Shows
ICGS Insurance HourProposition 103 Is Broken: Why California's Insurance Crisis Is About to ExplodeProposition 103 Is Broken: How California's Insurance Crisis Reached a Breaking Point When Proposition 103 passed in 1988, it was hailed as a triumph for consumers—a law that promised lower rates, greater fairness, and tighter oversight of "greedy" insurance companies. Nearly four decades later, that same law is being blamed for helping create one of the most dysfunctional insurance markets in the United States. Insurance expert Karl Susman, a veteran broker and insurance commentator, argues that Proposition 103 is no longer protecting Californians. Instead, it's strangling the insurance system with outdated rules that make it impossible for carriers to adapt to...
2025-10-1823 min
ICGS Insurance HourThe Wildfire Wake-Up Call: How Prop 103 Is Killing CA's Insurance MarketThe Wildfire Wake-Up Call: How Proposition 103 Is Killing California's Insurance Market California is burning—literally and figuratively. In recent years, wildfires have destroyed entire communities, displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, and cost billions in insured losses. Yet amid the physical devastation, another crisis is quietly raging: the collapse of California's homeowners insurance market. According to insurance expert Karl Susman, who's spent three decades helping clients recover from disasters, the problem goes beyond climate change and wildfires. The true culprit, he argues, is California's outdated insurance regulation—specifically Proposition 103. What was once hailed as a...
2025-07-0523 min
ICGS Insurance HourCBS News Los Angeles - Homeowners insurance crisis panelCalifornia's Homeowners Insurance Crisis: What Experts Say You Need to Know California's insurance crisis has officially reached the living rooms of everyday homeowners. With coverage costs climbing, non-renewals spreading, and confusion growing, consumers are now asking the same urgent question: What do I really need in my homeowners policy — and how can I make sure I'm protected without overpaying? In a recent CBS News Los Angeles panel hosted by consumer reporter Christine Lazar, a team of leading insurance experts — Karl Susman, Amy Bach, and Janet Ruiz — tackled those questions head-on. The discussion revealed not just why coverage is bec...
2025-06-0613 min
ICGS Insurance HourCBS Special phone bank for Homeowners InsuranceCalifornia's Home Insurance Crisis: What the CBS "Phone Bank" Revealed About Consumer Frustration — and Power When CBS News Los Angeles hosted a live homeowners insurance phone bank, the response was overwhelming. Within minutes of going live, the newsroom's phones lit up — and they didn't stop ringing for hours. Homeowners from every corner of Southern California called in with the same question, in different forms: "Why is my insurance so expensive?" "Why was I dropped?" "Who can I talk to when my claim goes nowhere?" The event, led by consumer reporter Christine Lazar and join...
2025-06-0505 min
ICGS Insurance HourCBS, KCAL News, homeowners insurance hotline, 6/3/2025California's Home Insurance Hotline: What the CBS/KCAL Special Revealed About the State's Coverage Crisis When CBS/KCAL News Los Angeles opened a special homeowners insurance hotline in June 2025, the phones began ringing before the broadcast even started — and they didn't stop all evening. Producers expected a busy hour. Instead, they got a vivid picture of a crisis that has reached every corner of California: homeowners unable to afford coverage, wildfire victims waiting months for payouts, and retirees paying more in insurance premiums than in mortgage payments. "How am I going to afford my insurance?" on...
2025-06-0402 min
ICGS Insurance HourCalifornia homeowners accuse insurers of colluding to deny coverageCalifornia's Insurance Crisis Deepens: Allegations of Collusion and the Future of the FAIR Plan As wildfires continue to devastate California, the state's insurance system faces its most turbulent chapter yet. In a new legal twist, homeowners have filed lawsuits accusing major insurers of colluding to deny coverage in high-risk wildfire zones — effectively pushing consumers into the state-run California FAIR Plan. These allegations have reignited a long-simmering debate over fairness, competition, and solvency in the Golden State's insurance market. At the heart of the controversy lies a painful truth: millions of Californians are struggling to find affordable home in...
2025-04-2504 min
ICGS Insurance HourSan Diego earthquake sparks interest in insurance for homeownersSan Diego Earthquake: Why Homeowners Should Rethink Their Earthquake Insurance Coverage When a 5.2-magnitude earthquake rattled San Diego earlier this week, it did more than shake walls—it shook Californians into reconsidering how prepared they truly are for the next "big one." It's a familiar story: after every tremor, the phones of insurance agents ring nonstop. And while most homeowners assume their standard policies cover "acts of nature," the reality is quite different. As insurance expert Karl Susman explained in a recent interview, traditional homeowners' insurance does not cover earthquake damage. This seismic event has re...
2025-04-1602 min
ICGS Insurance HourListen: Insurance Expert Karl Susman is following the California Department Of Insurance hearing with State Farm regarding their emergency rate increase request.California's Insurance Crossroads: Breaking Down the State Farm Rate Hearing and What It Means for Homeowners California's insurance crisis continues to dominate headlines, and the latest chapter — State Farm's emergency hearing before the California Department of Insurance (CDI) — underscores just how fragile the system has become. In an interview with The Afternoon News with Kitty O'Neal, insurance expert Karl Susman offered an in-depth analysis of what unfolded at the hearing, explaining why the outcome could shape the state's insurance market for years to come. The discussion centered on one key question: Can insurers afford to stay in Cali...
2025-04-1102 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Expert Karl Susman on State Farm's Rate Hike Request - The Afternoon News w/ Kitty O'NealInside State Farm's Big Rate Hike Hearing: What It Means for California Homeowners California's insurance market has been under unprecedented strain for years — but the recent hearing between State Farm, the California Department of Insurance (CDI), and Consumer Watchdog might mark one of the most consequential moments in its modern history. In a revealing conversation on The Afternoon News with Kitty O'Neal, insurance expert Karl Susman shed light on what unfolded during the lengthy proceedings and why it matters to every California homeowner. Beyond the procedural chaos and bureaucratic gridlock, the hearing exposed the fragile balance between co...
2025-04-0902 min
ICGS Insurance HourINSURANCE CRISIS: Why Your Premiums Are Skyrocketing and What You Can Do!Why Your Insurance Premiums Are Skyrocketing — And What You Can Do About It California is burning, both figuratively and literally. With record-breaking wildfires and billion-dollar losses sweeping through Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Central Valley, homeowners across the state are asking the same question: Why is my insurance premium skyrocketing—and what can I actually do about it? Insurance expert Karl Susman, host of Insurance Hour, addressed this urgent topic head-on in his recent broadcast, breaking down the real causes behind California's insurance meltdown. His insights offer clarity for consumers, agents, and policymakers trying to navigate a sy...
2025-03-0753 min
ICGS Insurance HourLA Wildfires: California Residents Face Insurance Crisis Amid Recovery | To The PointCalifornia's Wildfire Insurance Crisis: What Homeowners Must Know About Rising Risks, Rate Hikes, and Coverage Gaps As California continues to burn—literally and figuratively—under the weight of another devastating wildfire season, a new challenge is sweeping across the state: the battle for affordable, accessible homeowners insurance. In the aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires, thousands of residents face uncertainty about whether their homes, families, and financial futures are truly protected. Insurance expert Karl Susman recently appeared on To The Point to shed light on how these fires are reshaping the insurance landscape, the crucial policy details home...
2025-03-0610 min
ICGS Insurance HourClaim DENIED?! The TRUTH About The Insurance Process After a Disaster!Claim Denied? Understanding the Insurance Process After a Disaster When catastrophe strikes—especially a disaster as devastating as California's recent wildfires—the last thing any homeowner expects is for their insurance claim to become its own battle. Yet for many Californians, the process of recovering after a fire, flood, or earthquake is proving almost as stressful as the event itself. In this episode of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman walks listeners through the real-world complexities of filing a claim after a major disaster. His goal isn't to sugarcoat the process—it's to arm homeowners with the knowledge and to...
2025-02-2853 min
ICGS Insurance HourLos Angeles Wildfire Victims Targeted by Scammers — Don't Fall for These Traps!Wildfire Victims Beware: Scammers Are Exploiting Disaster Recovery—Here's How to Protect Yourself When disaster strikes, the worst of human behavior often follows. Amid the ashes of loss and the chaos of rebuilding, scammers emerge—preying on the fear, confusion, and vulnerability of wildfire victims. That's the disturbing reality Karl Susman, host of Insurance Hour, discussed in his special broadcast covering the California wildfires. From fake aid organizations to fraudulent contractors, Susman warns that for every genuine act of help, there's someone ready to exploit tragedy for personal gain. 1. The Rise of Disaster-Related Fraud It's heartbreaking but true...
2025-02-2153 min
ICGS Insurance HourCA Insurance: State Farm asks to increase rates, Karl weighs in | "To The Point" Extended InterviewCalifornia's Insurance Market Crossroads: Why State Farm's Rate Hike Could Define the Future of Coverage California's insurance market stands at a breaking point. After years of suppressed rates, mounting wildfire claims, and regulatory gridlock, State Farm—which insures nearly 20% of all California households—has filed for an emergency rate increase that could redefine how risk and affordability are balanced in the Golden State. In an extended interview on ABC10's "To The Point", insurance expert Karl Susman unpacked the details behind this dramatic move. His explanation reveals not only why State Farm's request is significant, but also how...
2025-02-0611 min
ICGS Insurance HourKARL SUSMAN - News Nation - State Farm Seeking Emergency Rate IncreaseState Farm's Emergency Rate Hike: What It Means for California Homeowners and the Future of Insurance The California insurance market is once again at a tipping point. In the wake of catastrophic wildfires that have devastated communities and caused billions in damages, State Farm—the nation's largest property insurer—has requested an emergency 30% rate increase in California. To many consumers, the news feels like déjà vu: higher premiums, fewer options, and growing uncertainty. But as insurance expert and Insurance Hour host Karl Susman explained during his recent appearance on NewsNation, this move is not just predictable—it's nec...
2025-02-0503 min
ICGS Insurance HourWildfire Recovery Insurance Tips with Karl Susman | Essential Claim AdviceRebuilding After the Flames: Essential Wildfire Insurance Tips Every Californian Should Know When wildfires devastate communities across California, the journey from evacuation to recovery can be overwhelming. In the aftermath of destruction, homeowners and renters face not only emotional loss but the daunting task of navigating insurance claims, temporary housing, and rebuilding. In a recent FOX 11 News In Depth segment with host Hal Eisner, insurance expert Karl Susman offered a grounded, practical roadmap for those beginning this long process — from filing the first claim to keeping existing coverage intact. This blog unpacks Susman's key advice and expands on...
2025-02-0202 min
ICGS Insurance HourFOX 11 News IN DEPTH - Karl Susman Talks LA Wildfire Damage & Insurance Challenges AheadCalifornia's Wildfire Insurance Reality: What Every Homeowner Must Know As flames continue to scorch the hills of Southern California, the devastation left behind is not only physical but financial. For thousands of residents, rebuilding after a wildfire isn't just about clearing debris—it's about navigating an insurance system under unprecedented stress. In a recent FOX 11 News In Depth discussion with host Hal Eisner, insurance expert Karl Susman offered a candid look into the challenges facing homeowners, renters, and insurers alike amid the ongoing crisis. His insights reveal the growing fragility of California's property-insurance market and what consumers can do to...
2025-02-0220 min
ICGS Insurance HourNavigating Insurance Claims for WildfiresNavigating Insurance Claims After Wildfires: A Homeowner's Roadmap to Recovery As California continues to battle record-breaking wildfires, thousands of residents are once again facing the aftermath—displacement, uncertainty, and the daunting process of filing insurance claims. Wildfires don't just destroy homes; they test the limits of the insurance system itself. In a recent Insurance Hour discussion, Karl Susman, a longtime California insurance expert and host of the program, shared crucial guidance for homeowners trying to navigate the complex claims process after a catastrophic fire. His insights help separate panic from practicality, offering a roadmap for homeowners to re...
2025-01-2607 min
ICGS Insurance HourKarl Susman Discusses Homeowner Insurance Payouts After Wildfires | KNBC TV NewsWhen Wildfire Strikes: How Homeowners Can Navigate Insurance Payouts, Rebuilding, and Recovery California's wildfire season has once again left families across the state reeling. Beyond the physical and emotional devastation, survivors now face another daunting task—dealing with their homeowner's insurance payouts. For many, this process can take months—or even years—and comes with complex choices about whether to rebuild, relocate, or start over somewhere else. In a recent KNBC TV News segment, consumer reporter Chris Kimura spoke with industry experts, including Karl Susman, host of Insurance Hour and veteran California insurance broker, to shed light on wha...
2025-01-2501 min
ICGS Insurance Hour"California FAIR Plan Faces Uncertainty After LA Fires | Karl Susman Weighs In"California's FAIR Plan Faces Its Biggest Test Yet: What Homeowners Need to Know After the LA Fires California's insurance market is once again at a crossroads. Following the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires, thousands of homeowners—many already forced out of traditional insurance markets—are depending on the California FAIR Plan to rebuild. But with estimated payouts approaching $6 billion, experts warn that the state's last-resort fire insurer is facing a financial and operational stress test unlike any in its history. On ABC 10 News, reporter Jane Kim spoke with insurance expert Karl Susman, host of Insurance Hour, who expl...
2025-01-2401 min
ICGS Insurance HourHow Insurance Companies Are Handling LA Fire LossesInside California's Wildfire Crisis: How Insurers Are Managing the LA Fire Losses California's latest wildfire catastrophe has once again tested the strength and responsiveness of the state's insurance industry. With entire communities reduced to ash and thousands displaced, policyholders are now confronting a second wave of stress—navigating the complicated process of insurance recovery. On California Insider, insurance expert Karl Susman, President of Susman Insurance Agency and host of Insurance Hour, shared a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how insurers are responding to the Los Angeles-area fire losses, why payouts vary dramatically, and what policyholders need to know to...
2025-01-2435 min
ICGS Insurance HourHow Insurance Companies Are Handling LA Fire Losses Karl SusmanInside California's Wildfire Insurance Crisis: How Companies Are Handling Massive LA Fire Losses As wildfires tear through Southern California, destroying entire neighborhoods and upending lives, one question dominates the minds of homeowners: Will my insurance cover it—and when will I see the money? In a revealing interview on California Insider, insurance expert Karl Susman, President of Susman Insurance Agency and host of Insurance Hour, offered a candid look inside how insurers are responding to the Los Angeles fires, how payouts are being handled, and what challenges both policyholders and companies face in this unprecedented disaster.
2025-01-2435 min
ICGS Insurance HourKarl Susman Explains Insurance Options for Wildfire SurvivorsRebuilding After the Flames: Understanding Your Insurance Options After a Wildfire When wildfires sweep across California, they leave behind more than scorched earth—they leave uncertainty, heartbreak, and complex insurance decisions. Thousands of families each year face the same agonizing question: Should we rebuild or move on? In a recent NBC Bay Area segment, Karl Susman, insurance expert and host of Insurance Hour, helped wildfire survivors understand what their homeowner's insurance truly covers, how payouts work, and what to consider before deciding whether to rebuild. His insights cut through the confusion many homeowners face after disaster strikes—espe...
2025-01-2202 min
ICGS Insurance Hour"Understanding Public Adjusters: Expert Advice from Karl Susman on KNBC TV News"Understanding Public Adjusters: When to Hire Help—and When to Hold Off When disaster strikes—especially in the wake of California's devastating wildfires—homeowners are thrust into one of the most stressful experiences imaginable: filing an insurance claim. Amid the smoke and uncertainty, many are approached by public adjusters, promising to help "fight" the insurance company and secure a larger payout. But are these adjusters really the heroes they appear to be? Or can their fees and fine print add yet another layer of trouble to an already complex process? In a recent NBC4 Los Angele...
2025-01-1601 min
ICGS Insurance Hour"California Wildfires and Insurance Crisis: Insights from Karl Susman on Spectrum News"California Wildfires and the Insurance Crisis: How New Reforms Are Changing the Future of Coverage As flames tore through Los Angeles County in the Eaton and Palisades fires, entire neighborhoods were reduced to ash. Early estimates suggest that more than 12,000 homes and businesses were destroyed, and at least 25 lives were lost. For many Californians, the tragedy has reignited an urgent question: What happens when the insurance system itself is on fire? In a candid interview with Spectrum News, insurance expert Karl Susman, President of Susman Insurance Services, offered a rare look behind the curtain of California's embattled...
2025-01-1606 min
ICGS Insurance HourThe Rising Cost of Fire Insurance: Expert Karl Susman Weighs In | CBS NewsThe Rising Cost of Fire Insurance: Understanding California's New Reality As the flames from California's latest wildfire crisis continue to fade, a new kind of firestorm is emerging — one that burns through budgets, not forests. The cost of fire insurance is skyrocketing, and according to industry expert Karl Susman, this may only be the beginning of a long and painful recalibration of California's insurance market. Appearing on CBS News, Susman discussed how the recent Los Angeles wildfires — particularly those devastating areas like Pacific Palisades — are reshaping the way insurance companies, regulators, and consumers share the burden of disast...
2025-01-1303 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Challenges Amid Southern California Wildfires: Insights from Karl SusmanInsurance Challenges Amid Southern California Wildfires: What Homeowners Must Know About Coverage, Claims, and Recovery Southern California is once again facing devastating wildfires — an all-too-familiar crisis that has displaced families, destroyed homes, and strained an already fragile insurance market. Beyond the smoke and flames, the financial aftershocks are spreading through California's housing and insurance systems, forcing homeowners, insurers, and regulators to confront hard truths about how risk is priced, shared, and managed. In this week's Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman broke down what's happening behind the headlines: how the insurance system works in times of disaster, what pr...
2025-01-1203 min
ICGS Insurance HourKarl Susman Discusses California Wildfires, Insurance Challenges, and RecoveryCalifornia Wildfires and the Insurance Crossroads: What Homeowners Must Know About Coverage, Recovery, and Reform California's wildfires are no longer seasonal anomalies — they are structural stress tests for one of the nation's most complex insurance ecosystems. Every year, as flames rage through forests and communities, they leave behind not only destruction but also deep uncertainty about who will pay to rebuild. In a recent Insurance Hour segment, insurance expert Karl Susman dissected this crisis with clarity and urgency, explaining how the state's insurance system, government programs, and new regulatory changes are reshaping the path to recovery. His in...
2025-01-1203 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Expert Karl Susman on Wildfire Claims, Market Impact & Scams | CBS InterviewCalifornia's Wildfire Insurance Crisis: Navigating Claims, Market Challenges, and Post-Disaster Scams As California faces yet another catastrophic wildfire season, thousands of families are dealing with the devastating loss of homes, communities, and stability. But beyond the flames lies a quieter crisis — an insurance market under severe strain, where coverage gaps, market withdrawals, and fraudulent practices add another layer of difficulty to recovery. In a recent CBS News interview, insurance expert Karl Susman, president of Susman Insurance Services, joined from Southern California to explain how these overlapping crises are reshaping both the insurance landscape and the recovery process. Hi...
2025-01-1205 min
ICGS Insurance HourCalifornia Insurance Crisis: Expert Karl Susman Explains the ChallengesInside California's Insurance Crisis: Why Homeowners Are Paying More—and Getting Less California's insurance market is facing one of the most significant crises in its history. From wildfire losses to outdated regulations, insurers, agents, and homeowners are all grappling with a perfect storm of risk, cost, and uncertainty. In a recent ABC 10 News report, insurance expert and broker Karl Susman broke down the forces driving the crisis—and the harsh realities facing Californians trying to protect their homes. His insights reveal a system at the breaking point, where insurers are retreating, consumers are overpaying, and agents are stru...
2025-01-1101 min
ICGS Insurance HourCalifornia Wildfire Insurance Crisis: Expert Karl Susman Shares Key InsightsCalifornia's Wildfire Insurance Crisis: Expert Insights on the Future of Coverage and Cost California's relationship with wildfire is no longer seasonal — it's structural. With every passing year, the state faces blazes that grow in both intensity and economic devastation. The current wave of fires across regions like the Pacific Palisades is proving to be one of the most destructive yet, both in terms of property loss and insurance implications. As insurance claims from these wildfires soar into the tens of billions of dollars, homeowners and insurers alike are grappling with questions about what comes next. How will th...
2025-01-1103 min
ICGS Insurance HourNavigating Wildfire Insurance – Insights from Karl SusmanNavigating Wildfire Insurance: What Every California Homeowner Needs to Know As wildfires once again sweep across Southern California, tens of thousands of residents are facing mandatory evacuations, shuttered businesses, and an uncertain future. Even Universal Studios Hollywood had to close due to dangerous fire conditions and extreme winds — a stark reminder of just how far-reaching these disasters have become. In an interview with NewsNation, insurance expert Karl Susman, President of Susman Insurance Services, joined live from the evacuation zone of the Palisades Fire to share firsthand insights into what homeowners and business owners need to know about wi...
2025-01-1105 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Commissioner BANS Cancellations - NewsNation Now with Nichole BerlieWhen the Insurance Commissioner Bans Policy Cancellations: What It Means for California Homeowners As wildfires once again rage across California, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate, one of the most urgent questions facing homeowners isn't just "Is my home safe?"—it's "Will my insurance still cover me?" In a NewsNation interview with Nichole Berlie, insurance expert Karl Susman—himself an evacuee of the Palisades fire—offered a candid, firsthand look into how California's insurance system is adapting to yet another catastrophic fire season. The discussion centered around a decisive move by the California Department of Insurance (CDI): the te...
2025-01-1105 min
ICGS Insurance HourWildfires, Earthquakes, and Cyber Threats: Is Your Insurance Enough?Wildfires, Earthquakes, and Cyber Threats: Is Your Insurance Really Enough? In an age of unpredictable disasters — from raging wildfires and shattering earthquakes to invisible cyberattacks — the question of whether your insurance is truly enough has never been more urgent. During a recent episode of Insurance Hour, host and insurance expert Karl Susman tackled this exact concern, offering practical answers to listener questions and unpacking how modern risks are redefining what it means to be properly insured in 2025. What began as a Q&A session turned into an insightful masterclass on how ordinary policyholders can protect themselves in extr...
2025-01-1053 min
ICGS Insurance HourKarl Susman on how to prepare for insurance claims amid California firesPreparing for Insurance Claims Amid California's Wildfires: Lessons from the Front Lines As California's wildfires once again devastate neighborhoods from the Hollywood Hills to the Pacific Palisades, thousands of homeowners are facing a painful question: Will my insurance actually protect me when I need it most? For many, the answer is uncertain. After years of insurer withdrawals, non-renewals, and skyrocketing rates, even long-time policyholders are discovering that their homes — and futures — may not be as secure as they thought. In a recent interview on CBS's On Your Side, insurance expert and broker Karl Susman shared firs...
2025-01-1003 min
ICGS Insurance HourLA Wildfires impact on InsuranceLA Wildfires and the Future of California's Insurance Market The flames sweeping through the hillsides of Los Angeles are more than just another wildfire event — they're a stress test for California's already fragile insurance system. With containment still hovering below 10% and entire neighborhoods reduced to ash, experts warn that the claims from these fires could reach tens of billions of dollars, making them among the most expensive in state history. On Insurance Hour, host and insurance expert Karl Susman (appearing here as "Carl Sussman" in the broadcast transcript) joined live coverage to explain what these fires mean fo...
2025-01-1003 min
ICGS Insurance Hour80,000 have evacuated in California amid wildfires!When 80,000 People Evacuate: How to Navigate Insurance During California's Wildfires When you wake up to red skies, air thick with smoke, and sirens echoing through canyons, the first instinct is survival. But once your family is safe and the flames begin to fade, another question emerges: Will insurance cover what's left? As California once again faces multiple wildfires — including the Palisades, Hearst, East Eaton, and Woodley Fires — roughly 80,000 residents have been forced to evacuate across Southern California. Entire neighborhoods sit under mandatory evacuation orders, highways are closed, and even Universal Studios Hollywood has shut down due to fire...
2025-01-0905 min
ICGS Insurance HourCan the Los Angeles fires impact California's home insurance market?California Burning: How the Los Angeles Fires Could Reshape the State's Home Insurance Market Wildfire season has once again ignited fear across California — and this time, the flames are threatening not just homes, but the very structure of the state's insurance system. As fires rage through the Los Angeles area, many Californians are asking a familiar question: Will this disaster make home insurance even harder to find or afford? In a state already facing an unprecedented insurance crisis, the answer is complex — and it reaches far beyond the burn zones. Insurance expert Karl Susman, host of Insurance Hour...
2025-01-0903 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Tips for Homeowners Impacted by FireInsurance Tips for Homeowners Impacted by Fire: Navigating the Claims Process and the Road to Recovery The images are heartbreaking — entire neighborhoods reduced to ash, streets unrecognizable, and families standing before the remnants of homes that once held decades of memories. As wildfires continue to tear through Southern California, insurance concerns have quickly become one of the most pressing issues for displaced homeowners. During a recent Insurance Hour appearance, insurance expert Karl Susman — himself among those evacuated — shared critical insights on how victims can take control of their recovery, even amid the chaos. His advice, grounded in decade...
2025-01-0906 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(REMOVED) 80,000 have evacuated in California amid wildfires.When Wildfire Strikes: How Californians Can Protect Homes, Cars, and Claims During an Evacuation As Santa Ana winds roared across Southern California, fueling blazes from the Palisades to the San Fernando Valley, more than 80,000 residents were forced to evacuate. Flames closed freeways, scorched neighborhoods, and even shut down Universal Studios Hollywood. For thousands of Californians, this wasn't just another fire season — it was a reminder of how vulnerable the state has become to climate-driven catastrophes. Insurance expert Karl Susman, speaking live from evacuation zones during Insurance Hour, described what he saw as "unprecedented." Multiple active fires were bu...
2025-01-0805 min
ICGS Insurance HourWedding Day Disasters & Earthquakes: Insurance You Didn't Know You Needed!Wedding Day Disasters & Earthquakes: The Overlooked Insurance You Didn't Know You Needed When most people think about insurance, they picture the big stuff — health, home, auto, or maybe even life insurance. But as Insurance Hour host Karl Susman reminds listeners, the most devastating financial setbacks often come from the unexpected gaps between those familiar coverages. In this episode, Susman walks through real listener questions about overlooked policies — from wedding insurance and cyber coverage to hobby farms and earthquake protection — exposing how easily consumers can find themselves unprotected in critical moments. This discussion isn't just a Q&A sessio...
2025-01-0353 min
ICGS Insurance HourFranklin Wildfire - Insurance Expert Explains What Homeowners Need to Know During Malibu WildfireWhen Fire Strikes: What the Franklin Wildfire Teaches Us About Insurance Preparedness As flames swept across the hills of Malibu during the Franklin Fire, hundreds of California homeowners found themselves asking the same two questions: "Do I have enough insurance?" and "What happens now?" For residents in fire-prone areas, these questions have become a grim seasonal ritual. And for the insurance industry — already in crisis — each new wildfire is another reminder of how fragile the system has become. In a recent live interview, independent insurance expert Karl Susman offered both clarity and calm, breaking down what...
2024-12-1003 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance expert discusses fire coverage and what the Franklin Fire means to the insurance industry.Fire, Fair Plans, and Financial Stability: What the Franklin Fire Reveals About California's Insurance Future Wildfires have become an annual headline in California — and with each major blaze, homeowners, insurers, and policymakers are reminded just how fragile the state's insurance ecosystem has become. The Franklin Fire, which recently threatened hundreds of homes in Malibu, has once again ignited public anxiety about coverage, affordability, and the future of California's fire insurance market. In a recent On Your Side interview, insurance expert Karl Susman joined journalist Christine Lazar to unpack what this fire means for homeowners and the broader in...
2024-12-1005 min
ICGS Insurance HourKarl's Comments - 12-05-2024 - Workshop Examining Net Cost of Reinsurance and RatemakingReinsurance, Regulation, and Reform: Why California's Insurance Rules Are Driving the Market to the Brink In California's rapidly evolving insurance landscape, one term keeps resurfacing in every serious policy discussion: reinsurance. While it might sound like an abstract industry concept, it is, in fact, the invisible safety net that keeps the insurance market stable, solvent, and responsive to consumers' needs. During the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Workshop on the Net Cost of Reinsurance and Ratemaking on December 5, 2024, veteran insurance expert Karl Susman delivered pointed remarks that crystallized a growing concern within the industry — that California's regulatory st...
2024-12-0704 min
ICGS Insurance HourHow to Save Big and Protect More with These Insurance Tips!How to Save Big and Protect More: Smart Insurance Tips You Can't Afford to Miss Insurance isn't just about paying premiums — it's about making sure those dollars work for you when life happens. Whether you're a homeowner in wildfire territory, a rideshare driver navigating complex coverage, or a crypto investor looking for digital protection, understanding your options is the key to saving money and avoiding devastating losses. In a recent episode of Insurance Hour with Karl Susman, listeners called in with real-world questions that revealed just how complicated — and crucial — insurance education has become. From California's FAIR Plan t...
2024-12-0653 min
ICGS Insurance HourDon't Make These Costly Insurance Mistakes!Avoiding Common Insurance Mistakes: Lessons Every California Consumer Should Know When it comes to protecting what matters most — your home, car, family, and livelihood — insurance is both a shield and a mystery. Policies can be dense, deductibles confusing, and fine print intimidating. In a recent episode of Insurance Hour, host and insurance expert Karl Susman unpacked some of the most common and costly mistakes people make when it comes to insurance. From misunderstanding earthquake coverage to neglecting proper liability protection, Susman's message is clear: being informed is the best insurance of all. 1. The Earthquake Coverage Misconception Living in C...
2024-11-2953 min
ICGS Insurance HourFence, Paint, or Pothole: What Insurance Secrets Are You Missing?Fence, Paint, or Pothole? Everyday Insurance Scenarios That Could Cost You Thousands In the world of insurance, it's rarely the big disasters that trip people up — it's the small ones. A broken fence after a storm, a spill in your car, or a cracked window from the neighbor's kids. These everyday mishaps may seem minor, but when they happen, the question is always the same: "Does my insurance cover this?" In a recent episode of Insurance Hour with Karl Susman, Karl tackled a full lineup of listener questions that uncovered the hidden truths behind these "small" claims. Fr...
2024-11-2253 min
ICGS Insurance HourWhat effect will the Mountain Fire have on the insurance market? | Karl Appears on On Your SideThe Mountain Fire and California's Insurance Market: A Crisis Already Burning When wildfires sweep across California, the damage is visible in burned landscapes, destroyed homes, and lost lives. But beneath the smoke lies another slow-burning crisis — the unraveling of California's property insurance market. In a recent appearance on FOX's On Your Side, insurance expert Karl Susman joined journalist Christine Lozara to discuss the implications of the Mountain Fire, which destroyed more than 100 homes and scorched over a million acres. The key takeaway? The fire itself may not "tip" the market into crisis — because the market is a...
2024-11-1203 min
ICGS Insurance HourIs Your Home Really Covered? Discover the Hidden Gaps in Your PolicyIs Your Home Really Covered? Discover the Hidden Gaps in Your Policy For most Californians, a home isn't just a place to live — it's the largest financial investment they'll ever make. Yet many homeowners don't fully understand how (or even if) that investment is truly protected. In a recent episode of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman peeled back the layers of what's really covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy — and, more importantly, what isn't. From occupancy requirements to misunderstood coverage limits, Susman highlighted how even well-meaning homeowners can find themselves dangerously underinsured. Here's what every homeowner shou...
2024-11-0153 min
ICGS Insurance HourWhy Your Insurance Claim Was Denied – And How to Fight Back!Why Your Insurance Claim Was Denied — and How to Fight Back When you file an insurance claim, you expect your policy to deliver on its promise: financial help when you need it most. Yet every year, thousands of policyholders are stunned to discover their claims are delayed, underpaid, or denied outright. In a recent episode of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman walked listeners through the most common reasons claims get rejected and what consumers can do to challenge a denial. Drawing on decades of experience in California's volatile insurance market, Susman broke down the realities behind "full co...
2024-10-1854 min
ICGS Insurance HourAuto Insurance Nightmare: How Inflation & EVs Are Crushing Your Wallet!🚗 The Auto Insurance Nightmare: How Inflation and Electric Vehicles Are Driving Your Premiums Through the Roof Auto insurance costs across America have surged to record highs, and California is no exception. As drivers open their renewal notices, many are shocked to see double-digit rate increases — 20%, 30%, sometimes more. In a recent Insurance Hour episode, host Karl Susman unpacked the reasons behind these painful premium spikes, exploring how inflation, supply chain disruptions, electric vehicles (EVs), and legal costs are converging to create the perfect financial storm for drivers. This is more than a short-term blip — it's a structu...
2024-09-2454 min
ICGS Insurance HourKarl Susman's Comments at California DOI Catastrophe Modeling and Ratemaking Hearing - Sept 17, 2024The Future of Insurance in California: Why Catastrophe Modeling Matters On September 17, 2024, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) held one of the most consequential public hearings in decades — a rulemaking session on catastrophe modeling and rate-making reform. Among the speakers was Karl Susman, a 30-year insurance broker, expert witness, and host of Insurance Hour. His testimony captured both the urgency and the opportunity of this moment: a turning point for a state struggling to maintain an affordable, functioning insurance market in the face of growing climate risks. Susman's comments were clear and pointed: California's insurance ma...
2024-09-1804 min
ICGS Insurance HourNavigating Insurance Challenges: What to Do When No One Will Insure Your HomeNavigating Insurance Challenges: What to Do When No One Will Insure Your Home Imagine finding your dream home — the perfect location, just the right price — only to discover no one will insure it. It's a reality that's becoming increasingly common in California and other high-risk regions across the United States. Between wildfire exposure, aging properties, and market contraction, more homeowners are discovering that traditional insurers simply won't write them a policy. In this Insurance Hour episode, host Karl Susman tackled one of the toughest questions a homeowner can face: "What do I do when...
2024-09-1008 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Power Plays: The Role of State Commissioners and Your CoverageInsurance Power Plays: How State Commissioners Shape Your Coverage When most people think about insurance, they picture their agent, their premium, or maybe a claim they've filed. What they rarely consider is the architecture behind the system — the laws, regulations, and leaders who decide what insurance companies can and can't do. In a recent episode of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman explored one of the most overlooked but powerful institutions in American insurance: the state insurance commissioner. These commissioners sit at the intersection of government, business, and consumer protection. They oversee the solvency of insurers, ap...
2024-09-1008 min
ICGS Insurance Hour"Insurance: How to Buy and Why It Matters — Claim Payments and Big PayoutsInsurance 101: How to Buy It, Why It Matters, and Proof That It Pays When it comes to insurance, most people fall into one of two camps: those who see it as a necessary expense, and those who see it as a waste until disaster strikes. Yet the truth, as Karl Susman explains in a recent Insurance Hour episode, lies somewhere in between. Insurance isn't just about protection — it's about understanding how, when, and from whom to buy it. And, perhaps most importantly, it's about knowing that when catastrophe does strike, the system actually works. The Many Wa...
2024-09-1008 min
ICGS Insurance HourMastering the Insurance Claim Process: Practical Tips for Dealing with AdjustersMastering the Insurance Claim Process: Practical Tips for Dealing with Adjusters When disaster strikes — whether it's a fender bender, a burst pipe, or a house fire — insurance is supposed to step in and make you whole again. Yet for many policyholders, the claim process feels confusing, slow, and at times, downright frustrating. Why does it seem like some claims go smoothly while others stall? Why do some adjusters seem compassionate and responsive, while others leave homeowners feeling ignored? According to Karl Susman, insurance expert and host of Insurance Hour, much of the stress around insurance clai...
2024-09-1008 min
ICGS Insurance HourKarl Susman's Comments at Summer 2024 National Council of Insurance Legislators Summer MeetingRethinking Insurance Inspections: Karl Susman's Call for Transparency, Technology, and Consumer Trust The insurance industry stands at a technological crossroads. New tools—satellite imaging, drones, AI-powered risk modeling, and digital self-inspections—have the potential to revolutionize how insurers evaluate properties. Yet, instead of ushering in a golden era of efficiency and transparency, many consumers today feel blindsided, frustrated, and even violated by how these innovations are being used. That tension took center stage at the Summer 2024 National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Meeting, where insurance expert, agency owner, and radio host Karl Susman delivered candid remarks about the...
2024-08-2109 min
ICGS Insurance HourYour Top Insurance Questions Answered: Fire Safety, Non-Renewals, and CAT ModelsYour Top Insurance Questions Answered: Fire Safety, Non-Renewals, and CAT Models Insights from Karl Susman and Insurance Hour California's homeowners are facing one of the most volatile insurance markets in decades. Premiums are rising, insurers are pausing new business, and terms like non-renewal, CAT models, and FAIR Plan have become part of everyday conversations. But what do they really mean—and what can policyholders actually do about them? In this episode of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman tackled the state's most pressing insurance questions—from why non-renewals are accelerating to how catastrophe modeling (CAT models) coul...
2024-08-1354 min
ICGS Insurance HourKarl's Final Thoughts on New Car-Sharing Insurance Legislation Discussion with Blanca PachecoKarl's Final Thoughts: Why Car-Sharing Insurance Legislation Matters — Understanding AB 2743 and the Power of Consumer Choice Insurance isn't glamorous. It's not the kind of topic that sparks viral conversations at coffee shops or fills social media feeds with excitement. But for millions of Californians, it quietly determines whether families recover after accidents, whether businesses survive economic uncertainty, and whether innovation can thrive in an increasingly complex marketplace. In the closing segment of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman reflected on his recent conversation with Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D–Downey) about Assembly Bill 2743 (AB 2743) — the car-sharing insurance bill that has ca...
2024-08-0408 min
ICGS Insurance HourUnveiling California's Insurance Mysteries: A Conversation with Assemblyman Tom LackeyUnveiling California's Insurance Mysteries: Assemblyman Tom Lackey and Karl Susman Call for Honesty, Leadership, and Real Reform California's homeowners insurance crisis has reached a breaking point. Premiums are skyrocketing, carriers are retreating, and consumers are running out of options. While the debate often focuses on rate filings, reinsurance costs, and market dynamics, one underlying truth remains: the system can't fix itself without leadership, honesty, and collaboration. That was the message at the heart of the latest Insurance Hour conversation between host Karl Susman and Assemblyman Tom Lackey — a former California Highway Patrol officer turned lawmaker, who has be...
2024-07-2808 min
ICGS Insurance HourUnderstanding Adam Schiff's Federal Reinsurance Bill: Implications for Disaster CoverageUnderstanding Adam Schiff's Federal Reinsurance Proposal: A National Approach to Disaster Coverage and Market Stability The growing crisis in California's insurance market — with insurers pulling back, rates climbing, and coverage disappearing — has become a national conversation. But what if the solution didn't come from Sacramento, but from Washington, D.C.? That's exactly what Representative Adam Schiff's proposed federal reinsurance bill aims to explore. The concept — though still in its infancy — could reshape how insurance companies nationwide handle catastrophic losses from wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. In a recent episode of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman and Asse...
2024-07-2708 min
ICGS Insurance HourCalifornia's Fair Plan Changes & Concerns | To The Point (Airdate: 2024-07-26) | ABC - KXTValifornia's FAIR Plan Expansion: Relief or Risk? Breaking Down the Latest Changes and Industry Concerns California's insurance market continues to be one of the most volatile in the country. Homeowners, landlords, and businesses alike are struggling to find — or afford — coverage. As major insurers scale back or exit the state, the California FAIR Plan, once a last-resort safety net, has become the default option for tens of thousands of policyholders. Now, a new regulatory change from the California Department of Insurance (CDI) is expanding the FAIR Plan's reach — but not without controversy. On July 26, 2024, California Insura...
2024-07-2602 min
ICGS Insurance HourNavigating Fairness: Insights with Assemblyman Tom LackeyNavigating Fairness: Assemblyman Tom Lackey and Karl Susman on California's Insurance Reality Check California's insurance market is in the middle of one of the most consequential shifts in decades. Insurers are leaving. Homeowners are panicking. Regulators are scrambling to restore balance between what's fair for consumers and what's sustainable for companies. In this latest Insurance Hour conversation, Karl Susman sat down again with Assemblyman Tom Lackey, one of the few lawmakers in Sacramento willing to speak candidly about what fairness really means in this crisis — and why both the public and policymakers need to confront uncomfortable truths ab...
2024-07-2508 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Hour: Your Questions Answered - Navigating Insurance NuancesWhy Your Insurance Agent Doesn't Call Back—And Why Your Dog Might Be Raising Your Premiums In the often confusing world of insurance, a little communication—and a lot of understanding—can make all the difference. That was the message from Karl Susman, host of Insurance Hour, who tackled a range of listener questions in this episode—from frustrated policyholders whose agents won't return calls to dog lovers wondering why their furry friends are costing them coverage. What unfolded was part empathy, part education, and 100% classic Susman: clear, honest, and practical advice for navigating the tricky n...
2024-07-0908 min
ICGS Insurance HourMastering Your Insurance: Tips, Savings, and Handling Persistent AgentsHow to Handle Persistent Insurance Agents, Rising Premiums, and the Mystery of the "Policy Jacket" Every insurance customer has been there — your agent keeps calling to "check in," offer new policies, or "review" your coverage. It's easy to feel like you're being sold more than you need. At the same time, your car's getting older, yet your auto premiums keep climbing, and your policy documents seem to be getting shorter — not longer. If you've had any of these frustrations, you're not alone. In this episode of Insurance Hour, host and insurance expert Karl Susman tackled these exact issu...
2024-07-0908 min
ICGS Insurance HourMaximizing Your Insurance: Tips, Savings, and Claims ExplainedDo Insurance Companies Really Make Money by Denying Claims? And Why Some Parents Buy Life Insurance for Their Babies Insurance is often described as a promise — a contract that exists to protect you when life goes wrong. But for many consumers, that promise comes with skepticism. Do insurance companies actually make money by not paying claims? And if so, how can consumers trust that their insurer will do the right thing when disaster strikes? In a recent Insurance Hour episode, host and industry expert Karl Susman tackled these challenging questions head-on. The discussion, sparked by re...
2024-07-0908 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Hour Q&A Finale: Expert Answers to Your Top Insurance QuestionsInsurance Hour Q&A Finale: The Truth About Auto and Life Insurance That Most People Don't Know As Insurance Hour wrapped up its final segment, host and insurance expert Karl Susman fielded some of the most unusual — yet surprisingly common — listener questions. From whether it's legal to drive without car insurance, to what really happens when someone dies soon after purchasing a life insurance policy, the discussion revealed just how many misconceptions the public still holds about everyday insurance. In this final Q&A episode, Susman blended technical know-how with practical insight and a touch of humanity, remi...
2024-07-0908 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Part 1 of 6) Mastering California Insurance: Insights, Tips & Listener Q&ACalifornia's Insurance Market in 2025: Fire Maps, Ordinance & Law Coverage, and What's Next for Homeowners If you're a California homeowner, you've likely noticed your insurance costs rising, your options shrinking, and your patience wearing thin. Between wildfire exposure, regulatory hurdles, and major insurers cutting back, the state's property insurance landscape is in turmoil. In this episode of Insurance Hour, host and insurance expert Karl Susman tackled a flood of listener questions — from fire map confusion to coverage terms that many policyholders misunderstand. Here's what you need to know about the state of California's insurance market in 2025 — and...
2024-07-0207 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Part 3 of 6) Mastering California Insurance: Insights, Tips & Listener Q&AWhy Home Hardening Still Isn't Rewarded in California — And How the Sustainable Insurance Strategy Could Change That It's the most frustrating paradox in California's insurance crisis: homeowners are doing everything right — upgrading their roofs, clearing defensible space, installing ember-resistant vents — and yet, their insurance rates are climbing or their policies are being canceled. "We cut down every tree within 100 feet of our house and built a home that's as fireproof as possible," one Insurance Hour listener lamented in an email to host Karl Susman. "Concrete fiber siding, metal roof, surrounded by stone and gravel. But every agent still...
2024-07-0208 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Part 4 of 6) Mastering California Insurance: Insights, Tips & Listener Q&AWhen You Become the Risk: Understanding How Insurers Evaluate You — Not Just Your Property — in California's Insurance Market California's homeowners are facing a crisis unlike anything the state has seen before. Between wildfire losses, soaring reinsurance costs, and rigid regulations, many insurers have stopped writing new business or are non-renewing policies altogether. For consumers, that's left one big, frustrating question: "Is my home too risky to insure — or am I the risk?" In a recent episode of Insurance Hour, industry expert Karl Susman addressed this very issue after a listener wrote in describing a diff...
2024-07-0208 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Part 5 of 6) Mastering California Insurance: Insights, Tips & Listener Q&AUnderstanding California's Fire Maps and Risk Ratings: Why Your Neighbor Pays Less for Insurance It's one of the most common — and frustrating — questions homeowners in California are asking right now: "Why is my home suddenly uninsurable when my neighbor's policy is still affordable?" As insurance expert Karl Susman explained in a recent Insurance Hour listener Q&A, it often comes down to how fire risk is mapped and measured — a process that's far more complex, and often less consistent, than most people realize. From differences in wildfire modeling to accessibility issues and even the wa...
2024-07-0208 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Part 6 of 6) Mastering California Insurance: Insights, Tips & Listener Q&AFamily Drivers and Auto Insurance: Why Failing to Add a Household Driver Can Cost You Everything When it comes to auto insurance, one of the most common — and dangerous — mistakes drivers make is failing to add all household members to their policy. It might seem like a harmless oversight. Maybe you've heard from a friend that your teenage son or daughter is automatically covered, or that your insurance company doesn't need to know who's driving as long as they live under your roof. But as insurance expert and Insurance Hour host Karl Susman explained in a re...
2024-07-0209 min
ICGS Insurance HourCalifornia Department of Insurance Workshop, testimony provided by Karl Susman regarding CAT modelsDecoding Catastrophe Models: Karl Susman's Testimony and What It Means for California's Insurance Future California's property insurance market stands at a crossroads. Wildfires, inflation, and regulatory gridlock have pushed many insurers to the brink, leading to policy non-renewals, coverage restrictions, and widespread consumer frustration. At the heart of the debate over how to fix this broken system lies a single, powerful concept: catastrophe modeling, often shortened to CAT modeling. In a recent California Department of Insurance (CDI) workshop, industry expert and Insurance Hour host Karl Susman delivered testimony supporting the state's proposed reforms to allow...
2024-06-2704 min
ICGS Insurance HourSpectrum 1 News Interview (06/05/2024) || New Newsom Legislation with ITI HostAmrit SinghCalifornia's Insurance Reform Explained: Governor Newsom's Trailer Bill and the Push to Stabilize a Shaken Market California's homeowners insurance market has been in crisis mode for years. Escalating wildfire risks, inflation, and outdated regulatory rules have driven major insurers to scale back or halt new business across the state. Now, with Governor Gavin Newsom's new "trailer bill" and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara's Sustainable Insurance Strategy, California is attempting one of its most significant insurance overhauls in decades. As insurance expert Karl Susman explained in an interview with Spectrum 1's Amrit Singh, this new legislation could be the...
2024-06-0607 min
ICGS Insurance HourUnraveling Insurance: How Your Premiums Turn into ProtectionHow Insurance Really Works: Turning Your Premiums into Protection Insurance — it's one of those things everyone has, everyone pays for, but few people truly understand. Why do prices go up every year? How do insurance companies afford to pay huge claims when disasters strike? And where exactly does your money go once you've paid your premium? In a recent episode of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman broke down these very questions, explaining in plain language how insurance transforms a small premium into large-scale financial protection. Using a clever analogy involving Abraham Lincoln's log cabin, Susman illustrated the co...
2024-05-2854 min
ICGS Insurance HourClarifying Coverage: Navigating the Complexities of Insurance with Karl SusmanClarifying Coverage: Navigating the Complexities of Insurance with Karl Susman In an age where insurance headlines often center on cancellations, premium hikes, and disappearing carriers, one voice continues to remind Californians of something fundamental: insurance, at its core, is a contract of protection. In a recent episode of Insurance Hour, host and independent broker Karl Susman unpacked the maze of modern coverage — from homeowners and auto insurance to the evolving world of health and long-term care. His message was clear: consumers and professionals alike need to understand what their policy actually says, not just what they think it...
2024-05-1454 min
ICGS Insurance HourKarl Susman's Comments for LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION - Hearing on CA Home Insurance Market - Part 2Education Is the Missing Piece: Karl Susman's Message to California's Insurance Regulators When the Little Hoover Commission convened its April 2024 hearing on California's home insurance crisis, lawmakers, regulators, and industry experts came together to dissect the state's collapsing market. Insurance carriers are retreating, homeowners are being forced into the FAIR Plan, and the cost of rebuilding after wildfires continues to climb. But amid all the charts, rate filings, and regulatory debates, Karl Susman, an insurance broker and educator with more than three decades in the field, brought a crucial perspective: the crisis isn't just about regulation — it's ab...
2024-04-2704 min
ICGS Insurance HourKarl Susman Comments during Workshop Regarding Catastrophe Modeling & Ratemaking - April 23, 2024Catastrophe Modeling and California's Insurance Future: Why It's Time to Follow the Data When a homeowner in California opens their mail today, they might find one of three things: a non-renewal notice, a sharp rate increase, or a referral to the FAIR Plan. For years, insurers have been retreating from the state, citing wildfire losses, outdated regulations, and growing catastrophe risk. But behind the headlines, a quiet revolution in insurance science is emerging — one that could change how California prices risk and rebuilds trust between consumers, insurers, and regulators. That revolution is called catastrophe modeling. Du...
2024-04-2504 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Airdate: 2024-04-08) FOX - KTVU - California Insurance ChangesCalifornia Insurance Shake-Up: State Farm's Massive Non-Renewals and the Growing Strain on the FAIR Plan California's homeowners insurance market is once again in crisis. FOX KTVU reported on April 8, 2024, that State Farm, the state's largest insurer, plans to drop tens of thousands of homeowner and rental dwelling policies later this year — a sweeping move driven by wildfire risk and market instability. The announcement follows months of industry turmoil, with American National and other carriers also leaving the state. For many Californians, especially those in the Bay Area's wildfire-prone regions, this latest development underscores just how fragile the in...
2024-04-0805 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Airdate: 2024-04-01) Spectrum 1 News Interview - "Inside the Issues" with host Amrit SinghCalifornia's Insurance Crossroads: Karl Susman on Climate Risk, FAIR Plan Strain, and the Path Toward Reform California's insurance market is in the midst of a full-blown identity crisis. With major insurers withdrawing, premiums surging, and climate events growing more destructive, the state once known for innovation now finds itself struggling to insure its own future. In a wide-ranging interview on Spectrum News 1's "Inside the Issues" (April 1, 2024), insurance expert Karl Susman explained what's really driving the exodus of insurers from California, why the state's new Sustainable Insurance Strategy may finally bring relief, and how national solutions like...
2024-04-0208 min
ICGS Insurance HourCalifornia Department of Insurance Property Public Rulemaking Hearing - Karl Susman commentsThe Turning Point in California's Insurance Crisis: Why the Department of Insurance's New Rules Could Finally Restore Balance California's insurance system is at a breaking point — but also, potentially, at the beginning of a long-overdue recovery. In a historic public rulemaking hearing at the California Department of Insurance (CDI), regulators, industry leaders, and consumer advocates met to debate Commissioner Ricardo Lara's proposed property and casualty rate reform regulations. Among the first to speak was Karl Susman, an insurance broker, expert witness, and host of The Insurance Hour, who captured what many in the industry have be...
2024-03-2803 min
ICGS Insurance HourCalifornia State Assembly - Insurance Committee Hearing on California FAIR Plan AssociationCalifornia's FAIR Plan Under Fire: Training, Technology, and Transparency — The Three T's to Fix a Broken System As California's insurance crisis deepens, all eyes are on the California FAIR Plan Association — the state's "insurer of last resort" — which now finds itself at the center of legislative scrutiny. At a recent California State Assembly Insurance Committee Hearing, lawmakers, regulators, and industry professionals convened to examine how the FAIR Plan is functioning amid a surge in demand. Among those who testified was Karl Susman, an independent insurance broker with 30 years of experience, who delivered what many attendees later...
2024-03-1402 min
ICGS Insurance HourNavigating the New Normal: Insurance Insights with Karl SusmanNavigating the New Normal: How Inflation, Climate, and Consumer Choices Are Reshaping Insurance In today's world, the phrase "new normal" applies to almost everything—from how we work to how we shop. But few industries illustrate this shift as vividly as insurance. As Karl Susman, host of The Insurance Hour, explains in his latest episode, both consumers and insurers are grappling with unpredictable weather, soaring costs, and inflationary pressures that have fundamentally changed how risk is assessed and priced. From wildfires in California to floods in Texas, these challenges are not isolated incidents—they're signals of a glob...
2024-03-1251 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Airdate: 2024-03-06) FOX - KTVU - Premium Prices Continue To ClimbCalifornia's Insurance Squeeze: Why Premiums Keep Rising — and Why Relief Might Be on the Horizon It's no secret that California's insurance market has been under enormous strain. For the past several years, homeowners have faced skyrocketing premiums, shrinking coverage options, and unprecedented carrier withdrawals. From wildfires and floods to inflation and outdated regulation, the state's insurance system has reached a breaking point. In a recent FOX KTVU segment titled "Premium Prices Continue to Climb," insurance expert Karl Susman, president of Susman Insurance Services, sat down with anchor Frank Somerville to explain what's really driving this crisis — and why...
2024-03-0604 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Airdate: 2024-02-05) FOX - KTVU - Navigating Damage ClaimsStorm Damage in California: What's Covered, What's Not, and How to Handle Claims the Right Way After weeks of relentless rain and powerful winds, California homeowners are once again facing widespread storm damage. From flooded basements and downed trees to mudslides and roof leaks, many residents are asking the same urgent question: "Will my insurance cover this?" In a February 2024 FOX KTVU interview, insurance expert Karl Susman, president of the Susman Insurance Agency, provided clear and practical guidance on what homeowners should do after a major storm — and what types of damage are (and aren't) typically covered un...
2024-02-0704 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Airdate: 2024-02-07) NBC - KNBC - How To File A Claim For Storm Damage To Home Or CarHow to File a Storm Damage Claim in California: Expert Tips from Karl Susman California's recent series of powerful winter storms has left homeowners and drivers across the state dealing with flooded properties, fallen trees, and mudslides. As the rain keeps coming, many residents are now asking the same urgent question: "How do I file a claim — and what's actually covered?" In a February 2024 NBC4 Los Angeles I-Team segment, investigative reporter Lolita Lopez spoke with insurance expert Karl Susman, president of the Susman Insurance Agency, to help Californians navigate this stressful process. With three decades of industry ex...
2024-02-0704 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Insights: Navigating Coverage Queries with Karl SusmanInsurance Insights: Navigating Coverage Questions in an Uncertain Market Insurance used to be simple: you paid a premium, filed a claim if disaster struck, and trusted your carrier to deliver on its promise. But in today's volatile market—marked by wildfires, floods, inflation, and mass non-renewals—understanding what's covered (and what's not) has become increasingly complicated. In a recent segment of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman tackled one of the most common frustrations facing consumers today: how to make sense of their insurance coverage when the rules, rates, and risks seem to change overnight. From homeowners and auto...
2024-02-0653 min
ICGS Insurance HourGET THAT JOB - Navigating the Insurance and HR Maze with Sindy ThomasNavigating the Insurance and HR Maze: How Understanding Coverage Can Help You "Get That Job" The job market has evolved dramatically in the last decade — not only in how people work, but also in what they expect from their employers. Today, benefits like health insurance, disability coverage, and long-term financial protection aren't perks; they're essentials. In the program GET THAT JOB, host Sindy Thomas sat down with Karl Susman, insurance expert and founder of Susman Insurance Agency, to help job seekers and professionals understand how insurance connects to employment decisions, HR policies, and long-term stability. Wh...
2024-01-2352 min
ICGS Insurance Hour(Airdate: 2024-01-19) ABC - KXTV - Rising Car Insurance CostsWhy California Car Insurance Rates Are Rising — And What Drivers Can Do About It If you've noticed your car insurance bill climbing lately, you're not alone. Across California, millions of drivers are being hit with higher premiums — sometimes by hundreds of dollars per year. For many households, the increases come on top of other rising costs like fuel, groceries, and rent, making driving more expensive than ever before. In a recent ABC10 (KXTV) segment, insurance expert Karl Susman, president of the Susman Insurance Agency, broke down why car insurance costs are surging and what drivers can do to m...
2024-01-1902 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Insights: Navigating Claims and Legal Complexities with Expert Dennis BeaverNavigating the Insurance Claims Maze: Legal Insights from Karl Susman and Attorney Dennis Beaver When disaster strikes—whether it's a car accident, property loss, or a life insurance dispute—many policyholders are left wondering: When do I need a lawyer? Should I call my agent, my insurer, or head straight to court? In a recent episode of Insurance Hour with Karl Susman, special guest and attorney Dennis Beaver—a longtime consumer advocate and Kiplinger columnist—offered candid, experience-backed advice on how to navigate claims, avoid legal missteps, and build trust in the insurance process. Start with the Basics: Work Wit...
2024-01-1651 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsuring Your Life: Unraveling the Mysteries of Life Insurance with Karl SusmanUnraveling the Mysteries of Life Insurance: What You Need to Know When most people hear the phrase life insurance, they think of one thing—death. It's not the easiest topic to talk about, and that's part of why so many people misunderstand what life insurance actually does, how it works, and who it's really for. In a recent episode of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman took listeners on a deep dive into the subject, breaking down not just the types of life insurance available, but also the motivations behind buying it, the hidden benefits it can offer, and why it...
2024-01-0952 min
ICGS Insurance HourDepopulating California's FAIR Plan — What Are They Thinking?Depopulating California's FAIR Plan: What Are They Thinking? California's insurance landscape is in crisis — and at the center of it all lies the California FAIR Plan, the state's insurer of last resort. In his Insurance Hour episode, "Depopulating California's FAIR Plan — What Are They Thinking?", insurance expert Karl Susman walks listeners through the complex web of regulatory reform, market dysfunction, and government response that's shaping the state's insurance future. What he reveals is not just a policy debate — it's a fundamental reset of how insurance will work in California for years to come. 1. California's Insura...
2023-12-1953 min
ICGS Insurance HourDecoding Insurance: From Car Policies to Health Challenges with Karl SusmanDecoding Insurance: From Car Policies to Health Challenges By Karl Susman — The Insurance Hour Insurance can feel like its own language — full of jargon, numbers, and fine print. But behind the complexity lies a simple truth: insurance is a tool for financial protection, not confusion. In a recent episode of The Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman took on some of the most common (and misunderstood) questions from listeners. From auto insurance pricing to rideshare coverage, gap policies, and even the state of health insurance in America, Susman peeled back the layers of how insurance really work...
2023-12-1253 min
ICGS Insurance HourNavigating the Insurance Landscape: Insights & Challenges || Insurance Hour w/Karl Susman (12-01-23)Navigating the Insurance Landscape: Why California's Insurance Market Is Changing — and What Consumers Need to Know The California insurance market is undergoing an upheaval unlike anything seen in decades. Rising premiums, stricter underwriting, fewer carrier options, and growing confusion have left homeowners and drivers alike wondering: What on earth is going on? In a recent episode of The Insurance Hour, host and insurance expert Karl Sussman offered an in-depth look into what's driving this crisis—and what steps both consumers and regulators are taking to adapt. His candid, practical insights shine light on the intersection between climate chan...
2023-12-0553 min
ICGS Insurance HourUnderstanding Insurance Options and BrokersUnderstanding How to Buy Insurance: Choosing Between Direct, Captive, and Independent Options Buying insurance can feel deceptively simple — until you realize just how many ways there are to do it. From online forms to local agents and independent brokers, the choices can be confusing. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, and making the wrong choice could mean overpaying, being underinsured, or having no advocate when you need help the most. In a recent episode of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman — a 30-year insurance veteran — broke down the three main ways to purchase insurance and what c...
2023-11-1708 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Hour with Karl Susman #shortsThe Insurance Hour with Karl Susman: Educating Listeners in a Time of Insurance Uncertainty 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 T...
2023-11-1100 min
ICGS Insurance HourGive me a solution, not just a problemGive Me a Solution, Not Just a Problem: Rethinking California's Insurance Crisis California's insurance market is at a breaking point. Policies are being canceled, premiums are skyrocketing, and entire neighborhoods are finding it nearly impossible to secure coverage. On a recent episode of The Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman tackled this issue head-on, inspired by an open letter from several California legislators to Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. The letter — co-signed by Congressman John Garamendi and others — called attention to the "chaos" in the state's insurance market and urged the Commissioner to stabilize rates and require carriers to prov...
2023-11-0845 min
ICGS Insurance HourComparison of Insurance Purchasing OptionsChoosing the Right Path: Understanding How to Purchase Insurance Wisely Buying insurance may seem like a straightforward task — go online, get a quote, pay the premium, and you're covered. But as Insurance Hour host Karl Susman reminded listeners in his episode "Comparison of Insurance Purchasing Options," the way you buy insurance can matter just as much as what you buy. With over 30 years of industry experience, Susman walked through the three primary ways consumers can purchase coverage: directly from the insurance company, through a captive agent, or through an independent broker. Each path offers advantages — and hidden pitf...
2023-10-2708 min
ICGS Insurance HourAuto InsuranceCalifornia's Auto Insurance Squeeze: Why It's So Hard to Get a Quote — and What's About to Change If you've tried to buy or renew auto insurance in California lately, you've probably noticed something unusual — silence. "You used to be able to pick up the phone or go online and get a quote from multiple companies," said insurance expert Karl Susman, host of The Insurance Hour. "Now, when you're calling around, what you might find is crickets." That silence isn't from disinterest. Agents aren't ignoring customers. Carriers aren't being selective. They literally cannot take new business.
2023-10-1508 min
ICGS Insurance HourInsurance Hour with Karl Susman - Syndicated talkshow radio hostTitle: The Turbulent State of Insurance: Insights from Karl Susman on Market Shifts, Affordability, and the Path Forward In the constantly evolving landscape of insurance, few voices carry the experience and balance of insight that Karl Susman brings to the conversation. As a seasoned insurance broker and radio host, Susman operates at the critical intersection between insurance carriers and consumers — a space where financial realities, risk management, and human needs collide. His observations shed light on one of the most pressing challenges in the insurance industry today: the widening gap between what insurers can sustainably of...
2023-10-1501 min