Policyholder - Insurance Industry Brief

HEMIC in Hawaii Issuing $5 Million Dividend to Policyholders

Insurance Journal

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

is giving policyholders the largest dividend in the workers’ compensation carrier’s history. The HEMIC board of directors recently announced a $5 million dividend to qualifying policyholders. The company credits HEMIC’s steady growth and policyholder …

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Policyholder Compensation Insurance Companies Workers Compensation

Tennessee DCI Returns $9.5M to Policyholders in Mediated Claims Disputes

Insurance Journal

AUGUST 1, 2024

million for policyholders whose insurance claims had been denied, the department announced this week. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance so far this year has secured more than $9.5 The payments, mostly from property insurers, are the result of …

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CBS 60 Minutes to Run Story Regarding Altered Insurance Estimates Resulting in Fraudulent Underpayments to Policyholders

Property Insurance Coverage Law

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

The American Policyholders Association (APA) has reported that CBS 60 Minutes is running a story this Sunday evening about altered estimates by claims managers, which result in underpayments to policyholders.

Policyholder

Hurricane Helene and Milton Survivors Navigating Insurance Claims and Recovery: United Policyholders’ Roadmap to Recovery Program Offers Crucial Support

Property Insurance Coverage Law

OCTOBER 11, 2024

In the wake of the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton that recently struck Florida and neighboring states, policyholders are facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and navigating complex insurance claims.

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What Are the Duties of An Insurance Agent to the Policyholder—A Michigan Case Example

Property Insurance Coverage Law

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

The duties of an insurance agent to the policyholder will differ depending on state law. This will be the second post in … The post What Are the Duties of An Insurance Agent to the Policyholder—A Michigan Case Example appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

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Policyholders Beware of Whom You Hire Regarding Your National Flood Insurance Claim

Property Insurance Coverage Law

OCTOBER 16, 2024

I was thinking about this while calling FAPIA Managing Director Nancy Dominguez to take down a wrong proof of loss form that some ignorant attorney had sent to a group as the proper NFIP proof of loss to be filed … The post Policyholders Beware of Whom You Hire Regarding Your National Flood Insurance Claim appeared first on Property Insurance (..)

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Policyholder Insurance Claim Claim Property Insurance

Insurance Company Prevails in Hail Damage Claim Dispute—Policyholders Need to Hire Experts Right Away and Provide Access to Information

Property Insurance Coverage Law

SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

In a case involving alleged hail damage to a commercial building, the court granted summary judgment in favor of the insurer, Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company, after excluding the policyholder’s expert witness.

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Policyholder Insurance Companies Damage Claim

California Policyholders May Be On the Hook for Wildfire Losses

Insurance Journal

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

California homeowners could be required to pay a surcharge if the state’s insurer of last resort is unable to cover losses from a catastrophic wildfire. The California Department of Insurance sent a bulletin to insurance companies this week outlining how …

Policyholder

The Ongoing Issue of Field Adjuster Independence: Why Xactimate and Florida’s Emergency Rule are at Odds with Policyholders’ Interests

Property Insurance Coverage Law

OCTOBER 25, 2024

In my recent articles, The Façade of Consumer Protection: How Florida’s Political Leadership Continues to Favor Insurance Companies Over Policyholders — Are Florida’s Politicians in Bed with the Insurance Industry and Florida’s Emergency Ethical Rule Conflicts with Xactimate’s License Agreement – Another Example of Insurance Industry Control in Florida, (..)

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Amy Bach and United Policyholders Raise Issues About Insurance Executives Insurance Taking Monies Through Excessive Payouts

Property Insurance Coverage Law

OCTOBER 18, 2024

Amy Bach‘s recent LinkedIn post yesterday highlighting concerns about excessive compensation in the insurance industry has struck a chord with many policyholders and consumer advocates. Bach raised these issues in a panel discussion at the American Academy of Actuaries.

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USAA Renter’s Insurance Policyholder Charged with Multiple Counts of Fraud

Insurance Journal

JULY 23, 2024

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown reports that a grand Jury for Prince George’s County has handed down two indictments charging an Upper Marlboro woman with insurance fraud. According to Brown, Rhonda Keisha Powell, also known as Rhonda Keisha Jackson, …

Policyholder

Appraiser Qualifications and Bad Faith Suits Against Policyholders in California—Chubb’s Attempt to Vacate Huge Glass Fire Appraisal Award Largely Fails

Property Insurance Coverage Law

NOVEMBER 12, 2024

In a significant victory for policyholders, a federal magistrate in Northern California recently rejected most of Federal Insurance Company’s (aka Chubb) attempts to vacate a substantial appraisal award in a Glass Fire case. The case, Pollock v.

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The Façade of Consumer Protection: How Florida’s Political Leadership Continues to Favor Insurance Companies Over Policyholders — Are Florida’s Politicians in Bed with the Insurance Industry?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

OCTOBER 23, 2024

Governor DeSantis’s response to the CBS 60 Minutes exposé on … The post The Façade of Consumer Protection: How Florida’s Political Leadership Continues to Favor Insurance Companies Over Policyholders — Are Florida’s Politicians in Bed with the Insurance Industry? appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

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One Example of How Florida’s Politicians Harmed Florida Policyholders By Passing Insurance Lobby Laws

Property Insurance Coverage Law

OCTOBER 28, 2024

This is Florida law regarding when an insurance company must start investigating an insurance claim: 3)(a) Unless otherwise provided by the policy of insurance or by law, within 7 days after an insurer receives proof-of-loss statements, the insurer shall begin such investigation as is reasonably necessary unless the failure to begin such investigation (..)

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“I Was Droned!” California Policyholders Are Being Monitored Regarding Their Loss Risk Exposure and Loss Mitigation Attempts

Property Insurance Coverage Law

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024

California Policyholders Are Being Monitored Regarding Their Loss Risk Exposure and Loss Mitigation Attempts appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog. I love true competition, and it is one reason why I love being the type of attorney that I am … The post “I Was Droned!”

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SAIF in Oregon Declares $60M Dividend for Workers’ Comp Policyholders

Insurance Journal

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

The board of SAIF, a not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurer in Oregon, declared a $60 million dividend for their current policyholders. The funds will start being dispersed starting in October, with 51,288 policyholders receiving the dividend, which as determined based on …

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Texas Mutual board approves $350 million policyholder dividend distribution

Insurance Journal

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

AUSTIN, Texas September 18, 2024—Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, is announcing today that its board of directors voted unanimously to approve a $350 million dividend distribution in 2024. Dividends will be distributed to …

Policyholder

Policyholder Compensation Insurance Companies Insurance

Policyholders, Public Adjusters, and Contractors Beware! Marshall Fire Claims Set to Expire on December 30, 2024 – What You Need to Know Now

Property Insurance Coverage Law

NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Sadly, almost three years after the Marshall Fire caused … The post Policyholders, Public Adjusters, and Contractors Beware! It is estimated that the Marshall Fire totally destroyed no less than 1,084 homes, and damaged thousands more with penetrating toxins of smoke, ash, char, and soot.

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Policyholder Claim Property Insurance Damage

Why Are Policyholders So Frequently Underinsured in the Event of a Total Loss? What Can Fix the Underinsurance Problem?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

AUGUST 5, 2024

Professor Klein’s research has … The post Why Are Policyholders So Frequently Underinsured in the Event of a Total Loss? What Can Fix the Underinsurance Problem? appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policyholder

Let’s Get Tough on Drunk Driving but Not Have Any Penalties For the Drunk Driver: Making It Difficult For Policyholders To Collect On Debts Owed By Delaying and Underpaying Insurance Companies

Property Insurance Coverage Law

AUGUST 19, 2024

A local investigative news article written by Kate Cimini of the … The post Let’s Get Tough on Drunk Driving but Not Have Any Penalties For the Drunk Driver: Making It Difficult For Policyholders To Collect On Debts Owed By Delaying and Underpaying Insurance Companies appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

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Old Damage, New Claim: Davies Risk Head Notes Rise in ‘Soft Fraud’ in Southeast

Insurance Journal

DECEMBER 2, 2024

With multiple hurricanes rocking Florida and other parts of the Southeast this year, claims professionals have said they are seeing a trend toward “soft fraud,” with more policyholders attempting to include older or unrelated damage in recent storm claims, and …

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California Commissioner Orders Insurance Cancelation Moratorium for 185K Residents

Insurance Journal

AUGUST 8, 2024

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a one-year moratorium on insurance companies to preserve residential insurance coverage for more than 185,000 policyholders affected by the Park, Borel and Gold Complex fires. The moratorium shields those living within the perimeters or …

Policyholder

Carolina Agents, Insureds Stunned by Unprecedented Damage So Far Inland

Insurance Journal

OCTOBER 1, 2024

Insurance agents in the mountain city of Asheville, North Carolina, said they and their policyholders have been stunned by the catastrophic damage brought so far inland by Hurricane Helene, which dumped 14 inches of rain on the picturesque community and …

Damage

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Agents Report Limited Damage But More Claims Expected As Floridians Return Home

Insurance Journal

OCTOBER 11, 2024

Insurance agents and carriers in the path of Hurricane Milton reported only minor damage to their own offices and homes but a rapidly growing number of claims from residential and commercial policyholders for roof, flood and auto damage. The Florida …

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Florida CFO Bars Insurers From Altering Adjusters’ Reports Without Explanation

Insurance Journal

OCTOBER 9, 2024

Almost two years after a group of independent claims adjusters alleged that insurers had deceptively altered their damage estimates and low-balled policyholders, Florida’s chief financial officer has issued an emergency rule barring similar actions in Hurricane Milton claims. “Any move …

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Policyholder Claim Damage Insurance

Mailing a Letter, in Context With Other Clues, Is Sufficient Cancellation – NC High Court

Insurance Journal

AUGUST 25, 2024

Simply mailing a cancellation notice to a policyholder, when viewed in the context of other indicators, was enough to comply with state law and void a homeowner’s insurance policy shortly just weeks before a fire destroyed a home, the North …

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Florida OIR Extends Order, Barring Policy Cancels or Nonrenews Until Dec. 10

Insurance Journal

OCTOBER 18, 2024

Florida’s insurance commissioner this week issued emergency orders, extending some policyholder cancellation protections in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The orders, seen here and here, are in line with similar actions taken after hurricanes. The orders: Extend grace …

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New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance Takes Issue with Ruling on Living Expenses

Insurance Journal

JULY 24, 2024

does not have to comply with a provision of the New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance emergency order for insurers to pay $5,000 in living expenses to policyholders forced … A Santa Fe District Court ruling that State Farm and Casualty Co.

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Policyholders Win a Covid Case! North Carolina Supreme Court Rules Government Closure Order Can Result In “Direct Physical Damage”

Property Insurance Coverage Law

DECEMBER 15, 2024

I have a vision of Amy Bach, the Executive Director of United Policyholders, jumping for joy as she read the North Carolina Supreme Court opinion, which the insurance industry must think of as a Friday the 13th ruling.

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California Commissioner Orders Insurance Cancellation Moratorium for 750K Residents Following Wildfires

Insurance Journal

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance companies to preserve residential insurance coverage for 750,000 policyholders affected by the Airport, Bridge, and Line fires in the counties of Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino.

Policyholder

People Moves: Society Insurance Names Brown to Board of Directors

Insurance Journal

JULY 10, 2024

Society Insurance, headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, elected Sherman Brown of Chicago as a director at its annual meeting of policyholders. Thomas Gross retired from Society’s board of directors after serving for 27 years. Brown is executive vice president …

Policyholder

Should Citizens Do More to Assist With Coming Flood Claims in Florida? Can it?

Insurance Journal

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Florida’s largest insurer, has suspended policy binding ahead of predicted Hurricane Helene, and a board member asked if the carrier could do more to help policyholders manage flood insurance claims from the looming storm. Citizens Property Insurance Corp., “My question …

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California Wildfire Destroys 243 Structures, Cancellation Moratorium Issued

Insurance Journal

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance companies to preserve residential insurance coverage for more than 200,000 policyholders affected by the Mountain Fire, which has destroyed 243 structures. The order shields those living within the …

Policyholder

California Commissioner Orders 1-Year Moratorium for Residents Affected by Boyles Fire

Insurance Journal

OCTOBER 4, 2024

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance companies to preserve residential insurance coverage for more than 16,000 policyholders affected by the Boyles Fire located in Lake County. The commissioner’s order shields those living within the …

Policyholder

Severity of Ransomware Attacks Rose 68% in First Half of 2024, Report Shows

Insurance Journal

NOVEMBER 3, 2024

Coalition published its†2024 Cyber Claims Report: Mid-Year Update, which details emerging cyber trends and their impact on policyholders … Ransomware claims severity spiked by 68% to an average loss of $353,000, according to a new report by a cyber insurance provider.

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California Insurance Commissioner Orders Insurance Preserved for 46K Residents Following Fire

Insurance Journal

JULY 11, 2024

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today ordered insurers to preserve residential property insurance coverage for roughly 46,000 policyholders affected by the Thompson Fire in Butte County. The move follows an emergency declaration over the fire from Gov. Gavin Newsom on …

Policyholder

Explaining Deductibles After Multiple Florida Hurricanes

Insurance Journal

OCTOBER 15, 2024

They make insureds less likely to file smaller claims because either damage falls within the deductible, or is so close to it that the policyholder would rather not … They provide some premium relief for the insured.

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Deductible Policyholder Premium Damage

‘Board Certified’ Could Soon be an Advertising Thing for Florida Insurance Lawyers

Insurance Journal

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

By this time next year, plaintiffs lawyers, who have frequently been held up as thorns in the side of the Florida property insurance industry for their sometimes-aggressive pursuit of policyholder claims litigation, could have a stamp of credibility to brandish …

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Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Industry Claim

California Homeowners Sue FAIR Plan Over Smoke Damage Coverage

Insurance Journal

JULY 24, 2024

A class action lawsuit is being brought on behalf of more than 350,000 policyholders against the California FAIR Plan over smoke damage coverage. Dylan Schaffer, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, told SiliconValley.com the idea behind the suit is to force …

Damage

Damage Policyholder

Experts Say More Collaboration Needed for Critical Infrastructure Cyber Risk

Insurance Journal

AUGUST 4, 2024

Insurers continue to grapple with elusive and ever changing cyber risks in the critical infrastructure sector, and Matthew McCabe, managing director for Guy Carpenter’s Cyber Center of Excellence, said he sees a three-party system emerging between insurers, policyholders, and the …

Cyber

Cyber Risk Policyholder Insurance

South Florida Man Charged with Unlicensed Public Adjusting in 2022

Insurance Journal

AUGUST 18, 2024

Investigators with Florida’s Department of Financial Services last week charged a south Florida man with acting as a public adjuster without a license and defrauding policyholders of more than $34,000. It’s the second time in 14 months Giorgio Giovanni Gonzalez …

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London’s ExCel Centre Wins Insurance Appeal Over COVID-19 Losses

Insurance Journal

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

The owners of London’s ExCel conference center on Friday won an appeal brought by insurers, including Allianz, over pandemic-related losses, which its lawyers said could help thousands of other policyholders. London International Exhibition Centre Plc took legal action at London’s …

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