In this video, Karl Susman explores the important issue of insurance cancellations. When asked about the notice insurance companies must provide before non-renewing a policy, Mr. Susman explains that this notice period can vary between companies. However, most insurers typically give at least 60 days’ notice before making a non-renewal decision. He also points out that the Department of Insurance has implemented protections for certain zip codes affected by recent wildfires. As a result, residents in these areas can keep their current insurance policies for an extra 12 months, offering crucial peace of mind during the aftermath of the wildfires.

0 0

In this video, Karl Susman continues his in-depth conversation with ASP, addressing an important question: When can an insurance company cancel your policy, and do policyholders have the right to appeal? As a policyholder, it's crucial to understand your rights and available options if you ever find yourself in this situation. Insurance expert Karl Susman explains that policies are typically renewed annually, which is the perfect time for you to review your coverage and decide whether to continue. At the same time, insurance companies evaluate risks to determine if they will renew your policy. If you receive a non-renewal notice, don't panic! You have options. It's important to contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible to discuss any concerns affecting your coverage. Often, addressing these issues can help you maintain your policy. Remember, knowing your rights is key to navigating these situations and standing up for yourself effectively.

0 0

In this video Karl Susman addressed pressing questions surrounding the cancellation of insurance policies in the aftermath of increasing wildfires. He explained why many individuals had their policies canceled months before the devastating wildfires struck. According to Susman, insurance companies made the difficult choice to non-renew policies in high-risk areas as part of a strategy to reduce their exposure to such catastrophic events. These companies used advanced catastrophe modeling techniques to pinpoint regions most vulnerable to wildfires. Fortunately, many affected individuals were given ample time to find new coverage options. The discussion also highlighted the struggles faced by those with canceled policies. When asked about the barriers preventing people from securing new insurance, Susman emphasized the challenges. The surge in demand for policies, combined with a limited market for high-risk areas, drove up prices. Insurers willing to offer coverage in these areas capitalized on the tight market, making it harder for individuals to afford or obtain comprehensive coverage. This interview offers valuable insights into the critical intersection of insurance and wildfire risk, providing essential information for anyone navigating this complex issue.

3 0

1 0

Summary

The video covers an interview on Insurance Hour hosted by Karl Susman with special guest Daniel Berlant, who was appointed as State Fire Marshal by Gavin Newsom in October 2023. The discussion focuses on wildfire prevention, protection, and response in California. Berlant shares critical insights about home hardening, defensible space, and the new concept of 'zone zero.' He reveals that 95% of wildfires are caused by human activity, with only 5% caused by natural events like lightning. The conversation covers the evolution of fire behavior over the past decade, with Berlant noting that summers in California are now 70 days longer than in the 1970s. The interview also discusses CAL FIRE's predictive modeling capabilities, firefighting strategies, and the collaboration between fire services and the insurance industry to reduce fire risks.

Highlights

Introduction and Guest Background

Host Karl Susman introduces Daniel Berlant, appointed State Fire Marshal in October 2023. Berlant's career began with CAL FIRE in 2001 as a volunteer, progressing through various roles including the Fire Prevention Bureau and CAL FIRE Communications.

Home Hardening and Defensible Space

Berlant explains home hardening as building or retrofitting homes with fire-resistant materials. He notes that homes built after 2008 follow new building codes, but 90% of homes in wildfire-prone areas were built before these standards. He introduces the concept of 'zone zero' or ember resistance zone, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a 5-foot buffer around homes free of combustible materials.

Fire Causes and Prevention

Berlant reveals that 95% of wildfires are caused by human activity, with major causes including debris burning, vehicle usage, powered equipment use, and arson. He discusses prevention strategies and directs people to readyforwildfire.org for resources and self-assessment tools.

Climate Impact and Fire Behavior

Berlant discusses how California's fire season has changed, noting summers are now 70 days longer than in the 1970s. He explains how extreme weather events, including dry lightning storms and Santa Ana winds, have contributed to more severe wildfires in recent years.

Firefighting Strategies and Insurance Considerations

The discussion covers CAL FIRE's containment strategies, aerial firefighting capabilities, and the use of various firefighting tools including retardant and water drops. Berlant also details the collaboration between fire services and insurance companies, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive fire prevention measures for insurance purposes.



Wanna text us?

Insurance Hour is hosted by renowned insurance expert Karl Susman. Karl is a frequent guest on television stations such as ABC, CBS, Spectrum, The CW and FOX, and now his popular radio program is available online throughout California and world-wide.

Listeners can now tune in to Insurance Hour on great AM radio station KMET throughout the state of California.

In addition to traditional radio, Insurance Hour is available on several popular streaming platforms, ensuring that listeners can access the show at their convenience.

Audiences worldwide can now enjoy Insurance Hour at InsuranceHour.com, on YouTube, Amazon Music, Tuneln, Alexa, Apple Podcasts, and the iHeartRadio app.

For more information about "Insurance Hour" and its programming, please contact Lara Starr at [email protected]

0 0

Wondering how to lower your auto insurance premiums? We’ve got some helpful tips for you! Insurance expert Karl Susman shares his valuable insights to help you save. The first step: take action! Reach out to your insurance company, agent, or broker and ask about all the discounts available, especially the ones you might not know about. There are often more discounts than you think! Also, be sure to ask about vehicle usage discounts. If you work from home and aren't commuting daily, you could see significant savings. The less you drive, the more you can save on your premium!

1 0

Wondering why insurance rates keep going up? Karl Susman offers valuable insights into this growing concern. As vehicle technology becomes more advanced, repair costs rise due to the complexity and high cost of replacing components like sensors and cameras, compared to traditional bumpers. On top of that, ongoing supply chain delays from the pandemic continue to slow down parts delivery. Additionally, current regulations are designed to protect people that are not driving as well, which causes responsible drivers to subsidize the rates of reckless drivers.

0 0

Karl Susman offers an in-depth explanation of the California FAIR Plan, breaking down its structure and the significant impact it has on policyholders. In this detailed discussion, he addresses one of the most pressing concerns: will all claims be fully paid out? With the recent increase in large insurance payouts, it's becoming evident that insurance rates are expected to rise across the board. However, Mr. Susman goes on to clarify that these rate increases will not be applied uniformly. Instead, the rates will be adjusted according to a sliding scale based on each individual's specific risk exposure. This means that residents living in areas more susceptible to wildfires, for instance, are likely to face higher premiums compared to those in regions with lower risk levels. It’s more important than ever for homeowners to understand how these changes might impact their coverage and prepare accordingly. Stay informed about the California FAIR Plan to ensure you're aware of how it could affect your insurance premiums and claims moving forward.

1 0

Karl Susman discusses the rise in insurance scams. Remember, legitimate agencies like FEMA will NEVER send unsolicited texts or messages. If you receive unexpected messages asking for personal information or offering assistance, be cautious – they could be scams! Scammers are targeting those who have recently lost their homes, making false promises about priority in the rebuilding process. Protect yourself and your personal information: never sign anything or share details without first verifying the source. Stay informed and stay safe!

0 0