Latest news with #Mulready
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Watch uncovers why homeowners' insurance rates are so high, commissioner responds
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Sky-high insurance rates affect nearly every homeowner in Oklahoma. We've all heard the excuse that it's because of the hail, but Oklahoma Watch decided to look beyond that and discovered it may not be the case. 'It turns out that both Texas and Kansas have historically more hail than we do. Yet their insurance rates are lower than ours,' said JC Hallman, reporter for Oklahoma Watch. A report from the National Weather Service from 2020 to 2024 shows Oklahoma had an average of 16.6 days of 2 inch hail. While Texas had more than double at 37.8 days. Kansas had 21.4 days and Nebraska had 22.6 days. Those numbers are what made Hallman start asking what's really driving up Oklahoma's insurance costs. 'It's a quirk in Oklahoma law,' said Hallman. The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) will regulate rates if they go too low, but won't step in if they go up, assuming the free market will bring costs down. State Auditor releases initial report on Department of Mental Health 'Oklahomans wind up paying a lot more than they maybe need to and it allows the insurance companies to cover up losses in other states by charging Oklahomans more money,' said Hallman. The OID is led by Glen Mulready. 'Glen Mulready actually has the power based on the law as it is that he could step in and simply decide that we do not have a competitive market and once he says we have a non competitive market, then he could just lower rates,' said Hallman. News 4 asked Mulready if he has considered taking action. 'It all comes down to, do we have a competitive marketplace? And yes, we're getting complaints because premiums are up and people don't like that and I get that, but we have a very competitive marketplace,' said Hallman. Oklahoma Watch reported that there was one instance a commissioner stepped in to lower rates with earthquake insurance. 'Now there were two companies writing earthquake coverage, so it was determined that is not a competitive market,' said Mulready. Records show that the insurance industry was Mulready's top donor in thirteen out of fifteen years. Business owners concerned about NW OKC road construction 'There's zero connection with that because there's nothing that can be done. We don't approve rates, I could see that if we approve rates and somehow I was doing a favor for a certain insurance company, but that doesn't take place because it can't take place,' said Mulready. Mulready also told News 4 he never said it was just hail driving up the cost of insurance. 'Rates are up because of claims and inflation. You know, if a roof costs more to replace today than it did yesterday, your insurance premiums are going to reflect that because that's a direct connection to actual costs,' said Mulready. News 4 asked if he's working with lawmakers to do something about the high prices. 'We are looking for solutions, there's no silver bullet,' said Mulready. Last year the legislature passed the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act, which just launched in March. Homeowners can apply for grants to use to fortify their homes, which can lead to lower premiums. While Mulready believes Oklahoma has a competitive market, Hallman encourages you to share your concerns with the OID and push for change. To read JC Hallman's full story, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Irish Independent
10-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Woman (32) ordered to stay out of all Tesco and Dunnes Stores premises in Louth
A Garda gave evidence of arresting Shanice Mulready (32), Oldbridge, Toberona, Dundalk, on May 6 last at Oldbridge. He later charged her at 5.37pm at Drogheda Garda Station and said that she made no reply after caution. She is accused of theft of various items ranging in value from €32.50 to €268.84 over a period from June 24, 2024 to April 30 last, at Dunnes Stores, Ard Easmuinn; McCreesh's, Avenue Road; Mr Price, Rampart Road; Tesco Extra; St Joseph's Redemptorist Church and Tesco, Longwalk Shopping Centre in Dundalk and at Centra, Ballsgrove and John's Centra, Platin Road in Drogheda. Ms Mulready, is further charged with burglary at John's Centra, Platin Road, on June 24, 2024. Gardaí objected to bail under O'Callaghan Rules. Solicitor Fergal Boyle said that his client had instructed to plead guilty. She was seeking bail. Judge Nicola Andrews granted the defendant bail in her own bond of €300. She must sign on twice daily at Dundalk Garda Station, observe a 10pm to 7am curfew, be contactable by mobile phone and stay out of all Tesco and Dunnes Stores premises in Co. Louth, as well as Centra, Ballsgrove and John's Centra, Platin Road. Ms Mulready was remanded on those terms to June 4 for a community service assessment. Legal aid was granted.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Homeowners devastated after major insurers hike rates due to weather changes: 'A lot of people are denied coverage'
Oklahoma homeowners have been hit with higher insurance rates as the combination of more severe storms and inflation takes its toll. KOCO 5 News reported that severe storms producing tornadoes and hail have increased in the past few years, leading to more damage and surging home insurance rates. Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready explained that costs for a new roof rose by 30% over 18 months due to the intense storms. He said that the top 20 home insurance companies "paid out about $105 for every $100 they took in" for hail, wind, and tornado damage by the end of 2023. While the recently passed Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act — which provides grants to homeowners to reinforce their homes against strong windstorms — is designed to lower insurance costs, KOCO 5 News noted that some insurance companies have already requested premium increases. That means homeowners could face rate increases even if they haven't experienced storm damage. Mulready said rates are increasing by about 10% on average, which isn't a huge jump. However, Bryce Johnson, an attorney from Johnson and Biscone Law Firm, said that insurance providers may deny coverage if they are unwilling to take on the risk. "A lot of people are denied coverage, where the insurance company comes in and tries to say the loss is not related to the recent storm," Johnson said, per KOCO 5 News. "They can't drop a homeowner after the claim is made, but they can certainly drop a homeowner before they have any damage to their home. Unfortunately, insurance companies in Oklahoma have been known to do that." Mulready explained that impact-resistant shingles and tougher roofs could make a difference in terms of storm damage, but they won't protect homeowners from higher insurance rates or a lack of coverage. Soaring insurance rates make it harder for families to afford other necessities, and potential buyers may find it more challenging to buy a home. Not having insurance leaves homeowners vulnerable to storm damage and puts the burden of repairs entirely on their shoulders. Higher insurance rates lead to market instability as homeowners struggle to afford payments in high-risk areas. A major factor behind increasingly volatile insurance rates is the warming climate fueled by the burning of dirty energy sources, which leads to more extreme weather and costlier storm damage. Skyrocketing insurance rates affect homeowners nationwide, including those in weather-battered states such as Florida, Louisiana, and California. Several insurers have dropped policies in Texas and Florida, signaling a worrying trend, as these states are among the hardest hit by hurricanes and floods. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In California, lawmakers have issued a mandate requiring insurers to increase coverage in wildfire-prone areas, and Massachusetts legislators are expanding flood insurance coverage to protect homeowners from rising sea levels. Since the insurance crisis is mainly caused by excess planet-warming pollution in the atmosphere, you can help by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels, which reduce reliance on the electric grid that is powered mostly by dirty fuels. As more people switch to clean energy, the climate will become more stable, which will help make insurance affordable again. You can also check with your state to see if it offers grants to fortify your home against storms. Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana are several states that provide grants for wind-resistant roofs. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Telegraph
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Covid made me commit crime, claims drug dealer spared deportation
A convicted cannabis dealer has been spared deportation after claiming that he only committed the crime because he ran out of money during the Covid pandemic. Greek migrant Sali Dragodi, 26, has been allowed to stay in the country after a 'generous' judge ruled that his removal would breach his human rights despite objections from the Home Office. The Home Office sought to return him to his native Greece after he was jailed for more than a year for possessing cannabis with intent to supply. But first-tier tribunal Judge Mary Mulready believed he was at a 'very low risk of reoffending'. His lawyer argued he was 'someone who had done something stupid once and was unlikely to commit an offence again'. After she allowed his human rights claim, the Government appealed the decision, arguing that 'due weight' had not been given to the public interest in deporting foreign national offenders. But this has now been rejected after another judge found no 'error of law' in the original decision. The case, disclosed in court papers, is the latest example exposed by The Telegraph where failed asylum seekers or convicted foreign criminals have attempted to halt their deportations, often by claiming breaches of their human rights. There are a record 41,987 outstanding immigration appeals, largely on human rights grounds, which threaten to hamper Labour's efforts to fast-track removal of illegal migrants. Dragodi was granted limited leave to remain in accordance with the EU Settlement Scheme in August 2020, a tribunal was told. He was later convicted of possessing cannabis with intent to supply, for which he was sentenced to one year, one month and 21 days imprisonment. The tribunal heard: '[Dragodi]'s evidence before the [first tier tribunal] and accepted by it was that the circumstances of the offence were exceptional, coming in the context of financial difficulties arising out of the circumstances of the pandemic. '[Dragodi] was at that time living in a single room paid for by the man he committed the offence with, who was more seriously involved.' Judge Mulready ruled in his favour in June 2023, meaning he was allowed to stay in Britain. However, the Home Office questioned why the drug dealer had been assessed as at a 'very low' risk of reoffending. The Home Office said there had been no 'proper recognition' by the judge of the 'nature of the offence, or expression of public revulsion or deterrence'. Dragodi had not 'provided any evidence of rehabilitation' with no 'guarantee' he might not reoffend. There was no reason he could not return to Greece 'given his youth, his health and his skills'. However, Dragodi's representative told the tribunal: 'This was not a career criminal but someone who had done something stupid once and was unlikely to commit an offence again.' Deputy tribunal Judge Greg Ó Ceallaigh – who sat with upper tribunal Judge Daniel Sheridan – found that Judge Mulready was entitled to come to the conclusion that she did. 'In our view the grounds of appeal do not identify any error of law,' he said. 'The tribunal quite clearly took account of all relevant matters.' The judge added: 'While the [first-tier tribunal]'s assessment may have been at the more generous end of the spectrum, it is one that she was entitled to reach.'
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Report projects 8% increase in Oklahoma home insurance
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A new report shows Oklahoma is the third most expensive state for home insurance. This year, the report projects that Oklahomans will see an 8% increase, which is also the national average. 'Prices have gone up pretty substantially over the past couple of years, and that we project them to continue on that trend in 2025,' said Chase Gardner, the data insights manager with Insurify. Oklahoma homeowners can apply for grants to strengthen roofs against storms In 2024, the report also showed Oklahoma ranking third for home insurance. Here's how the numbers break down this year. The state's average annual premium in 2024 was $7,762. This year, there's a projected annual premium of $8,369. So why do insurance rates continue to rise? 'Last year, we had a record number of tornadoes ever, 152 tornadoes we had last year. So we're seeing, you know, sort of record levels of weather,' said Glen Mulready, the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner. Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said inflation also plays a big part. 'As the cost of a two by four goes up, you know, the cost of insurance is a direct reflection of that, you know, the replacement cost of shingles and those type of things,' said Commissioner Mulready. Lawmakers are working to combat the hikes. They introduced legislation to help Oklahomans that recently went into effect. Oklahoma ranks 3rd in home insurance costs, early 2024 data projects increases 'The Strengthen Homes Act is a great way to at least begin addressing the problem,' said Representative Forrest Bennett (D-Oklahoma City). The act provides grants to fortify your home, which could help lower prices over time. 'Most every insurance company is going to give you a really nice discount for having that type of a roof. And then number two, you don't run the risk of having a claim the next time a storm comes through,' said Commissioner Mulready. Representative Forrest Bennett said the act is a good start, but believes there's room to expand it in the future. 'I think that it would behoove all of us at the state level to do what we can to find that money, find those innovative ways to help consumers protect their own stuff. And hopefully see rates go down,' said Representative Bennett. To learn more about the Strengthen Homes Act or apply for a grant, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
