In this week's news will talk about how California moves to regulate data privacy, Helene flood claims could $7 billion, and much more…
Inszone acquires LIA Texas to expand footprint in the state
Commercial, personal, and benefits brokerage Inszone Insurance Services has announced its acquisition of LIA Texas, LLC, also known as Lyon's Insurance Agency.
Based in Dallas, the agency has operated for nearly four decades, building a reputation for personalized service and a focus on artisan contractors and surety bonds.
LIA Texas, LLC was founded in 1984 by Bobby and Emma Lyons. Emma Lyons began her insurance career in 1973 as an underwriter at a captive agency, later transitioning into management and sales before co-founding the agency with Bobby.
With a blend of Emma's personal lines expertise and Bobby's experience in commercial insurance for Fortune 500 companies, Inszone says that the agency offered tailored solutions for both individual and business clients.
Based in Dallas, the agency has operated for nearly four decades, building a reputation for personalized service and a focus on artisan contractors and surety bonds.
LIA Texas, LLC was founded in 1984 by Bobby and Emma Lyons. Emma Lyons began her insurance career in 1973 as an underwriter at a captive agency, later transitioning into management and sales before co-founding the agency with Bobby.
With a blend of Emma's personal lines expertise and Bobby's experience in commercial insurance for Fortune 500 companies, Inszone says that the agency offered tailored solutions for both individual and business clients.
California moves to regulate data privacy
The California Privacy Protection Agency has moved forward with new regulations that clarify when insurers must adhere to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and specify how companies may use “automated decision-making technology” (ADMT), including machine learning tools.
These proposed rules follow the CCPA, which became law in 2018 and took effect in 2020, and seek to address emerging privacy issues related to automated technology in the insurance industry.
The agency’s proposed rules confirm that insurers must comply with CCPA requirements for personal information not governed by the state’s insurance code.
These proposed rules follow the CCPA, which became law in 2018 and took effect in 2020, and seek to address emerging privacy issues related to automated technology in the insurance industry.
The agency’s proposed rules confirm that insurers must comply with CCPA requirements for personal information not governed by the state’s insurance code.
Hamilton Global Specialty enters US property insurance market
Hamilton Global Specialty, an underwriting division of Hamilton Insurance Group, has announced its entry into the US property insurance market through Hamilton Americas, its US managing agency.
In addition to the new office, Lissie Van Leunen has been appointed as head of US property, reporting to Pepe Marquez, president of Hamilton Americas.
Van Leunen, who joined Hamilton this month, is tasked with building a property insurance team and a portfolio focused on commercial excess and surplus (E&S) risks. The initiative aims to introduce new products by Jan. 1, 2025.
Van Leunen brings 15 years of underwriting experience to Hamilton. She previously served as underwriting consulting director at CNA Insurance in Richmond, Virginia, where she worked for three years. Before CNA, she held various senior roles at Markel and Argo, also in Richmond.
In addition to the new office, Lissie Van Leunen has been appointed as head of US property, reporting to Pepe Marquez, president of Hamilton Americas.
Van Leunen, who joined Hamilton this month, is tasked with building a property insurance team and a portfolio focused on commercial excess and surplus (E&S) risks. The initiative aims to introduce new products by Jan. 1, 2025.
Van Leunen brings 15 years of underwriting experience to Hamilton. She previously served as underwriting consulting director at CNA Insurance in Richmond, Virginia, where she worked for three years. Before CNA, she held various senior roles at Markel and Argo, also in Richmond.
Helene flood claims could $7 billion
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has estimated that Hurricane Helene could lead to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) losses ranging from $3.5 billion to $7 billion, including expenses related to loss adjustment.
This projection is based on initial flood insurance claims from six states, with the majority of claims filed in Florida, FEMA said in a statement.
As of November 7, over 55,000 flood-related claims have been reported to the NFIP, with the agency already paying about $830 million in claims to policyholders.
FEMA's estimate incorporates several data points, such as policy information, daily claims and payment reports, historical claim patterns, economic conditions, and observations from claims adjusters. While the hurricane is expected to be a significant event for flood insurance, it may take several months for FEMA to determine whether the NFIP can collect payments under its reinsurance agreements.
This projection is based on initial flood insurance claims from six states, with the majority of claims filed in Florida, FEMA said in a statement.
As of November 7, over 55,000 flood-related claims have been reported to the NFIP, with the agency already paying about $830 million in claims to policyholders.
FEMA's estimate incorporates several data points, such as policy information, daily claims and payment reports, historical claim patterns, economic conditions, and observations from claims adjusters. While the hurricane is expected to be a significant event for flood insurance, it may take several months for FEMA to determine whether the NFIP can collect payments under its reinsurance agreements.
Progressive Home to stop offering dwelling fire insurance
Progressive Home has announced it will discontinue its dwelling fire (DP-3) proposition for non-primary residences, as part of a broader strategy to enhance the company’s capacity in the owner-occupied homeowners’ insurance market.
The DP-3 policy provided coverage for second homes, vacation properties, and rental units, but the product line will be phased out in favor of focusing on capacity for primary residences.
The transition is designed to strengthen Progressive’s core property insurance offerings and improve long-term stability, benefiting both policyholders and independent agents. Progressive will continue to offer its main suite of property policies, including homeowners, renters, condo, flood, and umbrella insurance, with the intent of dedicating more resources to these products.
Starting November 19, the insurer will no longer issue new DP-3 policies, and affected policyholders will begin receiving nonrenewal notices in line with state-specific regulatory requirements.
The DP-3 policy provided coverage for second homes, vacation properties, and rental units, but the product line will be phased out in favor of focusing on capacity for primary residences.
The transition is designed to strengthen Progressive’s core property insurance offerings and improve long-term stability, benefiting both policyholders and independent agents. Progressive will continue to offer its main suite of property policies, including homeowners, renters, condo, flood, and umbrella insurance, with the intent of dedicating more resources to these products.
Starting November 19, the insurer will no longer issue new DP-3 policies, and affected policyholders will begin receiving nonrenewal notices in line with state-specific regulatory requirements.
