Michael Shashoua

Homeowners class action plaintiffs will depend on finding evidence of conspiracy in discovery process, a legal expert said, but the large scope and cost of discovery, as well as difficulty getting a summary judgment, are likely to lead defendant companies to settle.

Consumer Watchdog argues that California's insurance commissioner cannot allow the FAIR Plan homeowners insurance of last resort to pass on half a $1 billion assessment to consumers.

AB 226, a borrowing mechanism bill passed by the state assembly, allows bond issues supporting the homeowners insurer of last resort – but doesn't specify traditional financing or catastrophe bonds. Cat bonds would not have to be paid back. Also, a climate finance policy advisor said, the bill doesn't account for future disaster risks.

Homeowners who invest in wildfire mitigation measures get no guarantee of breaking even in the form of premium discounts, an insurance attorney points out.

Carriers can reduce their development risks but should be patient and set expectations with partners, executives say.

An administrative law judge began hearings on an interim emergency homeowners insurance rate increase by State Farm General, the insurer's California unit. Attorneys for State Farm say the company's finances require the increase, to keep insurance available in the state. Opponents say only risk is a valid reason, not protecting the insurer's finances.

The energy demands of AI mean that its benefits can be negated by climate damage, troubling executives surveyed by KPMG.

To use more outside affiliates to acquire customers, insurers draw on funds allocated for claims payments, according to a report by an independent analyst firm.

Economic conditions, hiring and the quality of startup insurtechs may also affect M&A activity in the insurance industry, according to a partner at Clyde & Co., a law firm that reports on insurance industry growth.

Oklahoma's insurance commissioner Glen Mulready complemented insurers for quick action that he personally witnessed on the scene of March 14 wildfires

The insurer's AI Working Group set policy for ethical and responsible use of AI, including data handling and managing risk.

With the uncertain status of the federal disaster response agency and NOAA climate and weather forecasting and research, NAIC hears about how disaster relief could depend on volunteer organizations, and difficulty getting storm and climate predictions.

Carriers and brokers setting AI policies for their operations are addressing bias, managing data and maintaining customers' trust.

Digital Insurance spoke with Jonathan Collura, president and CEO of Specialty Risk RE, about how reinsurers could stabilize the home insurance market in areas affected by natural disasters.

Increases in car prices in response to U.S. tariffs on foreign goods, potentially ranging from $3,000 to $12,000, has auto insurers ready to act. If premiums double, the increase in drivers going without insurance would force those with insurance to increase liability coverage.

Home safety and insurance interests call for cooperation with government authorities and homeowners to mitigate risks of flood damage.

Digital Insurance spoke with Ron Gura, CEO of insurtech Empathy, about how life insurers can benefit by providing additional services to beneficiaries after the policy's benefits are collected.

While the 22% average increase for homeowners insurance is provisionally approved by California's regulator, the carrier will have to get capital from its parent company to help cover its risks.

The scope of the disaster depends on whether it's insured losses, property damage or overall economic impact.

Climate events drive up claims and premiums, federally published data and state regulators efforts show. While some say more climate mitigation efforts are needed, insurers' efforts to write coverage are questioned.