Latest news with #insuranceclaims
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
JCE Law Group Launches Digital Legal Guide to Support Texas Property Damage Victims
New online guide provides practical legal information for homeowners, renters, and businesses across Texas facing damage from storms, accidents, or negligence. Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2025) - JCE Law Group has introduced a new digital legal resource aimed at assisting Texas residents and businesses dealing with the aftermath of property damage. The publication, titled Texas Property Damage Attorney Guide: Storm Damage, Accidents, and Negligence Claims, offers clear legal insights for homeowners, tenants, and business owners navigating insurance disputes and liability issues. JCE Law Group Launches Digital Legal Guide to Support Texas Property Damage Victims To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The launch of the Texas property damage guide comes in response to a recent series of severe storms and infrastructure-related incidents, particularly in areas such as Texas Hill Country. As insurance claims increase and many property owners consider legal recourse, the guide is intended to help Texans understand their rights and the steps involved in pursuing compensation under Texas law. Now available on the firm's website, the guide is structured to address a range of common property damage scenarios—from storm-related losses to third-party negligence. It is part of JCE Law Group's broader effort to improve access to legal services through online channels. The firm's clients often face a difficult combination of physical loss, insurance disputes, and legal confusion. The guide is meant to help individuals understand their options—whether they're filing a claim, challenging a denial, or considering legal action. It's a resource focused on clarity during a complicated time. The firm's new publication also reflects a growing trend in legal services: expanding digital tools to meet increased demand for remote support. Based in Houston, the attorneys at JCE Law Group frequently work on complex cases involving storm, fire, accident, and water-related damage throughout Texas. The guide features detailed explanations on filing timelines, how to document claims, signs of bad faith practices by insurers, and a section for frequently asked questions. It is written in accessible language and formatted for mobile use, enabling users to access the information from smartphones and tablets, especially useful during emergencies. Although the guide does not replace formal legal representation, it reinforces the firm's role as a go-to resource for public legal education. The firm, which provides experienced legal representation for both residential and commercial clients, continues to position itself as a trusted lawyer for property damage cases in Texas. The guide is also expected to help users evaluate when legal support may be necessary and how to prepare for potential claims. It emphasizes the importance of timely action, noting that the statute of limitations for property damage claims in Texas is typically two years from the date of the incident. Given JCE Law Group's work in disputes involving insurers, landlords, and other liable parties, the resource is especially relevant to those living in areas prone to weather extremes or rapid development. With the frequency of severe weather events on the rise, the firm anticipates growing interest in the guide and related legal services. About JCE Law Group JCE Law Group is a Houston-based law firm representing clients across Texas in property damage claims, insurance disputes, and liability litigation. The firm handles residential and commercial cases involving storm, water, fire, and accident-related losses. With extensive experience navigating state insurance systems and legal frameworks, JCE Law Group is committed to advocating for fair outcomes for clients impacted by property damage. The firm continues to develop digital resources to make legal information more accessible, including its latest Texas property damage guide for those seeking legal clarity and support. Contact Info:Name: Julie GhoshEmail: jghosh@ JCE Law GroupPhone: 720-805-3261Website: To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
21-07-2025
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
Typhoon Wipha: insurance claims likely to be half of Saola's toll, analysts say
Hong Kong insurers are likely to face smaller claims for damages related to Typhoon Wipha than the previous major hurricane that hit the city two years ago because the impact was less severe this time, according to industry analysts. Advertisement The local unit of Zurich Insurance and some general insurers reported fewer claims on Monday, compared with submissions for compensation related to Typhoon Saola in September 2023, company executives said. The city raised the typhoon warning to its highest level No. 10 for almost seven hours on Sunday when Wipha struck. In total, 33 people were injured and authorities reported 711 fallen trees and flooding cases. 'Based on these figures, the payouts triggered by Wipha are expected to be about half of those resulting from Saola,' said Kenny Ng Lai-yin, a strategist at Everbright Securities International. 'The economic damage caused by Wipha is also expected to be less severe.' The Hong Kong Observatory also raised the No.10 signal when Saola approached the city two years ago. Some 86 people were injured and there were 1,500 reports of fallen trees and 21 flooding cases. 03:16 Typhoon Wipha: Hong Kong emerges with dozens hurt, tens of thousands of travellers frustrated Typhoon Wipha: Hong Kong emerges with dozens hurt, tens of thousands of travellers frustrated Insurers paid out HK$361 million (US$46.3 million) in claims related to Saola, the fourth highest in the local insurance history. They exceeded the HK$325 million payouts related to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS in 2003, according to the Insurance Authority.
Reuters
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Tesla's auto insurance arm hit with consumer class action in California
July 17 (Reuters) - Electric vehicle maker Tesla's (TSLA.O), opens new tab auto insurance unit has been hit with a consumer lawsuit in California accusing it of deliberately scheming to delay and minimize insurance payouts, causing some motorists to abandon claims or pay out of pocket. The proposed class action filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court on July 11 alleged Tesla Insurance failed to implement and maintain sufficient claims-handling procedures for its customers. Tesla, led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, offers insurance policies in California to Tesla drivers and also to drivers of non-Tesla vehicles. The lawsuit, opens new tab, which seeks unspecified monetary damages, alleges Tesla violated California's unfair competition law and seeks to represent potentially thousands of motorists in California who had bought insurance from the company. Tesla and a lawyer for the named plaintiff did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Tesla launched its auto insurance unit in 2019, promising what Musk at the time called a 'vastly better' service than rival providers. A Reuters investigation in 2023 showed a raft of consumer complaints about Tesla's insurance claims processing, and also scrutiny from state regulators. The Ohio Department of Insurance at least twice in 2023 found Tesla had violated state regulations for claims handling, including for a lack of timely communications with a policyholder. The plaintiff in the new lawsuit in California, a resident of North Hollywood, purchased a Tesla insurance policy in October for a leased Dodge Ram pickup truck, according to the lawsuit. After the vehicle was stolen this year, he filed an insurance claim under his policy but struggled to get in touch with Tesla, with calls to adjusters frequently unanswered, the lawsuit said. The policyholder has yet to receive compensation or other benefits, the complaint said. Tesla's 'wrongful and unreasonable delays and refusals to act' have forced consumers to wait months or even years without reliable transportation or funds needed for repairs or a replacement vehicle, the lawsuit said. The case is Carlos Magana v. Tesla Insurance Co, Los Angeles Superior Court, No. 25STCV20622. For plaintiff: Maro Burunsuzyan and David Scott of the Law Offices of Maro Burunsuzyan For defendant: No appearance yet Read more: Tesla fails to end Florida lawsuit over fatal Model S crash Tesla sued over Model S crash that killed three in New Jersey Musk's Tesla seeks to guard crash data from public disclosure Tesla settles wrongful death lawsuit claiming sudden acceleration in Ohio crash Tesla launched its own car insurance. These drivers say it's a lemon.
CBS News
17-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
New Jersey residents cleaning up from flash flooding now faced with filing insurance claims
Hundreds of homes in New Jersey were damaged by flash flooding Monday, and many families are only just beginning the process of filing insurance claims. CBS News New York's investigative reporter Mahsa Saeidi spoke with residents about the challenges they're facing and got important advice from experts on what homeowners should do next. For the second time this month, the Gavin family called their insurance company. On July 3, they filed a homeowners claim after strong winds damaged their siding. Then on Monday, they filed a flood claim after water surrounded their North Plainfield home. Stephanie Gavin said they have thousands of dollars worth of damage. "Water heater, air conditioner, washer, dryer, deep freezer, refrigerator," she said. "Hopefully, I get the max, the guy is supposed to come, but that looks like it's only going to be maybe $9,000." Some neighbors are in even worse shape. The storm ripped apart the foundation of one home, and it could collapse at any point, according to the family who lives there. Like so many in the community, they're at the mercy of their insurance company. "It's been nonstop claims," said insurance agent Jaclyn Licato. "Lot of flood insurance claims, auto claims." Jeff Licato said he's been selling insurance for 44 years in the community. "This is the worst I've ever seen when it comes to flooding. It's new to me too to see something so severe," he said. Experts say take pictures of the destruction before starting to cleanup. File a proof of loss and take steps to prevent further damage. Schedule a visit from an adjuster and document everything. Across the Garden State, rates are ticking up, as well as cancellations. "Some companies have gotten a 10% rate increase, some have gotten 22 or higher," said Jeff Licato. In December, a Senate report on counties with the largest jump in non-renewals nationwide named three in New Jersey: Cape May, Hudson and Atlantic. So even if you aren't filing a claim now, you could still face insurance troubles soon. "It's all up to the adjuster that's coming tomorrow, so it's in their hands. Everything is in the insurance hands," Gavin said.
CBS News
03-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Home renovations that can cut insurance costs
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Making a few strategic renovations could have a big (and positive) impact on the cost of your home insurance policy. Westend61/Getty Images Home insurance costs have skyrocketed over the last couple of years. Case in point? Data from the Consumer Federation of America shows homeowners have seen their home insurance premiums jump by about 24% on average over the last three years as insurers adjusted to inflation and experienced an increase in weather-related claims. As a result, many homeowners are looking for ways to cut their insurance expenses without sacrificing essential coverage. And, while there are a few ways to try and do that, making smart renovations may be the answer. After all, certain home improvements could slash your homeowners insurance premiums by reducing the risks that drive up coverage costs. Though not every home upgrade will improve your rates, insurance experts say the right projects could put money back in your pocket each year. Find out how affordable the right home insurance policy could be today. Home renovations that can cut insurance costs "Generally, insurers give [discounts] for renovations that reduce either the chance of an insurance loss or the size of it, or both," says Peter Piotrowski, chief claims officer at Hippo Insurance. Discount amounts vary by home insurance provider. But these four home remodeling projects consistently catch insurers' attention, experts say: Getting a new roof "A full roof replacement is a project that most insurers love to see," says Nick Christensen, an insurance agent at Goosehead Insurance. Your roof is your home's first defense against weather damage, and insurers factor its age into premium calculations. If your roof is 15 to 20 years old (or older), replacing it could lead to noticeable savings on insurance costs. According to Katie Irey, senior vice president at Allstate, the roof materials you choose matter. For example, "insurers may offer discounts for impact-resistant materials [such as] Class 4 shingles," Irey says. "[These] can better withstand hail and high winds." In some states, insurers are required to offer discounts for wind-mitigation features. To get your discount, "let your insurer know about the upgrade and provide documentation so they can adjust your policy," Irey says. Your insurance company will calculate savings based on your roof's age, materials and resistance ratings. Learn more about your home insurance coverage options online now. Upgrading electrical and plumbing systems "Water damage and electrical fires are major claim drivers," says Irey. That's why upgrading old wiring or plumbing can earn you meaningful discounts on your home insurance policy. Replacing aging systems before they fail shows insurers you're preventing the expensive claims they worry about most. "A modern system reduces the likelihood of filing a claim related to either hazard," Christensen says. Beyond replacing core systems, consider adding protective features, such as leak detectors and sump pumps. These can reduce water damage risks and boost your savings. Don't expect automatic recognition for your upgrades, though. "A major utility upgrade may require [you to submit] photos or [do an] in-home inspection to qualify for a discount," Piotrowski says. So, be prepared to document your upgrades with permits, contractor receipts and before-and-after pictures. Adding monitored alarm and security systems "A monitored security system is a reliable way to lower your home insurance premium," says Christensen. These systems reduce the risk of major losses by deterring theft and enabling faster emergency response to fires. When sensors detect trouble, operators can dispatch emergency services immediately. This often prevents small incidents from becoming expensive claims. Piotrowski emphasizes that smart technology makes these systems even more effective at reducing claims. Modern alarm systems send instant alerts to your phone when hazards arise. This means you can respond quickly and mitigate damage before it becomes a costly insurance claim. Installing storm shutters If you live in a hurricane-prone area, "installing permanent storm shutters or impact-resistant windows can lead to insurance discounts," Christensen says. These barriers shield your home from wind damage and flying debris during storms. From an insurer's perspective, homes with storm shutters are far less likely to suffer severe damage that triggers expensive claims. Like other renovations, securing your discount requires official documentation. Insurers usually apply discounts after a wind mitigation inspection, which documents your protective features. This inspection creates the paper trail that insurers need to justify reduced premiums. Home improvements that typically won't cut insurance costs Not all valuable home renovations translate to insurance savings, though, experts say. "Cosmetic upgrades [won't] lower your home insurance premium," says Christensen. "They may even raise it, as the cost to replace your home has now increased." The following projects likely won't cut your insurance costs, according to Irey: Swimming pools increase liability risk, often requiring more coverage. increase liability risk, often requiring more coverage. Kitchen and bathroom remodels raise replacement costs due to high-end materials. raise replacement costs due to high-end materials. Solar panels add to replacement costs and create new storm damage risks. add to replacement costs and create new storm damage risks. Architectural changes (e.g., garage conversions, open floor plans, exposed brick) can elevate fire, wind or liability risks. Only renovations that reduce risk may be eligible for lower premiums. The bottom line Smart renovations can deliver real insurance savings, but success depends on proper planning. "If you're [renovating to save] on insurance, have a conversation with your insurance agent before you start swinging a hammer," Christensen advises. They can let you know which upgrades will have the most impact on your premium based on your location and risk profile.
