California Insurance Crisis

Business

Kemper's Q4 Results Fall Short as California's Insurance Crisis Bites; Life Unit Provides Stability

Kemper Corporation reported a net loss for Q4 2025, with its property and casualty segment pressured by soaring bodily injury costs in California and mandatory refunds in Florida. While the life insurance business remained a steady performer, executives outlined a strategic pivot to diversify geographically and deploy new products to restore auto insurance profitability.

Feb 5, 2026

The Squeeze in the Sunshine State: 16 Forces Driving California's Affordability Crisis

California's iconic promise of prosperity is under strain as a perfect storm of economic pressures—from soaring housing costs to hidden 'sunshine taxes'—pushes the cost of living to unprecedented heights, forcing residents to question the future of the Golden State dream.

Feb 5, 2026

Business

From Hurricanes to Wildfires: Florida Insurer Eyes Risky Expansion into California's Volatile Market

Fresh from navigating Florida's hurricane-driven insurance crisis, Florida Peninsula Insurance is now exploring a potential move into California, a market reeling from record wildfire losses and major carrier pullbacks.

Feb 4, 2026

Business

Florida Homeowner Drops Insurance as Premiums Soar Past $14K, Highlighting Growing Crisis

As property insurance costs skyrocket in disaster-prone states, a growing number of homeowners are considering the perilous move of dropping coverage entirely. Experts warn of the severe financial risks, while exploring alternative strategies for those feeling the pinch.

Feb 3, 2026

Business

California Lawmakers Push to Expand FAIR Plan Beyond Fire Coverage, Aiming for 'One-Policy' Solution

A new legislative effort seeks to transform California's insurer of last resort into a comprehensive provider, potentially ending the need for hundreds of thousands of homeowners to juggle multiple policies amid the state's ongoing insurance crisis.

Feb 2, 2026

World

A Nation Preparing for the Inevitable: Zimbabwe's Funeral Insurance Boom Overshadows Healthcare Crisis

In Zimbabwe, where formal employment is scarce and medical costs are prohibitive, a stark financial choice is being made: affordable funeral policies are vastly outpacing health insurance, reflecting a cultural prioritization of dignified burials over accessible healthcare.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Golden State's Glitter Fades: Why Many Retirees Rethink the California Dream

While California's climate and scenery have long attracted retirees, a perfect storm of soaring costs—from housing and taxes to insurance and healthcare—is leading many seniors to question their move. Beyond the sunshine, the financial realities of life in the state are prompting widespread regret.

Feb 4, 2026

Business

Tesla's Safety Score Under Fire: How Telematics Data Sparks Insurance Disputes and Regulatory Scrutiny

A California class-action lawsuit and regulatory actions are challenging Tesla's usage-based insurance model, alleging that its Safety Score algorithm unfairly penalizes drivers with 'false' collision warnings. The case highlights broader concerns about transparency and consumer protection in the growing telematics-driven insurance sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

California Defies National Trend as Homebuyers Still Pay Above Asking in Key Markets

While most U.S. buyers now secure discounts, a new analysis reveals three major California metro areas remain outliers where premiums are the norm, underscoring the state's persistent affordability crisis.

Feb 4, 2026

Business

California's Housing Crunch: In Major Metros, Mortgages Now Devour Over Half of Paychecks

A new analysis reveals the stark reality of homeownership in California, where residents in its largest cities are spending a historically high share of income on housing, pushing the dream of owning a home out of reach for many.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

California's Job Market Shows Tentative Resilience as National Layoffs Spike in January

While U.S. employers announced over 108,000 job cuts in January—the highest January total since 2009—California saw a notable slowdown in announced layoffs, offering a glimmer of stability after a brutal 2025.

Feb 5, 2026

Business

Kemper's Q4 Earnings Stumble as Auto Insurance Woes Deepen, Restructuring Plan Unveiled

Kemper Corporation's fourth-quarter results fell sharply below analyst forecasts, driven by severe headwinds in its auto insurance segment. The company outlines a strategic restructuring focused on rate approvals, geographic diversification, and cost discipline to navigate regulatory challenges.

Feb 5, 2026

Business

California's Housing Divide: Buyers Gain Leverage Statewide, But Bay Area Defies National Cooling Trend

A seismic shift in the U.S. housing market delivered the largest buyer discounts in over a decade last year, a Redfin analysis shows. While much of California saw price relief, a cluster of Bay Area metros stubbornly bucked the trend, selling above asking in a stark display of regional economic resilience.

Feb 5, 2026

The Great American Housing Riddle: Why Experts Can't Agree on the Scale of the Crisis

From 2 million to 20 million, the staggering range of estimates for the U.S. housing shortfall reveals a deeper debate over what constitutes a 'shortage' and how to fix an affordability crisis squeezing millions of families.

Feb 4, 2026

California's Road Charge Debate: A Mileage Tax Proposal Sparks Political Clash Over Transportation Funding

A Democratic-led push to study replacing California's gas tax with a per-mile road usage charge has ignited fierce Republican opposition, framing the debate as a critical test for infrastructure funding as fuel tax revenues decline nationwide.

Feb 4, 2026

Business

Home Insurance Premiums Hit Record High: Practical Strategies for Homeowners to Reduce Costs in 2026

With average annual premiums surpassing $3,000, a new survey reveals the financial strain on policyholders. Financial experts outline actionable, long-term strategies to manage rising insurance costs effectively.

Feb 4, 2026

Business

Auto Lenders Grapple with Affordability Crisis as High Costs Deter Buyers

Despite Federal Reserve rate cuts, auto loan payments continue to climb, squeezing consumers and casting a shadow over 2026 sales forecasts. Industry leaders warn that rising vehicle prices, insurance costs, and emerging stress in subprime lending are keeping potential buyers out of the market.

Feb 4, 2026

US

Terminology Clash at California School Board Meeting: "Unhoused" vs. "Homeless" Sparks Heated Debate

A routine student achievement report in California's Pajaro Valley Unified School District ignited a tense exchange over language, as a board vice president demanded the term "homeless" be replaced with "unhoused," calling the former personally offensive.

Feb 4, 2026

US

California Gubernatorial Hopefuls Unite in Scathing Critique of ICE, Call for Agency's Abolition

In a heated Democratic primary debate, candidates for California governor launched a unified assault on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with leading figures advocating for its dismantling and decrying its impact on communities.

Feb 4, 2026

Business

Baldwin Insurance Group Shares Slide: Is the Market Overlooking Long-Term Value?

Baldwin Insurance Group (BWIN) shares have faced significant pressure, dropping over 13% in a week. With a one-year loss of 45%, investors are questioning if the sell-off presents a buying opportunity or signals deeper issues. Our analysis digs into the valuation debate and key risks.

Jan 30, 2026