The video covers a detailed discussion about insurance claims and recovery processes following California wildfires, hosted by Karl Susman on Insurance Hour. He provides comprehensive guidance on various aspects of the insurance claim process, from initial filing to long-term recovery. Key topics include how to start insurance claims, documentation requirements, coverage for additional living expenses (with extended coverage mandated to 24 months by the Department of Insurance), handling smoke damage claims, and safety considerations when returning to damaged properties. Susman emphasizes the importance of professional assessment for smoke damage and warns against self-remediation of damaged items. He also discusses financial assistance options, including FEMA grants up to $40,000 and SBA loans up to $2 million at 4% interest over 30 years.

Karl Susman introduces Insurance Hour and begins discussing wildfire-related insurance claims. He emphasizes the importance of obtaining claim numbers when filing and explains that claims are typically handled on a first-come, first-served basis. He provides multiple ways to file claims: directly with insurance companies, through agents/brokers, or online.

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

2025 02 14 - The video covers a special episode of Insurance Hour hosted by Karl Susman focusing on scams and fraud targeting California wildfire victims. Broadcasting from a bunker rather than the studio, Susman details various fraudulent schemes emerging in the wake of the 2025 California wildfires, which he describes as potentially the largest natural disaster in U.S. history. He warns about common scams including fake government assistance offers, fraudulent contractors, price gouging in rental properties (some marking up prices 600% above normal), phony utility bill collections, and storage service scams. Throughout the episode, Susman emphasizes the importance of verification and due diligence, providing practical advice such as checking with the Better Business Bureau and verifying credentials. He repeatedly shares the contact number 559-656-0317 and email address Questions@insuranceHour.com for viewers seeking assistance.

Highlights

Introduction and Overview of Wildfire Scams

Karl Susman opens the show from a bunker, explaining that the episode will focus on common scams targeting wildfire victims. He emphasizes that these fraudulent activities have increased to the point where the California Department of Insurance has established a specific task force to combat them. Viewers are encouraged to report suspicious activity to insurance.ca.gov.

Government Impersonation Scams

Susman details how scammers pose as government officials offering assistance, warning that legitimate government agencies don't proactively reach out with monetary offers. He explains how these fraudsters either collect personal information for identity theft or request 'application fees' and 'expediting fees' for non-existent services.

Contractor and Housing Scams

The host discusses fraudulent contractors requesting blank contracts and upfront deposits, promising priority treatment for larger deposits. He also covers rental property price gouging, with some landlords increasing rates by 300-600%, violating California Penal Code regulations limiting post-disaster increases to 10%.

Storage and Legal Service Scams

Susman warns about fraudulent storage companies offering to collect and store belongings from damaged homes, and fake legal services claiming to represent wildfire victims. He emphasizes the importance of verifying credentials, checking Better Business Bureau listings, and consulting with insurance agents before engaging with any service providers.

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

Summary

The video covers a detailed discussion about California wildfires and insurance implications, hosted by Karl Susman on Insurance Hour. The host provides critical information about consumer protections, including protection against non-renewal for 12-24 months in wildfire-impacted areas. He warns about numerous scams targeting wildfire victims, including fraudulent contractors demanding upfront deposits and fake federal assistance offers. Susman explains that legitimate federal assistance is available through disasterassistance.gov, with FEMA offering grants up to $100,000 and SBA providing loans up to $2 million at 4% interest over 30 years. The host also discusses the California insurance market crisis, explaining how regulatory constraints and increasing natural disasters have led to insurance companies leaving the state. He notes that California, despite its high-risk profile, ranks as the 10th least expensive state for homeowners insurance, which has created an unsustainable situation for insurers.

Highlights

Consumer Protections and Non-Renewal Rights

Karl Susman explains that homeowners in wildfire-impacted areas have protection against non-renewal from insurance companies for 12 months, extending to 24 months for total losses. Adjacent areas receive one-year protection. He directs viewers to insurance.ca.gov to verify their protection status and emphasizes the need to actively communicate with insurance companies if receiving non-renewal notices.

Wildfire Scam Warnings and Federal Assistance

The host warns about various scams targeting wildfire victims, including contractors demanding upfront deposits and fraudulent federal assistance offers. He emphasizes that legitimate federal aid is available through disasterassistance.gov, with FEMA offering grants up to $100,000 and SBA providing loans up to $2 million at 4% interest over 30 years.

Insurance Policy Management During Displacement

Susman advises on managing insurance policies while displaced, recommending setting up a PO box for mail, putting policies on auto-pay, and understanding coverage extensions. He explains that some companies allow liability coverage to extend to temporary residences and may permit reduced coverage on original properties during rebuilding.

California Insurance Market Crisis and Regulatory Changes

The host discusses the California insurance market crisis, explaining how strict regulations and increasing natural disasters have led to companies leaving the state. He highlights new regulations (Sustainable Insurance Strategy) implemented in December 2024, designed to modernize the 30-year-old laws and potentially attract insurers back to California.

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

2025 02 07 - The video covers a detailed discussion about the California wildfires and their widespread impact, hosted by Karl Susman on Insurance Hour. Karl emphasizes that these wildfires may be the most costly disaster in U.S. history. He discusses various aspects including insurance claims processes, the California Fair Plan, and emerging scams targeting victims. Key points include the indirect economic impact on service workers and businesses in affected areas, the role of reinsurance in global premium impacts, and the challenges faced by the California Fair Plan in handling the volume of claims. Karl particularly warns about various scams targeting vulnerable fire victims, including identity theft schemes and fraudulent contractor offers.

Highlights

Introduction and Overview of Wildfire Impact

Karl Susman opens the show discussing the catastrophic wildfires in Southern California, noting they could be the most costly disaster in U.S. history. He emphasizes the need for community unity and putting politics aside for recovery efforts.

Insurance Coverage and Indirect Impact

Karl explains Department of Insurance regulations regarding non-renewal protections in impacted areas. He details the indirect economic impact on service workers, such as pool cleaners, house cleaners, and car washers in affected areas like Pacific Palisades, emphasizing how everyone is affected regardless of direct fire damage.

Reinsurance and Global Premium Impact

Karl discusses how reinsurance works and explains how large disasters affect insurance premiums globally. He emphasizes that events in one region can impact insurance costs worldwide due to the international nature of reinsurance companies.

Claims Process and Fair Plan Coverage

Karl advises on filing claims, particularly emphasizing that wildfire claims should not be hesitated over. He explains the California Fair Plan's role and its challenges in handling the volume of claims, including the need to bring in external adjusters.

Scams and Fraud Warnings

Karl warns about various scams targeting wildfire victims, including fake government assistance offers, identity theft schemes, and fraudulent contractor proposals. He specifically mentions scammers requesting deposits for construction work and emphasizes the importance of verifying all assistance offers.

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

An in-depth discussion on Fox 11 News between host Hal Eisner and insurance expert Karl Susman about the unprecedented wildfire crisis in Southern California and its insurance implications. The conversation addresses multiple aspects of the crisis, from immediate response to long-term implications. Karl Susman, owner of Susman Insurance Agency, provides detailed insights about insurance claims processes, potential scams, and the future of insurance in California. Key points include the importance of maintaining existing insurance policies, the role of the California Fair Plan, and the impact on both property and auto insurance rates. Susman notes that insurance companies are processing claims quickly, with some making electronic payments in the millions of dollars. He also warns about scammers targeting vulnerable fire victims and emphasizes the importance of home hardening measures, such as maintaining proper tree distance from homes (5 feet) and having fire-resistant roofs. The discussion reveals that Susman's agency alone is handling over 130 total loss claims from the recent fires.

Highlights

Initial Discussion of Wildfire Crisis and Insurance Response

Host Hal Eisner introduces the unprecedented nature of the recent wildfires and their impact on Southern California communities. Karl Susman describes the unique challenges of this fire, noting its unusual growth pattern and zero containment. The segment includes emotional testimonials from fire victims expressing their shock and determination to rebuild. Susman emphasizes the importance of maintaining existing insurance policies and warns against shopping for new coverage during this period.

Insurance Claims Process and Immediate Assistance

Susman details the immediate steps fire victims should take, emphasizing the importance of filing claims promptly. He notes that insurance companies are making rapid electronic payments, some in the millions of dollars. The discussion covers both homeowner and renter's insurance claims, with Susman explaining that the California Department of Insurance has implemented protective measures for recently canceled policies in affected areas.

Scams and Consumer Protection

The segment warns about various scams targeting fire victims, including fraudulent rebuilding contracts and identity theft schemes. Susman advises against responding to unsolicited communications claiming to be from FEMA or other government agencies, emphasizing that legitimate assistance requires victims to initiate contact.

Future of Insurance in California

Discussion focuses on the broader implications for California's insurance market. Susman explains that despite high risk factors, California currently ranks around sixth for least expensive property insurance nationally. He predicts future rate structures will more accurately reflect risk levels, with higher-risk areas paying more and lower-risk areas potentially seeing reduced rates.

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

This episode of Insurance Hour hosted by Karl Susman featuring special guest Debbie Bremner, a real estate expert with 48 years of experience in Los Angeles and Ventura County. The discussion focuses on the impact of California wildfires on the real estate market. Key topics include market dynamics, where Bremner notes that inventory has significantly decreased while demand remains high, potentially causing short-term price increases. She discusses consumer protections against price gouging, noting a $10,000 penalty and possible one-year prison sentence for violators. The conversation also covers mortgage lending impacts, with Bremner explaining that a moratorium has been placed on financing within a 10-mile radius of disaster areas. She emphasizes the long-term socioeconomic impacts, noting that 70% of Angelenos were living paycheck to paycheck pre-fire, and discusses various scams targeting vulnerable homeowners. The discussion concludes with Bremner's outlook on recovery, suggesting it could take years for affected areas to return to normal.

Highlights

Introduction and Market Impact of California Wildfires

Karl Susman introduces the show and guest Debbie Bremner, a real estate expert with 48 years of experience. Bremner discusses the immediate impact of wildfires on the real estate market, noting a significant reduction in inventory and potential short-term price increases due to displaced persons seeking housing.

Consumer Protection and Price Gouging

Bremner explains legal protections against price gouging, highlighting that rental increases are limited to 10% above pre-fire rates. She mentions a $10,000 penalty and possible one-year prison sentence for violators, emphasizing the importance of reporting such incidents.

Property Valuation and Rebuilding Decisions

Discussion covers property appraisal challenges post-fire, with Bremner explaining how land values are assessed and the factors affecting rebuilding decisions. She emphasizes the importance of considering community infrastructure in valuation.

Mortgage and Lending Impact

Bremner details the mortgage lending moratorium in disaster areas, explaining its impact on current transactions and property closings. She discusses the five major lenders' agreement with Governor Newsom regarding payment obligations.

Future Outlook and Recovery

Bremner provides her long-term outlook, suggesting recovery could take years. She notes the 3% housing availability in Los Angeles and emphasizes the need for smart legislation and community planning to prevent future disasters. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding infrastructure and the importance of addressing climate change impacts.

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

In this episode of Insurance Hour, Karl Susman addresses a wide range of insurance-related questions from listeners. Topics include managing deductibles to lower premiums, deciding whether to place a teen driver on their own auto insurance policy, understanding the necessity of flood and earthquake insurance, and clarifying the differences between term and whole life insurance. Karl also emphasizes the importance of umbrella policies for liability protection and renters insurance for safeguarding personal property and liability. Additionally, the episode highlights high-risk auto insurance options and strategies for reducing rates over time. Sponsored by GeoVera, the show offers actionable insights for navigating the complexities of insurance.

Highlights

Show Introduction and Format Overview

Karl Susman introduces Insurance Hour and explains the show's format, including how listeners can submit questions via phone (559-656-0317) or email (Questions@InsuranceHour.com). He emphasizes that questions are answered live without pre-screening.

Homeowner's Insurance Deductibles Discussion

Addressing Erica from Boise's question about homeowner's insurance deductibles, Karl explains that while higher deductibles can lower monthly premiums, the choice depends on individual circumstances and ability to pay the deductible amount in case of a claim.

Teen Driver Insurance Considerations

Responding to Kevin from Dallas about insuring a teenage daughter, Karl discusses the concept of insurable interest and explains why simply putting a teen on their own policy isn't always possible or advisable. He emphasizes the importance of vehicle registration and financial responsibility.

Mortgage Refinancing and Insurance Impact

Karl addresses how changing mortgagees affects homeowner's insurance, explaining that while simply changing lenders typically doesn't affect policy terms or costs, having multiple mortgages might impact future underwriting decisions.

Earthquake and Flood Insurance Coverage

Karl emphasizes that neither earthquakes nor floods are covered under standard homeowner's policies. He discusses GeoVera's earthquake coverage and explains why flood insurance requires separate policies, particularly important for properties in flood-prone areas.

Gender Differences in Life Insurance

Responding to Max from Ohio, Karl explains that women typically pay 5-10% less than men for life insurance due to longer life expectancy and statistically lower engagement in risky activities. He also discusses gender-neutral policies and their pricing structure.

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

In this episode of Insurance Hour, host Karl Susman delves into the complexities of life insurance, offering an informative and balanced perspective without a sales pitch. The discussion covers the basics, history, and different types of life insurance policies, such as term, whole life, and universal life. Key topics include the pros and cons of life insurance, its primary purposes like income replacement and estate planning, and practical advice for selecting the right policy. Karl also highlights common myths, ethical concerns, and the importance of tailoring insurance to individual needs.

Listeners gain insights into how life insurance has evolved, its tax implications, and the nuanced decision-making involved in choosing coverage. With anecdotes, expert tips, and thoughtful analysis, the episode equips audiences with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their financial future.

Highlights

Introduction and Show Overview

Karl Susman introduces Insurance Hour and sets up the episode's focus on life insurance, promising a different approach from typical sales-focused discussions. He provides contact information (559-656-0317 and Questions@InsuranceHour.com) for viewers to submit questions.

Historical Context of Life Insurance

The host traces life insurance origins to ancient Roman burial clubs, through 17th and 18th-century maritime insurance at Lloyd's of London, to early life contingencies for wealthy individuals. He explains how life insurance evolved from protecting the ultra-wealthy to becoming accessible to the middle class in the 19th century.

Types of Life Insurance Policies

Karl details various types of life insurance: term insurance (10-30 year periods), whole life (typically to age 95-100), universal life (flexible premiums), guaranteed universal life, variable universal life (securities-based), and final expense insurance. He emphasizes that each type serves different purposes and has distinct features.

Underwriting and Purchase Considerations

The discussion covers underwriting processes, from simple questionnaires to comprehensive medical exams. Karl advises on purchasing channels (direct from companies, through general agents, or brokers) and warns about potential pitfalls of buying from non-specialists. He emphasizes the importance of understanding policy details and working with experienced professionals.

Concluding Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Karl summarizes three main points: life insurance is not simple, it's not well understood, and it's aggressively sold. He emphasizes that while life insurance is an incredible product when properly purchased, it requires careful consideration of beneficiaries, ownership structure, and payment methods. The host concludes by stressing the importance of making informed decisions for the benefit of policy beneficiaries.

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

In this episode of Insurance Hour with host Karl Susman, the discussion dives into a wide range of insurance-related topics, featuring listener questions and Karl's insightful answers. Key topics covered include:

• Adding parents to a homeowner's insurance policy.
• Navigating wildfire-related insurance challenges.
• Obtaining coverage for unique properties like tiny homes and classic cars.
• Understanding the nuances of earthquake insurance.
• Addressing service animal insurance needs.
• Exploring cyber insurance for personal data security.
• Guidelines for insuring valuable jewelry, vacation rentals, and final expense policies.

Throughout the show, Karl combines practical advice with industry insights, empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their insurance needs.

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