Tag: wildfire risk

California FAIR Plan Under Fire: Can Emerging Tools and Policies Ease the Pressure?

H. Cutner
California FAIR Plan

California’s Insurance Market Struggles Under Wildfire Pressures: Are We Headed for Another Bailout? California’s insurance market is teetering under the weight of relentless wildfire seasons, leaving consumers, insurers, and regulators to piece together a system that bears increasingly alarming cracks. With wildfires intensifying due to climate change and sprawling development into fire-prone areas, the state faces a financial quagmire deeper than anyone anticipated. Many are asking if another state-backed bailout is inevitable. The Wildfire Tipping Point Wildfires have become a year-round crisis in California, with the latest blazes in Los…

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Nearly a Quarter of New Mexico Homes Are Uninsured, Leaving Thousands Vulnerable

Marc
Uninsured New Mexico Homes

The Alarming Statistic That Demands Attention It’s a startling revelation that raises pressing concerns for New Mexicans. According to a recent LendingTree report, New Mexico has earned the dubious distinction of being the state with the highest percentage of uninsured homes in the nation. A staggering 23.3% of homes in the state lack any insurance coverage, equating to roughly 133,340 uninsured homes out of the state’s 572,000. To put this into perspective, the national average hovers at 13.6%, making New Mexico’s unenviable position a stark outlier. For homeowners across the…

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The Rise of Non-Admitted Carriers in High-Risk States Like California

Nordstrom
Non-Admitted Carriers

Kin Insurance Expands into California, Bringing Solutions to a Challenged Market California homeowners have long faced an uphill battle when it comes to securing affordable and comprehensive home insurance. This struggle has only been amplified by the growing threat of wildfires and other extreme weather events. With traditional insurers retreating from high-risk areas, the gap in coverage has widened. However, Kin Insurance, a direct-to-consumer insurtech player, has stepped in with a promise to tackle these challenges head-on. The California Insurance Crisis For years, large insurance companies have been reducing their…

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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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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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California’s Evolving Insurance Market: Is Relief on the Horizon?

Ester Adams
California Insurance Market

California’s home insurance market has been under immense pressure in recent years, leaving homeowners dealing with uncertainty about their coverage. Farmers Insurance, the state’s second-largest home insurer, recently announced a significant decision to expand the number of policies it writes each month. While it marks a potential turning point, many questions remain about the long-term sustainability of California’s insurance landscape. Here’s a breakdown of the situation, players involved, and what lies ahead. Farmers Insurance Expands Policy Sales Cap After limiting itself to selling 7,000 policies per month in California, Farmers…

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Could Your Yard Be Inviting Fire? Discover the Common Mistake Homeowners Make

G. Turner
homeowners high risk mulch

Mulch Fire Risk Poses Growing Threat to California Homes In California, where the risk of wildfires is both imminent and escalating, a common landscaping choice—mulch—is emerging as an overlooked fire hazard that many homeowners inadvertently invite into their yards. This seemingly innocuous product, made from organic materials like wood chips and bark, can easily ignite and create a dangerous “fuel source” right next to residences. The Rising Tide of Wildfires California’s unique climate—a combination of hot, dry summers and seasonal Santa Ana winds—has created the perfect storm for wildfires. Drought…

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