When it comes to understanding insurance — what it covers, what it doesn't, and how it actually works — most people find themselves lost in a maze of terms, exclusions, and red tape. But for thousands of Californians, a familiar voice on the airwaves is helping cut through the confusion.
"I'm Karl Susman with The Insurance Hour on 96.9 FM and 1290 AM KZSB. Make sure to subscribe and listen up."
That simple on-air invitation from Karl Susman, founder of Susman Insurance Agency and host of The Insurance Hour, captures the spirit of a program that has quietly become one of the state's most valuable educational resources. It's more than just a talk show — it's a public classroom for one of the most misunderstood industries in America.
In a time when homeowners, drivers, and businesses are struggling to navigate an unstable market, The Insurance Hour provides what's been missing from the conversation: clarity.
Insurance isn't just about numbers and contracts; it's about people — and protection. Yet, for many, it feels inaccessible. The fine print can seem designed to confuse, not inform. That's the gap Karl Susman set out to bridge.
On The Insurance Hour, Karl breaks down complex topics into real-world conversations. Whether it's wildfire coverage, rate hikes, Proposition 103, or auto insurance reforms, his focus is always on education before sales.
"Insurance shouldn't be something you only think about after a loss," Susman says. "The best insurance policy is an informed one."
Each week, he and his guests — industry experts, policymakers, and consumer advocates — take listeners inside the mechanics of insurance: how rates are set, why markets fluctuate, and what consumers can do to protect themselves before disaster strikes.
California is facing a full-blown insurance crisis. Wildfires, inflation, and outdated regulations have collided to create a perfect storm. Major insurers like State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers have pulled back from writing new homeowners policies, leaving tens of thousands of residents scrambling for coverage.
Meanwhile, the state's last-resort FAIR Plan has ballooned far beyond its intended capacity, forcing homeowners to pay more for less coverage.
It's within this chaotic environment that The Insurance Hour has found its purpose.
Listeners aren't just tuning in for news — they're looking for guidance. They w ...
