On Tuesday, Florida's new legislative leaders, House Speaker Danny Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton delivered strong messages on affordability and the behavior of insurance companies, marking a notable shift from previous GOP stances. The opening of the new legislative term in Florida featured surprising rhetoric, including direct criticism of private equity firms and calls to hold insurers accountable.

Tough Stance on Insurance Companies

Senate President Ben Albritton warned insurance companies that they must improve their claims-handling practices, emphasizing that he would not accept unjustified claim denials while rates continued to rise. This strong stance was met with a standing ovation. House Speaker Danny Perez also implied that past legislative reforms may have unduly favored the insurance industry and stressed that Floridians want insurance laws to reflect the needs of residents, not insurance companies. Democratic lawmakers praised these statements, with Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo describing Albritton’s message as "fantastic." House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell echoed the sentiment, pointing out that Democrats have long called for tougher regulation of insurers.

Affordability and Housing Concerns

Affordability was highlighted as a key focus for the new leadership. Speaker Perez expressed concern that rising costs in Florida could push young talent out of the state. He criticized the trend of large corporations buying residential properties, which he said undermines homeownership opportunities for Floridians. A recent investigation found that private equity and other large firms own a significant number of homes in several Florida counties, with over 117,000 properties statewide. Albritton, however, appeared less inclined to address this issue, suggesting it might fall under "free market" dynamics. Instead, he promoted a “rural renaissance”, seeking to revive Florida’s citrus industry and other agricultural interests.

No Specific Reforms Outlined Yet

Unlike previous legislative leaders who often laid out detailed plans at the start of their terms, Perez and Albritton did not outline any specific reforms. Perez stated his focus was on ensuring Florida remains affordable, and that proper studies would be conducted before acting on significant issues, such as insurance reform. Perez also announced a revision of House rules to prevent corporate lobbyists from accessing the House floor, addressing what he termed a "loophole" that had previously allowed former legislators to influence lawmakers.

DeSantis’ Agenda and Special Sessions

Both leaders indicated that they were in no rush to hold a special session requested by Governor Ron DeSantis to address a condominium crisis. Instead, they plan to deal with it during the next regular legislative session in March. The leaders also dismissed action on two voter-approved amendments regarding recreational marijuana and abortion rights, and did not commit to investigating DeSantis’ use of taxpayer funds to campaign against these amendments. While the tone was more populist than in previous years, the leadership still maintained alignment with key Republican values, balancing new priorities with continuity in their approach to the state's governance.

Northern California is experiencing record-breaking rainfall due to an atmospheric river, following a historically intense bomb cyclone. The Weather Prediction Center issued a level 4 out of 4 high-risk flooding alert, warning of life-threatening flooding along the northwest California coast. Torrential rain and debris flows have triggered landslides, affecting highways like Highway 281. Rainfall totals are staggering, with up to 16 inches expected through Thursday. Over a foot of rain has already been recorded in parts of the Coastal Range north of the San Francisco Bay Area since Tuesday. Santa Rosa is facing widespread flooding and road closures, urging residents to travel only if necessary.

Snowfall and Hazardous Driving Conditions

Heavy snowfall is affecting the Northern California mountains and the Oregon Cascades, with over a foot of snow already fallen and more expected through the weekend. Combined with heavy rain, many roads are covered in snow, creating hazardous driving conditions. Authorities are urging residents to drive cautiously and increase the distance between vehicles.

Washington State Struggles with Power Outages

Washington state is facing the aftermath of the bomb cyclone, which brought hurricane-force winds earlier this week. Over 300,000 residents are still without power, with restoration efforts hampered by blocked roads and fallen trees. Utility crews from other states and Canada are helping, but challenges remain, particularly in King County, which includes Seattle. High winds damaged both local power lines and larger transmission lines that supply entire communities. Efforts to clear blocked roads and repair power lines continue, as the region braces for another incoming storm.

A New Storm on the Horizon

Another storm is expected to approach the Northwest on Friday. While it may not match the intensity of the previous bomb cyclone, it will bring more rain, gusty winds, and snow, adding to the challenges in Northern California and Washington. Authorities have urged residents to prepare for additional power outages and possible new damage.

Deadly Consequences of the Bomb Cyclone

The bomb cyclone proved deadly, with at least two people killed in Washington due to strong winds that toppled trees. Emergency crews have been working tirelessly to clear fallen trees from roads, homes, and other structures. In Maple Valley, two people were rescued from their trailer after it was crushed by a falling tree.

Ongoing Efforts and Community Resilience

Crews are working day and night to restore power, remove debris, and make roads passable. Amtrak resumed services after a train collided with a fallen tree north of Seattle, with no reported injuries among passengers. As Northern California and the Pacific Northwest brace for more rain and wind, residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow local advisories.

World Insurance Associates LLC ("World"), a Top 50 Insurance Brokerage, announced today that it acquired the business of First International Insurance ("FI Insurance") -- a division of First International Bank & Trust of Watford City, ND -- on October 1, 2024. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. FI Insurance has over 100 years of history and specializes in contractors, contractor bonds, trucking, oil and gas manufacturing, hospitality, farm, agriculture, crop and hail. Today they have twelve locations across North Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona. "At First International Insurance, we take pride in getting to know our clients personally, so we can find them the coverage that best protects them from loss," says Andy Hendrickson, Director of Insurance, First International Insurance. "It's great to join World, and we look forward to providing our clients with the same level of exceptional customer service with additional products and services." "On behalf of World, I would like to extend a warm welcome to FI Insurance," says Rich Eknoian, CEO and Co-Founder of World. "This acquisition expands World's presence to North Dakota. I know FI Insurance will continue to be successful as part of World." Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla provided legal counsel and Alvarez & Marsal advised World on the transaction. Potomac Law Group, PLLC provided legal counsel and MarshBerry advised FI Insurance on the transaction. No other advisors, diligence firms, or legal counsel were disclosed. About World Insurance Associates LLC World Insurance Associates LLC (World) is headquartered in Iselin, N.J., and is a nationally ranked, full-service insurance organization providing individuals and businesses with top products and services across personal and commercial insurance, employee and executive benefits, retirement planning and financial planning services and human capital management solutions. Since its founding in 2011, World has completed more than 220 acquisitions and serves its clients from more than 250 offices across the United States. World is ranked #28 on the 100 Largest Brokers of U.S. Business list by Business Insurance, ranked #3 on the Fastest Growing Benefits Brokers list by Business Insurance, ranked #15 on the Top 100 P&C Agencies by Insurance Journal, ranked #19 on the Top 50 Personal Lines Agencies and ranked #19 on the Top 50 Commercial Lines Agencies by Insurance Journal. For more information, please visit www.worldinsurance.com.

A recent study conducted by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) has revealed that regulatory processes for approving personal auto insurance rates have become significantly more burdensome since 2010. According to the IRC, these protracted processes are creating barriers that delay necessary rate adjustments for insurance carriers, leading to increased market concentration and a less competitive environment. The study, which covered rate filing measures across all U.S. states and the District of Columbia from 2010 to 2023, highlights concerning trends for both insurers and consumers.

Regulatory Delays Causing Market Disparities

The IRC's study, titled "Rate Regulation in Personal Auto Insurance: Comparison of State Systems," found that the time required for state regulators to approve rate filings has increased by 40% since 2010. This delay impacts insurers' ability to adjust rates in response to evolving market conditions such as inflation, changes in driving behavior, and severe weather trends. As a result, the number of filings withdrawn, along with instances where approved rate changes fell short of requests, has also increased. Dale Porfilio, President of the IRC, emphasized that these delays and disparities hinder insurers' ability to achieve adequate pricing, ultimately pushing the market towards higher concentration and decreased competitiveness. "Ultimately, these protracted processes are causing more disparity from timely and necessary rate increases by insurance carriers to achieve adequate rate and helping push the industry toward a less competitive landscape," Porfilio stated.

Rising Market Concentration and Underwriting Losses

The study also highlighted a worrying rise in market concentration, measured by the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), which increased by 9% during the period examined. Despite a significant 93% increase in direct written premium from $164 billion in 2010 to $317 billion in 2023, insurance companies faced underwriting losses in 11 of the 14 years studied. This is partly attributed to growing premium shortfalls and inadequate rate adjustments. These findings demonstrate the complex relationship between regulatory practices and market outcomes. With regulatory approval times stretching out, insurers are finding it increasingly challenging to keep pace with necessary rate changes, thereby incurring greater losses and fueling market concentration.

About the Insurance Research Council

The Insurance Research Council (IRC) is an affiliate of The Institutes, providing independent research on public policy issues impacting the insurance industry. Their studies aim to inform key stakeholders without lobbying or advocating legislative positions, contributing to a deeper understanding of insurance-related challenges across the U.S.

Conclusion

The IRC's latest findings underscore the urgent need for more streamlined rate regulation processes to ensure a competitive and fair auto insurance market. Without timely approvals, insurers are unable to properly adjust to the rising costs and changing dynamics of the industry, which could ultimately lead to a less diverse market with fewer options for consumers.

A recent survey conducted by Munich Reinsurance America Inc. ("Munich Re US") and the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has revealed that cyber incidents, changing climate conditions, and business interruption are the top risks on the minds of both insurance buyers and sellers in 2024. The survey, called RiskScan 2024, provides valuable insights into the risk perceptions of key stakeholders across the insurance market.

Cyber and Climate Concerns Top the List

The RiskScan 2024 survey looked at risk concerns from individuals across five key market segments, including property and casualty (P&C) insurance carriers, agents and brokers, middle-market business decision-makers, small business owners, and consumers. Across all segments, cyber incidents emerged as a major concern, reflecting the ongoing anxiety over cyber threats and their impact on businesses and individuals. The changing climate is also a major worry, with survey respondents pointing to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events as a significant threat. Consumers are particularly worried about natural catastrophes, including "non-peak" perils like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods, highlighting the need for adequate preparedness.

Business Interruption Still a Major Challenge

Business interruption remains a key risk, driven by residual effects from the pandemic, natural catastrophes, and ongoing supply chain issues. The survey highlighted that both insurance professionals and businesses recognize the importance of managing business interruption risks, but there remains a gap in understanding the need for comprehensive coverage.

Knowledge Gaps Lead to Coverage Issues

One of the critical insights from RiskScan 2024 is the gap in knowledge among consumers and businesses when it comes to risk awareness and insurance coverage. Many consumers remain unaware of the importance of proper flood and cyber coverage, despite acknowledging the existence of these risks. Insurance professionals, meanwhile, are tasked with better educating their clients to close these knowledge gaps and ensure adequate protection.

Emerging Technologies: AI on the Radar

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been identified as the top emerging technology across all five market segments, reflecting its growing influence in both the business and insurance landscapes. The survey suggests that the insurance industry will need to continue developing and adapting products to address the unique risks associated with AI and other emerging technologies.

Industry Calls for Enhanced Consumer Education

According to Sean Kevelighan, CEO of Triple-I, there is a continued need for education about insurance risks, especially when it comes to complex and evolving areas like cyber threats, flood risks, and legal system abuse. The findings from RiskScan 2024 underscore the importance of increasing awareness and providing clear, actionable information to consumers and businesses to prevent them from being underinsured or inadequately protected. Kerri Hamm, EVP at Munich Re US, also emphasized that understanding customer risk concerns is key to creating insurance products that truly meet client needs. By addressing these concerns, insurers can design better products, set more accurate prices, and ultimately help build more resilient communities.

Global insurance premiums are on track to grow steadily, driven largely by life insurance, according to a Swiss Re Institute report published on November 19, 2024. The report forecasts annual growth of 2.6% for total premiums in 2025 and 2026, supported by higher interest rates and strong demand for savings products.

Life Insurance Takes Center Stage

Life insurance premiums are projected to grow by 3% annually over the next two years, more than doubling the average growth rate of the past decade. This surge is attributed to factors like:

• Elevated interest rates: Particularly in the U.S., where retirees are seeking stable income sources.
• Demographic shifts: An aging population and a growing middle class in emerging markets.
• Rising real wages: Boosting consumer purchasing power for insurance products.

Swiss Re’s Paul Murray highlighted the convergence of these trends, forecasting global life insurance premiums to reach $4.8 trillion by 2035, up from $3.1 trillion in 2024.

Savings Products Fueling Demand

Consumers are leveraging elevated interest rates to invest in savings-focused products, with standout trends in:

• United States: Individual annuity sales are expected to hit a record $400 billion in 2024, nearly double the decade average.
• China: Anticipated reductions in guaranteed rates are driving strong sales of long-term savings products.
• Europe: Unit-linked life insurance, which ties returns to market funds, is seeing rising demand, particularly in Italy and France.

Stable Growth in Life Risk Protection

Life risk protection, including disability and long-term care insurance, is growing steadily at 2.7% annually, albeit below its long-term trend of 3.7%. In Europe, demand for these products is driven by structural factors such as healthcare costs, aging populations, and product bundling opportunities. Meanwhile, the U.S. market for individual life protection remains flat, with modest growth in group life and health insurance supported by strong employment and wage gains.

Non-Life Insurance and Regional Divergences

The non-life sector is expected to experience slower premium growth at 2.3% annually in 2025 and 2026, following a strong 4.3% increase in 2024. However, higher interest rates are enhancing profitability, with the industry’s return on equity forecast at 10% in the next two years.

Global Economic Growth and Risks

Swiss Re forecasts global GDP growth at 2.8% in 2025 and 2.7% in 2026, though regional divergences persist:

• U.S.: Growth is expected to moderate to 2.2% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026, supported by strong consumer fundamentals.
• Europe: Rising trade tensions could hinder growth, with GDP forecast to grow from 0.9% in 2025 to 1.1% in 2026.
• China: Structural economic slowdowns are anticipated, with GDP projected at 4.6% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026.

Outlook for Insurers

Swiss Re’s Jérôme Jean Haegeli emphasized the importance of proactive scenario monitoring to navigate geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Despite risks, higher interest rates are set to boost primary insurance markets, particularly in life insurance, while insurers benefit from improved investment results and profitability. The full Swiss Re Institute sigma report, "Growth in the Shadow of (Geo-)Politics," offers detailed insights into these trends, emphasizing opportunities for insurers amid a shifting global landscape.

President Joe Biden has requested nearly $100 billion in federal aid to support communities devastated by recent hurricanes and other natural disasters. In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Biden emphasized the urgent need for disaster relief funds to address widespread damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other disasters over the past two years. The proposed aid package aims to rebuild essential infrastructure, such as schools and roads, and provide assistance to farmers, ranchers, and families affected by recent calamities. Biden described the funding as critical for maintaining access to healthcare services and supporting recovery in the hardest-hit areas. He urged Congress to act without delay, highlighting the dire consequences of funding shortages. Biden's request includes $40 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund, which is facing a significant funding shortfall. The request also earmarks $24 billion for the Department of Agriculture to help farmers who lost crops and livestock, and $12 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support rebuilding efforts in more than 20 states and territories, including areas recovering from tornadoes and fires. The Biden administration has highlighted the critical nature of the proposed funding, noting that the last comprehensive disaster aid package passed by Congress was in 2022. Since then, numerous storms, wildfires, and other disasters have stretched federal relief programs to their limits. Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, emphasized that Americans are "still picking up the pieces" from past catastrophes. Biden's appeal comes as political dynamics in Washington are in flux, with upcoming changes in leadership potentially complicating efforts to secure funding. However, key congressional figures have expressed openness to considering the request, particularly since much of the aid would benefit states represented by Republicans. Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma expressed support after visiting an area hit hard by Hurricane Milton. Biden pointed to past bipartisan efforts to fund disaster recovery, urging Congress to demonstrate the same unity shown after major disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy. With emergency programs facing funding shortages, Biden's request seeks to secure resources needed for ongoing and future recovery efforts, helping Americans rebuild in the face of increasingly severe natural disasters.

The U.S. government is overhauling its vehicle safety ratings, introducing advanced driver-assistance technologies and pedestrian safety measures for the 2026 model year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the changes Monday, fulfilling requirements outlined in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.

Updated Safety Features

NHTSA's revised ratings will evaluate vehicles on several new technologies, including:

• Pedestrian automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist
• Blind spot warning and intervention These features aim to prevent crashes or mitigate their severity for pedestrians and other road users.

The agency is also enhancing performance standards for existing technologies such as automatic emergency braking. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that the updates reflect a shift in focus from crash survivability to crash prevention and pedestrian safety.

Consumer Information Changes

Under the updated system, vehicles will retain the existing five-star crash test ratings. However, buyers will also see additional indicators, such as green checkmarks, on NHTSA's website to signify that a vehicle includes and meets the new safety standards. Initially, features will be graded on a pass/fail basis, with a scoring system introduced later for more detailed comparisons.

Automaker Compliance and Standards

The new rules will encourage automakers to accelerate the adoption of advanced safety features. These features can be offered as standard or optional equipment. Automatic emergency braking, for example, will be mandatory on all passenger vehicles by 2029 and must meet stricter standards. Additionally, the agency plans to implement pedestrian safety design standards similar to those in Europe. These standards will address potential injuries to pedestrians struck by vehicles at speeds of 25 mph.

Industry and Safety Advocacy Responses

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a major industry trade group, acknowledged the importance of the updates but called for more regular revisions to drive sustained investment. Safety advocates, including Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, welcomed the changes but urged further action. Pending technologies, such as impaired driving prevention systems and seat belt reminders, remain on their wish lists.

Historical Context and Traffic Fatalities

NHTSA noted that previous updates to the crash test ratings, introduced in 2008, contributed to reductions in crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Between 2001 and 2021, deaths inside vehicles dropped from 32,043 to 26,325. However, pedestrian fatalities rose by 51% over the same period, highlighting the need for improvements. In 2022, nearly 41,000 people died in traffic crashes nationwide, a 3.6% decline from 2021. Fatalities peaked in 2021, with a 10.5% increase attributed to increased post-pandemic travel. The new safety standards are part of a broader effort by the Department of Transportation to implement additional regulations before the end of President Biden's term. According to Secretary Buttigieg, these efforts aim to deliver impactful safety improvements and respond to evolving transportation needs.

According to the Global Insurance Report 2025 from McKinsey, the commercial property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry finds itself at a crossroads in 2025. The sector is grappling with a complex macroeconomic environment, characterized by persistent inflation, shaky consumer confidence, and geopolitical instability. These forces have introduced layers of uncertainty that commercial insurers must navigate. Beyond these challenges, increasing climate risks and rising corporate legal costs are squeezing profit margins. Given the hard realities of today’s economic landscape, insurers are under growing pressure to identify and sustain profitable growth strategies that go beyond simply raising premiums.

Finding Growth Beyond Rate Increases

Despite these turbulent conditions, the global commercial P&C insurance market has managed to maintain steady growth. Over the past five years, premiums have increased by an average of 8% annually. Much of this growth, however, has come from rate increases rather than organic expansion. This means that while insurers have enjoyed higher premiums, other factors have diminished the overall impact on growth. As the industry faces softening market conditions, the challenge now is not just about raising rates but also about finding sustainable and diversified growth opportunities. Insurers can no longer rely on the continuation of a hard cycle to maintain profitability—they must adapt to a rapidly changing landscape to capture long-term value.

The Challenge: Capturing and Sustaining Profitable Growth

A core finding of the Global Insurance Report 2025 is that capturing profitable growth is increasingly about execution rather than just portfolio strategy. Analysis of 25 global commercial P&C insurers reveals that profitability is influenced more by operational capabilities than by the lines of business insurers participate in. Simply put, where insurers operate matters, but how they operate matters more. Successful insurers are those that have a robust approach to execution, particularly in their core lines of business. The analysis found that 60% of an insurer’s performance comes down to how effectively they operate, rather than the markets they enter. This observation holds true across both hard and soft market cycles, meaning that consistency in operational excellence is key to achieving and sustaining growth in any market environment.

Four Key Drivers of Superior Performance

Top-performing commercial P&C insurers share several characteristics that set them apart from their competitors. The Global Insurance Report 2025 identifies four key drivers that contribute to their sustained profitability:

• Focused Strategy and Clear Communication: Leading insurers have well-defined growth strategies that are understood both internally and externally. They prioritize investments in targeted capabilities, such as specialized talent and efficient channels, which allows them to differentiate effectively.
• Underwriting Modernization: A commitment to modernizing underwriting, particularly through technology, has helped top performers distinguish themselves. The adoption of tools like generative AI is enabling these companies to refine underwriting processes, leading to better risk assessment and more competitive offerings.
• Efficient Distribution: Top insurers are also adept at navigating the shifting distribution landscape. By focusing on driving down acquisition costs, they gain a significant efficiency advantage over their peers.
• Operational Excellence: Finally, these companies maintain lower administration costs through operational efficiencies. On average, leaders in the industry have administrative expense ratios that are two percentage points lower than their competitors.

Opportunities in a Changing Market

Commercial P&C insurers are facing a period of significant change, driven by macroeconomic uncertainties and increasing competition. However, these challenges also present opportunities. By shifting focus away from premium increases and toward addressing the widening protection gap, insurers can find new avenues for growth. Additionally, there is potential to reduce the prevalence of self-insurance among businesses, providing further growth opportunities for commercial lines. In an industry where strong players tend to stay on top, moments of significant market change—such as the current one—offer a chance for insurers to distinguish themselves from the competition. Those that are agile enough to respond to the new landscape, invest in innovative solutions, and consistently execute their strategies will be well-positioned to emerge as leaders.

The Path Forward

The 2025 outlook for commercial P&C insurers is complex but not without promise. As highlighted in McKinsey's Global Insurance Report 2025, while macroeconomic and environmental challenges will continue to shape the market, there is ample opportunity for insurers to carve out profitable niches by modernizing their operations, focusing on operational efficiencies, and leveraging technology to improve underwriting precision. Insurers that can move beyond relying solely on premium hikes will find themselves better equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and to seize the growth opportunities that lie in the evolving market landscape.

The U.S. Forest Service has unveiled a plan to boost logging across federal lands in the Pacific Northwest. The initiative aims to mitigate wildfire risks, control the spread of wildfires, and breathe new life into rural economies by increasing timber supply. This proposal marks a major revision to the Northwest Forest Plan, a framework that has regulated forest management across 38,000 square miles in Oregon, Washington, and California since 1994. Originally crafted to curb destructive logging and protect vulnerable species like the northern spotted owl, the plan has now evolved in response to a changing climate.

Federal officials argue that  wildfire conditions and increasing frequency of wildfires, driven by climate change, necessitate a more proactive approach to forest management. This proactive strategy is crucial to minimizing the impact of wildfires, which have grown increasingly destructive in recent years. The proposed plan also aims to provide a reliable supply of timber, offering an economic boost to rural communities that have faced economic decline since the drop in logging activity during the 1990s. The draft environmental study suggests that timber harvests could rise by at least 33% and potentially more than 200%, which would lead to a corresponding rise in timber-related employment. Over the past decade, the 17 national forests covered by the Northwest Forest Plan have produced an average of 445 million board feet of timber annually. A significant change under the new proposal would be raising the age threshold for logging from 80 years to 120 years, allowing for more extensive thinning. Officials argue that removing younger, fire-prone trees could foster conditions favorable for the growth of larger, fire-resistant old-growth trees. In addition, the updated plan calls for closer cooperation with Native American tribes, whose traditional knowledge of forest stewardship was largely excluded when the original 1994 plan was implemented. Not everyone supports the changes. Environmental advocates, such as Oregon Wild, have voiced concerns that the new direction could undermine protections for old-growth forests and threatened species. The timing of the proposal, just before a presidential transition, also raised suspicions about the Forest Service's motivations. During the Trump administration, there were efforts to open West Coast forest areas to more logging by reducing habitat protections for species like the spotted owl—a move that was later reversed by the Biden administration. The Forest Service has opened a 120-day public comment period for the proposal, with a final decision expected by early 2026. Officials maintain that the changes will strike a balance between wildfire mitigation, economic development, and environmental protection, adapting forest management to better align with current challenges posed by climate change.

The Council for Disability Income Awareness (CDIA) has announced that The Plus Group, Inc.® has joined as a new member. This partnership marks the first time a coalition of independent Brokerage General Agencies (BGAs) has partnered with the CDIA, further expanding the Council's reach.

The Plus Group Joins CDIA to Expand Disability Insurance Awareness

The Plus Group's president, Timothy J. O'Brien, CLU, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to join the CDIA and support its mission. Understanding the value of disability income insurance is crucial for both consumers and professionals. Our commitment to promoting financial security aligns seamlessly with the Council's objectives. Together, we can create meaningful initiatives to educate the public and improve access to income protection.” Bob Herum, president of the CDIA, also expressed his excitement: “We are delighted to welcome The Plus Group as the first BGA member of the CDIA. This partnership highlights their dedication to promoting disability income protection as an essential safeguard for every working American.”

Expanding the CDIA Network

The Plus Group joins a distinguished list of CDIA members, including Allsup, Ameritas, American Fidelity, Guardian, Illinois Mutual, Lincoln Financial Group, MassMutual, MDGuidelines, MetLife, MGIS, SmithGroup, The Claim Lab, United Healthcare, and UNUM. Together, these organizations are dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of disability income insurance and protecting financial security for all Americans. About The Plus Group The Plus Group, known as "America's Premier Disability Insurance Marketing Organization," was established in 1998 and is made up of independent BGAs. The group provides disability insurance products and training to insurance agents, brokers, CPAs, financial planners, and employee benefits advisors. Known for personalized service, The Plus Group leads the industry in disability income sales, training, and education, serving thousands of professionals across the country. For more information, visit The Plus Group. About the Council for Disability Income Awareness (CDIA) The CDIA is a non-profit organization committed to promoting disability income as an essential part of financial planning for every working American. Learn more at disabilitycanhappen.org.

To enhance coverage for manufactured homeowners, Standard Casualty Company has announced a new partnership with ZestyAI, a leading provider of AI-powered property and climate risk analytics. This partnership aims to improve risk assessment accuracy and help policyholders proactively manage their risks, especially in the face of increasing extreme weather events.

Through ZestyAI’s advanced AI analytics, Standard Casualty will be able to assess property-specific risks faster and more precisely. This will enable Standard Casualty to maintain coverage for high-risk manufactured homes, particularly in vulnerable states like Texas, Georgia, Arizona, and New Mexico, where climate change-driven events such as wildfires, hailstorms, and other severe weather pose significant challenges. Rick Smith, Underwriting Manager at Standard Casualty, highlighted the importance of working with ZestyAI: “We chose ZestyAI because their team knows the industry inside out, and no one else provides the regulatory support that they do. The platform’s transparency and functionality allow us to actively partner with our policyholders on reducing risk rather than simply denying coverage.”

Proactive Risk Management: Empowering Homeowners Before Disaster Strikes

Manufactured homes, commonly known as mobile homes, can be particularly vulnerable to natural disasters due to their construction and design. Fires, floods, and severe storms are all significant risks for these types of properties. By integrating ZestyAI’s suite of AI solutions—Z-PROPERTY, Z-FIRE, and Z-HAIL—Standard Casualty aims to actively collaborate with policyholders to manage and mitigate these risks.

• Z-PROPERTY provides deep property-specific risk insights by evaluating building characteristics and environmental factors, enabling precise underwriting decisions.
• Z-FIRE assesses wildfire hazards and property vulnerability using structural details and climate interactions, helping insurers like Standard Casualty engage homeowners with targeted risk reduction strategies.
• Z-HAIL predicts hail risk by analyzing climatology, geography, and structural features in 3D, helping policyholders prepare for one of the most frequent and costly hazards in the U.S.

These tools will enable Standard Casualty to work more closely with manufactured homeowners to identify vulnerabilities and adopt protective measures, ultimately ensuring that comprehensive coverage is maintained—even in areas that have traditionally been considered too high-risk.

Setting a New Standard in Manufactured Home Insurance

Attila Toth, CEO and Co-Founder of ZestyAI, emphasized the strategic alignment of the two companies: “Standard Casualty’s commitment to reducing policyholder risk aligns seamlessly with our mission at ZestyAI. Our solutions empower insurers like Standard Casualty to guide homeowners by mitigating risks, offering actionable insights into wildfire and hail exposure.” The partnership is a significant step toward transforming the manufactured home insurance landscape, setting a new benchmark for how insurers and homeowners can collaborate to tackle risk head-on. By focusing on proactive risk management, Standard Casualty and ZestyAI are leading the way in protecting manufactured homeowners from increasingly complex climate threats while maintaining affordable, comprehensive coverage options. This collaboration reaffirms Standard Casualty’s role as a trusted leader in the manufactured home insurance market—leveraging innovative technology to ensure homeowners can safeguard their properties in the face of an unpredictable climate. About Standard Casualty Company Standard Casualty Company, a specialized home-insuring solution business of Cavco Industries, Inc.,has protected homeowners and their investments in manufactured homes for nearly 60 years. As a specialist in manufactured home insurance, Standard Casualty offers comprehensive protection plans for homeowners, backed by exceptional service from dedicated customer support and claims adjusters who ensure fast, accurate claim resolutions. Learn more about Standard Casualty Company at www.stdins.com. About ZestyAI ZestyAI is the leading property and climate risk platform for Property and Casualty insurers in North America. The company has revolutionized the world’s understanding of property and climate perils by combining artificial intelligence with historical losses and cutting-edge data sources. Leading insurers and real estate companies trust ZestyAI’s platform to identify risk and assess exposure, including the impact of catastrophic events like wildfires, hail, and wind storms. ZestyAI helps insurers make more informed underwriting decisions, rate fairly and accurately, enhance reinsurance outcomes, and improve customer experience through actionable risk insights that both property owners and regulators trust. For more information on how ZestyAI is revolutionizing risk management, visit www.zesty.ai.