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

In this episode of Insurance Hour, Karl Susman delves into a variety of listener-submitted insurance questions and provides detailed insights into navigating complex scenarios. Key topics include managing health insurance during unpaid leave, exploring mental health coverage, understanding earthquake insurance, and protecting personal assets during a move. Special segments cover cyber insurance, wedding insurance, and liability when renting out rooms or hosting short-term tenants. The show emphasizes proactive risk management and equips listeners with actionable advice to ensure adequate coverage. The episode also features discussions on emerging trends like coverage for remote work setups and policy considerations for hobby farms and service dogs.

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 dives into listener-submitted questions about insurance complexities, ranging from business interruption insurance for small businesses, liquor liability for bar owners, and cyber insurance for startups, to specific policies like flood insurance, umbrella policies for homeowners, and coverage for high-value personal items. Karl provides actionable advice on navigating various insurance policies, emphasizing the importance of honesty and clarity when discussing needs with agents. Sponsored by GEOVERA, the episode also highlights the value of earthquake insurance and explores lesser-known policy types like errors and omissions for professionals and specialty coverage for rental properties and musical equipment. The show wraps up with Karl’s signature mix of humor and practicality, ensuring listeners leave informed and entertained

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 answers listener questions on various insurance topics, providing insights and advice for consumers. Key discussions include the importance of commercial auto insurance for businesses, coverage options for home-based businesses, understanding the California Fair Plan for fire insurance, and the distinction between condo insurance and homeowners insurance. The episode also covers specialized insurance topics like cyber insurance, event liability policies, umbrella insurance, and disability coverage for independent contractors. Karl emphasizes the importance of working with knowledgeable brokers and shares tips to minimize risks and ensure adequate protection for all aspects of life.

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 dives into a wide range of insurance topics driven by listener questions. Topics include the benefits and limitations of critical illness insurance, the importance of adequate HOA insurance coverage, strategies to manage auto insurance costs for new drivers, and the essentials of pet insurance. The episode also explores niche insurance needs, such as renters insurance for high-value items, coverage for classic cars, and business insurance for food trucks and home-based businesses. Karl emphasizes the value of tailoring insurance policies to individual circumstances, providing actionable advice for navigating the complex world of insurance.

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 latest episode of Insurance Hour, hosted by Karl Susman, takes listeners on an engaging journey through critical insurance topics. This episode tackles a variety of questions submitted by callers, covering issues such as the California FAIR Plan for high-risk homeowners, the nuances of flood and earthquake insurance, coverage options for cryptocurrency and rideshare drivers, and considerations for pet and disability insurance. Karl also delves into specialized topics like coverage for photographers’ equipment and insurance implications of owning electric vehicles. The show emphasizes the importance of asking detailed questions, being proactive about policy adjustments, and working with knowledgeable agents to tailor coverage to individual 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