SOURCE: Insurance Information Institute A report in USA Today throws the spotlight on just how many homes in California are vulnerable to wildfire. Data from the U.S. Forest Service cited by USA Today reveals that one-third of homes in California are located in areas prone to wildfires. Apparently the Forest Service’s report estimates that 4.5...
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Storm Surge Risk Rising Along U.S. Coast
SOURCE: Insurance Information Institute While there’s much focus on storm surge risk in New Orleans as we mark the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, two new reports highlight the vulnerability of other U.S. coastal cities to storm surge flooding. An analysis by Karen Clark & Co ranks the U.S. cities most vulnerable to storm surge...
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Lightning Fatalities Prompt Warning
SOURCE: Insurance Information Institute The number of lightning deaths in the United States in 2015 continues to rise, the National Weather Service (NWS) has warned. So far this year some 22 lightning fatalities have been recorded, just four shy of the 26 deaths recorded for the whole of 2014. Alabama, Florida and Colorado top the...
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Popular San Francisco Neighborhoods, Demographics & Auto Insurance Rates
SOURCE: CoverHound Each San Francisco neighborhood has characteristics that make it unique. From the pricey, Victorian homes in Pacific Heights to the hot startup / tech scene in SOMA (where our offices are!), each area has it’s own personality and vibe. Now, you might ask, what on earth does this have to do with car...
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How do you research crime in a neighborhood?
SOURCE: BankRate real estate Dear Real Estate Adviser,We’re looking in a few different communities to buy a home that would be within short driving distance of our grandchildren. But we’re very security-conscious, almost to the point of paranoia. What is the most accurate way to research crime data in a particular community?— Colleen M. Dear...
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Infographic on Hurricane Katrina
SOURCE: Insurance Information Institute The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) is looking back at the costliest hurricane in U.S. history that took 1,800 lives and cost $125 billion in total economic losses, via a comprehensive infographic. Insurance claims by coverage and state, total National Flood Insurance Program losses from Katrina, and other sources of Katrina recovery...
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Identity stolen? Do these 12 things now
SOURCE: BankRate credit As soon as you suspect that you’ve been a victim of identity theft, taking these steps immediately will help you clear your name and your credit. Also, consider grabbing a free credit report from myBankrate. 1. Notify affected creditors or bank If a bank account or existing credit line has been affected,...
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Storm Surge: The Trillion Dollar Risk
SOURCE: Insurance Information Institute More than 6.6 million homes on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are at risk of hurricane-driven storm surge with a total reconstruction cost value (RCV) of nearly $1.5 trillion. The latest annual analysis from CoreLogic finds that the Atlantic Coast has more than 3.8 million homes at risk of storm surge...
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Disaster planning: Are you ready for the worst?
SOURCE: BankRate insurance Is your household prepared for natural disasters? The official arrival of the Atlantic hurricane season, which traditionally runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, serves as an annual reminder to create a home inventory, assemble or replenish your emergency preparedness kit, revisit your home insurance or rental insurance coverage, and review your...
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How to choose replacement tires
SOURCE: BankRate When replacing your car’s tires, price shouldn’t be the first consideration; at least, that’s the opinion of many tire experts. Other factors, such as safety, grip and ride quality, should top the reasons-to-buy list. Most of us don’t think much about our tires until one goes flat or they become so worn...
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