The episode covers a discussion between host Karl Susman and Assembly member Heath Flora about two significant California insurance bills. The first bill, AB 637 (Deceptive Disaster Relief Advertising Act), requires disclosure from for-profit entities soliciting business after disasters. Flora, drawing from his 15-year firefighting experience, explains how this bill addresses issues with 'ambulance chasers' who exploit disaster victims. The second bill, AB 1354, would allow Californians to deduct insurance premium increases from their taxes between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2030. Flora discusses how Proposition 103's artificial suppression of insurance rates for 30 years has led to the current crisis, with an expected 22% rate increase across the board. The discussion emphasizes the need for market competition to stabilize insurance rates in California, which is the fifth largest insurance market globally.

Introduction and Guest Background

Host Karl Susman introduces Assembly member Heath Flora, who represents the 9th Assembly District. Flora's background includes 15 years as a firefighter with Cal Fire, experience as a volunteer firefighter, and business ownership. He brings expertise in agricultural and public safety issues to his role in the assembly since 2016.

AB 637: Deceptive Disaster Relief Advertising Act

Flora presents AB 637, which requires for-profit entities to clearly disclose their status when soliciting business after disasters. He describes witnessing 'ambulance chasers' at disaster scenes since 2002, including the Cedar Fire. The bill mandates transparency about any connection to government agencies or insurance companies, with violations carrying a $2,500 penalty per occurrence.

Consumer Protection and Implementation

Discussion covers how AB 637 will protect vulnerable disaster victims from predatory practices. Flora explains that the bill applies to all forms of advertising, including social media, and enforcement will be handled by the Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, and Department of Consumer Affairs.

AB 1354: Insurance Premium Tax Relief

Flora introduces AB 1354, which would allow Californians to deduct insurance premium increases from their taxes between 2025-2030. The bill aims to provide relief during the transition period as insurance rates adjust after 30 years of artificial suppression under Proposition 103. Flora discusses the expected 22% rate increase and the need to restore market competition in California's insurance sector.

Market Competition and Future Outlook

The discussion concludes with Flora emphasizing the importance of bringing competition back to California's insurance market. He notes that only single-digit numbers of carriers are currently writing new policies in California, despite it being the fifth-largest insurance market globally. Flora advocates for steady, predictable rate increases rather than sudden large increas

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 pr@insurancehour.com

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.

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 pr@insurancehour.com

The video covers an episode of Insurance Hour hosted by Karl Susman, featuring an interview with California State Senator Ben Allen about proposed insurance legislation. The main focus is on SB 495, known as the 'Eliminate the List Act,' which aims to remove the requirement for total loss victims to provide itemized lists of lost contents when filing insurance claims. Senator Allen explains how this legislation was inspired by constituents' struggles following recent wildfires in the Palisades and Altadena areas. The discussion also covers broader insurance industry challenges in California, including market sustainability, climate change impacts, and regulatory reforms. Senator Allen notes that while California remains the 10th least expensive insurance market nationally, the system is under strain with some carriers leaving the market. The conversation includes detailed exploration of potential insurance product innovations and the role of the Department of Insurance in balancing consumer protection with market viability.

Introduction and Guest Background

Karl Susman introduces Senator Ben Allen, representing California's 24th Senate District since November 2014. Allen's background includes education from Harvard (BA), Cambridge (M.Phil), and UC Berkeley (JD), and he represents the West Side, Hollywood, and South Bay communities of LA.

Eliminate the List Act (SB 495) Introduction

Senator Allen introduces SB 495, explaining how it aims to eliminate the requirement for fire victims to provide itemized lists of lost contents when they've experienced total loss. He describes how many insurance companies are already voluntarily offering 100% contents coverage without requiring itemization.

Implementation Challenges and Industry Response

Discussion of potential retroactive application of the bill, with Senator Allen noting this aspect is still being determined due to complexities. The conversation covers how most insurance carriers have already stepped up to provide better coverage terms, often offering 70-80% upfront payments.

Insurance Market Challenges and Reforms

Exploration of broader insurance market issues in California, including rising costs, market sustainability, and the impact of climate change. Senator Allen discusses the need for reforms, including allowing predictive modeling for risk assessment rather than just historical data.

Consumer Protection and Market Solutions

Final segment focuses on potential solutions, including creating more insurance product options and better balancing consumer protection with market viability. Senator Allen provides his office contact number (310-414-8190) for constituents seeking assistance with insurance-related issues.

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 pr@insurancehour.com