Latest articles by Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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Why Does It Take Insurers So Darn Long to Pay Claims?
The process of verification, investigation and cost assessment after a loss is complex and goes beyond simply cutting a check.
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Everyone Needs to Prepare for Earthquakes, Even if You Don't Live Near a Fault Line
Here are my tips for what to do before, during and after an earthquake. The more prepared you are, the more you'll be able to keep your wits about you if it happens.
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I'm an Insurance Expert: This Is Exactly Why Your Insurance Rates Are Soaring (and What You Can Do)
A dramatic rise in the frequency and cost of severe weather and wildfires means you need to prepare, prepare, prepare — no matter where you live — for higher premiums.
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Do You Need Flood Insurance? I'm an Insurance Expert, and Here's Where You Can Get It
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so you might need separate flood insurance, which you can get either through FEMA or private companies. Here are the details.
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I'm an Insurance Expert: This Is How Your Insurance Protects You While You're on Vacation
Here are three key things to consider about your insurance (auto, property and health) when traveling within the U.S., including coverage for rental cars, personal belongings and medical emergencies.
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Is Your Home Disaster-Ready? An Insurance Expert's Guide to Preparing for Storms and Fires
Homeowners can take these steps to protect their properties from hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and hail, while also potentially reducing their insurance costs.
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I'm an Insurance Expert: Yes, You Need Life Insurance Even if the Kids Are Grown and the House Is Paid Off
Life insurance isn't about you. It's about providing for loved ones and covering expenses after you're gone. Here are five key reasons to have it.
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The One Surefire Way to Keep Your Car Insurance Premium From Soaring
I'm an insurance expert, so I know from extensive experience: The more claims you file, the higher your car insurance premium. So maybe don't ask your insurer to fix that tiny scratch on your bumper.
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I'm an Insurance Pro: How Not to Get Dumped by Your Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent or broker might show you the door if you do any of these five things. Being a good customer is about more than paying your bill on time.
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I'm an Insurance Expert: This Is How You Get the Right Insurance Coverage at the Right Price
First, you have to know what you want and ask the right questions of the right professional. This insurance pro explains exactly how to do that.
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How to Get Reliable Insurance Information
Before you decide to buy insurance based on what some anonymous guy on social media says, think about the reliability of your source.
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Four Reasons It May Be Time to Shop for New Insurance
You may be unhappy with your insurance for any number of reasons, so once you've decided to shop, what is appropriate (or inappropriate) timing?
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What Claims Adjusters Are Thinking vs What They're Saying
After a natural disaster, few of us are at our best, but here's what to keep in mind when you're interacting with your insurance company's claims adjuster.
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Why Homeowners Insurance Has Gotten So Very Expensive
The home insurance industry is seeing more frequent and bigger claims because of weather, wildfires and other natural disasters.
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How to Balance Your Insurance Expectations vs the Reality
Just because you have an insurance policy doesn't mean that you're totally covered in the event something bad happens.
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Five Things That Are Spiking Your Insurance Premium
It's a drag, but just as your expenses keep rising, so does the cost of doing business as an insurance company. That means higher premiums.
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Five Top Insurance Scams to Watch Out For
Scammers are always looking to take advantage of unsuspecting people, and insurance issues are prime targets. Here's how to avoid falling victim.
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How Do You Know Your Insurer Can Afford to Pay Your Claims?
Here's how to find out where your insurance company stands financially and whether it has a good track record with customers.
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Wait, Why Did My Insurance Premium Increase?!
No one likes it when they get a higher insurance bill, but there is most likely a logical reason for why it's gone up. Let's explore those reasons.
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What Is Insurance Good For? Let Us Count the Ways
You might resent having to pay premiums, but when disaster or just a minor fender-bender happens, you'll be happy you have the financial backup.
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How Does Car Insurance Work for Ride-Sharing Drivers?
Can you use your personal auto insurance? Does it cover everything or only certain things? Here's how to find out.
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Five Reasons You Might Hate Your Insurance Company (and Why You Shouldn't)
Stories about insurance companies letting down their customers are easy to come by, but there's another side to many of those stories.
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California Wildfires and Insurance: Looking for Help
Los Angeles-based insurance expert Karl Susman shares the view from his agency’s office as all hands are on deck to help their policyholders.
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All About Six Types of Auto Insurance Coverage
Do you know what your auto insurance policy covers? Here's a primer on some coverage categories, along with examples of how each type of coverage works.
