Tag: wildfire insurance

The Growing Threat of Insurance Deserts and How to Address It

Nordstrom
Insurance Deserts

What Are Insurance Deserts? Imagine living in an area so prone to natural disasters that insurance companies decide it’s simply too risky to do business there. This is the concept of an insurance desert—a place where coverage becomes hard to come by or entirely unavailable. These regions are often plagued by events like wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, phenomena that are becoming more frequent and severe in the wake of climate change. For communities labeled as insurance deserts, the ripple effects are far-reaching. Homeowners struggle to secure mortgages without coverage, businesses…

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What Happens to 9,000 Burned Homes? Inside the Massive Cleanup After the Eaton Fire

Tate Ellison
Eaton Fire

Eaton Fire’s Devastating Impact The Eaton Fire, which ignited late on January 7, 2025, under fierce Santa Ana wind conditions, has left an indelible mark on Altadena and its surrounding communities. Covering over 14,000 acres, the wildfire destroyed a staggering 9,418 structures, damaged another 1,073, and claimed 17 civilian lives. Though containment has reached 95%, the scarred landscape and displaced residents paint a grim picture of the fire’s aftermath. The fire’s origins remain under investigation, with recent video footage suggesting potential electrical activity near the ignition point. Meanwhile, local utility…

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82% More for Home Insurance? Here’s How Climate Risk Is Hitting Your Wallet

Nordstrom
Home insurance costs

Rising Insurance Costs in High-Risk Areas Home insurance costs are soaring across the United States, particularly for those living in areas prone to natural disasters. A new report by the U.S. Treasury Department reveals a stark disparity between premiums in high-risk and low-risk zip codes, painting a concerning picture for homeowners grappling with climate-related challenges. The findings highlight an 82% increase in average premiums for residents in disaster-prone areas compared to their counterparts in low-risk regions. But what’s behind this spike in prices, and what does it mean for homeowners?…

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Why Global Insurance Premiums Dropped While US High-Risk Areas Face Rate Hikes

G. Turner
Global Insurance Premium

Global Insurance Premiums Fall Amid Competitive Dynamics, But US High-Risk Areas Feel the Heat Global insurance premiums dropped by 0.9% in 2024, marking the first overall decline in seven years. This shift follows a prolonged period of rate hikes that bolstered insurer profitability but attracted new market players eager to claim their piece of the pie. According to a report by Howden, the influx of competitors has driven prices downward, resulting in a more contested landscape. Yet, this competition unfolds against a backdrop of persistent economic challenges, including inflation and…

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Wildfires are Getting Worse – Geospatial Data Can Help

Antoine Rostand
Geospatial Data and wildfires

How Wildfires Are Transforming America’s Landscape As I write this, fires burn in the north-eastern United States. More than 500 wildfires have broken out in New Jersey alone this autumn, and in recent weeks there have been fires in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, too. A 5,000-acre fire has been burning for over a week on the New York border. And that’s just one region, in one country. I could mention Portugal or Australia, California or Greece. This isn’t normal. Wildfires are getting worse. Why? Because of climate change. Thanks to global…

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House Committee Gives Green Light to Wildfire Insurance Coverage Study

Loreen
wildfire insurance study act

Setting Opinions Aside: An Objective Look at Wildfire Insurance In the wake of devastating wildfires across the country, the House Financial Services Committee has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing concern over insurance coverage for damages resulting from such disasters. With a strong bipartisan backing, the committee has forwarded a bill that mandates a comprehensive study on the state of wildfire insurance. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C. and chair of the committee, emphasized that the conversation about wildfires must transcend the usual debate on climate change, focusing on observable…

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Insurance rates countrywide could be impacted by extreme weather trends

H. Cutner
Insurance rates Rise - Extreme Weather

Millions of people across the country are already facing higher rates due to natural disaster risks. Across the United States, millions of homeowners have been watching their insurance rates climb in recent years due to the spiking risk of high winds, floods and wildfires, said a new analysis. Around 12 million US properties could see increases to their premiums due to flood risk alone. Almost 24 million properties will experience higher insurance rates because of the risk of wind damage, and about 4.4 million property owners will need to pay…

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