Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
Karl Susman is a veteran insurance agency principal, nationally engaged insurance expert witness and broadcast host who translates insurance from jargon to judgment. For more than three decades, he's helped consumers, courts and policymakers navigate coverage, claims and compliance. As Principal of Susman Insurance Agency, Karl works directly with households and businesses to compare options and make clear, defensible coverage decisions.
In litigation, Karl has provided expert testimony hundreds of times in state, federal and criminal matters, with a focus on agents' and brokers' standard of care, placement practices and claim-handling expectations. He appears regularly in the media offering commentary and analysis of insurance industry news, and he advises lawmakers on legislation, programs and policies that affect insurance markets.
Karl is the Founder of Insurance Consumer Guidance Society (ICGS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating people about their insurance policies and empowering them to make informed decisions.
He is also the host of the syndicated talk radio show "ICGS Insurance Hour" — a one-hour call-in program carried across California on which he fields real-world questions and shares practical, actionable guidance listeners can use immediately.
Phone: (310) 820-5200 | Email: karl@susmaninsurance.com | X (Twitter): @InsuranceHour__
Websites: www.susmaninsurance.com, expertwitnessprofessionals.com, icgs.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karlsusman
Latest articles by Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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Why You Should Show Your Insurance Some Love
Sure, it's pricey, the policies are confusing, and the claims process is slow, but insurance is essentially the friend who shows up during life's worst moments.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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To Be a Smart Insurance Shopper, Don't Shop Just for Price
Choosing the cheapest policy could cost you when you have a loss. You'll get the best results if you focus on the right coverage with the help of a good agent.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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Do You Have an Insurance Coverage Gap for Your Valuables?
Standard homeowners insurance usually has strict limits on high-value items, so you should formally "schedule" these valuable possessions with your insurer.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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Why Delaying an Insurance Claim Could Cost You
The longer you wait to file an insurance claim, the bigger the problem could get — and the more leverage you're giving your insurer to deny it.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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Time to Prepare for Disasters Like They Could Happen to You
You can no longer have the mindset that "that won't happen here." Because it absolutely could. As we head into 2026, consider making a disaster plan.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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Having No Life Insurance Is Like Driving Without a Seat Belt
Life insurance is that boring-but-crucial thing you really need to get now so that your family doesn't have to launch a GoFundMe when you're gone.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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If You Do One Boring Task Before Year-End, Make It This One
Who wants to check insurance policies when there's fun to be had? Still, making sure everything is up to date (coverage and deductibles) can save you a ton.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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Buyer Beware: States Lowering the Bar for Insurance Agents
A new California law removes 20 hours of required education before an aspiring agent can take tests to get licensed. They can then get licensed in other states.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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Your Insurer Will Put the Blame on You in These 5 Scenarios
Insurance companies care about 'fault' in more ways than you think — from payment mishaps to your neighbor's landscaping — so it's on you to manage the risks.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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Shutdown Freezes Federal Flood Insurance, Impacting Homeowners and Buyers
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program is unavailable for new customers, increased coverage or renewals during the government shutdown.
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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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?
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
