PG&E Caused Fire that Killed 85, California Investigators Find

two silhouette on housefire background

California investigators found that PG&E Corp.’s equipment sparked the deadliest wildfire in state history, putting additional pressure on a company already facing billions of dollars in fire-related liability costs. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said on Wednesday it had determined that a PG&E electric-transmission line near the town of Pulga, Calif., ignited… Continue reading PG&E Caused Fire that Killed 85, California Investigators Find

As Hurricane, Fire Seasons Approach, More People Likely to Be in Harm’s Way

A hurricane on earth viewed from space. This is a rendered image.

As emergency managers prepare for hurricane and wildfire seasons, they say growing development and higher population in vulnerable areas will likely amplify the damage and devastation. Meteorologists expect more than a dozen named storms in the Atlantic this year, slightly above average. In California, a burst of vegetation from rains could serve as fuel in… Continue reading As Hurricane, Fire Seasons Approach, More People Likely to Be in Harm’s Way

Home Ownership Rate Drops for First Time in More than Two Years

Driveway to front walkway view of partial front of residential home during early autumn season.

The U.S. homeownership rate fell for the first time in more than two years in the first quarter, putting the brakes on the recovery of an important piece of the economy. The homeownership rate fell to 64.2% in the first quarter from 64.8% in the fourth quarter, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures released Thursday—a… Continue reading Home Ownership Rate Drops for First Time in More than Two Years

Millions Live in Parts of California Threatened by Wildfires

Ca property insurance reforms

Impoverished towns in the shadow of Mount Shasta. Rustic Gold Rush cities in the Sierra Nevada foothills. High-dollar resort communities on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Ritzy Los Angeles County suburbs. They all could be the next Paradise. A McClatchy analysis reveals more than 350,000 Californians live in towns and cities that exist almost entirely… Continue reading Millions Live in Parts of California Threatened by Wildfires

Nationwide CEO Steve Rasmussen to Retire

Nationwide and high networth insurance

Steve Rasmussen is stepping down after 45 years of insuring homes, cars and businesses and helping people plan for retirement. The Nationwide CEO announced Thursday his plans to retire on Oct. 1, saying it is a good time for him to go. “Right now we’re at a very good place in the organization. I feel… Continue reading Nationwide CEO Steve Rasmussen to Retire

Chubb Examines Risks Facing Homebuilders During the Construction of New Homes and Communities

In response to the many costly exposures facing homebuilders and developers in today’s housing marketplace, Chubb has issued a new whitepaper, “New Home Development: A Start to Finish Overview of Risks in Building Master Planned Communities.” The paper examines the many risks that can severely impact the project’s budget and completion, including property damage and… Continue reading Chubb Examines Risks Facing Homebuilders During the Construction of New Homes and Communities

American Family Acquiring Ameriprise Auto & Home for About $1 Billion

2023 insurance M&As lowest in a decade

The Madison parent company of American Family Insurance said Tuesday it is buying Ameriprise Auto & Home, a De Pere-based property-and-casualty insurer, for about $1 billion. American Family Insurance Mutual Holding Co. said the acquisition adds customers, diversifies risk and gets the company deeper into the California market. Ameriprise Auto & Home is a business… Continue reading American Family Acquiring Ameriprise Auto & Home for About $1 Billion

Study Finds Almost Half of U.S. Residents Don’t Have a Home Inventory List Should Disaster Strike

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New survey data released today as part of the Farmers Insurance® Seasonal Smarts Digest shows nearly half of U.S. residents (44%) have never made a home inventory list, possibly putting themselves at risk of potential stress in the event of a major loss. This risk takes on greater significance considering that 70 percent of Americans… Continue reading Study Finds Almost Half of U.S. Residents Don’t Have a Home Inventory List Should Disaster Strike

Trends in Online Insurance Purchasing Habits Point to Enhanced Opportunity for Agents and Brokers

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A new survey from Chubb, “Winning the New Client Journey,” finds that more than half of consumers (53%) have shopped online for homeowners insurance in the past 12 months, and 61% are likely to do so in the future. According to Chubb, this trend in researching and shopping online underscores an enormous opportunity for agents… Continue reading Trends in Online Insurance Purchasing Habits Point to Enhanced Opportunity for Agents and Brokers

Neptune Flood and Hippo Insurance Partner to Create First Online Home and Flood Insurance Solution

Hurricane Harvey Impacts

Neptune Flood, a data driven flood insurance company, recently partnered with Hippo Insurance to provide the best coverage for today’s homeowners. Hippo and Neptune both offer consumers a seamless digital experience with speed, transparency and first-class service. The strategic partnership will give Hippo customers direct access to flood insurance with Neptune Flood, which will be… Continue reading Neptune Flood and Hippo Insurance Partner to Create First Online Home and Flood Insurance Solution