California Wildfires News

California Utilities Sued Over Deadly Mudslides

Two utilities were sued Tuesday for the widespread destruction from last week’s deadly mudslides that were caused when hillsides ravaged by California’s largest wildfire let loose in heavy rain. An amended negligence lawsuit filed in Santa Barbara County Superior Court …

California Commissioner and Legislators Unveil Wildfire Insurance Bills

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and legislators from wildfire-damaged communities across the state unveiled eight bills and two additional legislative proposals proponents say will strengthen consumer protections for those making insurance claims. Jones and state Senators Mike McGuire and Bill …

Search for Victims of California Mudslide Continues, 17 Dead

Hundreds of searchers continued the grueling work Thursday of hunting for survivors and digging up bodies in the sea of mud and wreckage left by flash flooding in Montecito, Calif. The death toll from Tuesday’s flash flood rose to 17 …

Alternative Capital Responds to 2017 Catastrophes with ‘Show of Strength’: Aon Benfield

Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria represented the first real test of the staying power of the alternative capital sector, which has responded with a show of strength by continuing to fund reinsurance capacity, according to a report published by Aon …

XL Group: Loss Estimates of $45M Related to Southern California Wildfires

XL Group Ltd. on Wednesday announced preliminary estimates of natural catastrophe net losses of roughly $45 million related to the recent wildfires in Southern California and $20 million related to other events. The estimated losses are roughly evenly split between …

Mud Inundates California Burn Areas, 15 Dead

The death toll from the mudslides that struck Southern California climbed to 15 on Wednesday as rescue crews searched for anyone trapped, injured or dead in the onslaught that smashed homes and swept away cars. The torrential rainstorm that set …

California Wildfires Top Arch Capital’s Q4 Catastrophe Losses of $60M-$75M

Arch Capital Group reports estimated pre-tax losses of $60 million to $75 million from fourth quarter catastrophic events, primarily the California wildfires. This estimated range of losses – net of reinsurance recoveries and reinstatement premiums – updates previous estimates from …

Storm Floods California Roads, Loosens Hillsides

Heavy rains pounding Southern California for a second day caused flooding and loosened hillsides as officials in fire-ravaged communities warned people to stay off roads over fears of destructive mud flows. Water and debris in lanes shut down coastal U.S. …

California Commissioner Issues Report on Fire Insurance Availability Issues

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today released a report on the growing problem of homeowners fire insurance availability and affordability in many areas throughout the state. The report recommends changes in law that Jones believes the legislature should enact to …

Top Insurance Journal West Stories of 2017

Trade secrets and Hippos, lawsuits and tragedies. The news for 2017 didn’t seem to be dominated by a single trend or sole event, but in an ever-fractured media world that must try and cater to short attention spans and social …