Live Insurance News

California’s Insurance Dilemma Deepens Amid State Farm Rate Hike Drama

March 10, 2025March 10, 2025 Angela Linders

How a Video and a Rate Hike Request Could Reshape California’s Insurance Market State Farm is under fire after a Consumer Watchdog letter to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara put the spotlight on controversial tactics allegedly used to justify a proposed emergency 22% rate hike. At the heart of the controversy is a video recording of Haden Kirkpatrick, State Farm’s Vice President of Innovation and Venture Capital, whose candid comments stirred public concern and prompted his dismissal from the company. Captured on Camera: A Rare Glimpse Behind Closed Doors The…

State Farm Wants Higher Premiums, Consumer Watchdog Says ‘Prove It!

February 10, 2025February 9, 2025 Logan B.

Consumer Watchdog Challenges State Farm’s Emergency Rate Hike Request Consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog has raised objections to an emergency interim rate increase requested by State Farm, arguing the insurance giant has not provided sufficient justification for its demands. Calling attention to strong consumer protection laws in California, the organization filed two letters with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to challenge the proposed rate hikes. These increases, Consumer Watchdog asserts, could unfairly burden individuals already coping with the rising costs of recovery from natural disasters. What State Farm Is Requesting State…

How a Single Bill Could Reshape Insurance Regulation in America

January 29, 2025January 28, 2025 G. Turner

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…

Judge Sides with USAA in Controversial Class-Action Lawsuit

January 17, 2025January 17, 2025 Nordstrom

USAA Wins Summary Judgment in Discrimination Lawsuit, Plaintiffs Plan to Appeal – Judge Rules in Favor of USAA A federal judge in California has ruled in favor of USAA in a contentious class-action lawsuit, marking a significant development in a case alleging discrimination against enlisted military personnel and veterans. U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie granted a summary judgment dismissing the claims, effectively siding with the San Antonio-based insurance provider without proceeding to trial. The lawsuit, initiated by plaintiffs Eileen-Gayle Coleman and Robert Castro, contended that USAA relegated enlisted service…

California’s Home Insurance Crisis Amid Rising Claims Denials

January 16, 2025January 15, 2025 Logan B.

Growing Denials Leave Homeowners Vulnerable California’s homeowners faced significant challenges in 2023 as leading insurance companies denied nearly half of all claims, far exceeding the national average. A report by Weiss Ratings revealed that some of the state’s top insurers, including Farmers (50%), USAA (48%), and Allstate (46%), topped the list for denied claims. This comes as insurers deal with increasing exposures to climate-related disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding. While some insurers show alarming claim denial numbers, others demonstrate relatively better performance. Among these are two affiliates of AAA,…

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…

State Farm Seeks Major Rate Increase in California

July 8, 2024July 8, 2024 Live Insurance News

State Farm, California’s largest insurer, is proposing sizable rate increases for its residential insurance policies in the state, potentially impacting millions of homeowners and renters. The company has filed for a 30% rate hike for its homeowners’ insurance, a 52% increase for renters, and a 36% escalation for condominium owners. This marks the third major change for State Farm in California within a year. State Farm’s Justification In a statement, State Farm indicated that these rate increases are necessary for the long-term sustainability of its California subsidiary, State Farm General.…