 1988 voter-passed Proposition 103, which mandates that insurance companies obtain approval from the California Department…

Maryland Insurance Professionals Face Stricter Standards

August 13, 2024August 12, 2024 H. Cutner

Protecting Maryland Consumers: A Closer Look at Stricter Penalties Starting October 1, consumers in Maryland will witness the implementation of more stringent penalties for unauthorized insurance activities. These legislative changes, introduced by the Maryland Insurance Administration, aims to protect consumers from fraudulent practices while ensuring that insurance professionals uphold the highest standards. Unauthorized Insurer Fines Soar: The fines for unauthorized insurers have substantially increased, with penalties rising from $50,000 to a maximum of $125,000. Higher Penalties for Dishonest Practices: Insurance producers and public adjusters indulging in dishonest or incompetent practices…