
Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
Karl Susman is an insurance agency owner, insurance expert witness in state, federal and criminal courts, and radio talk show host. For more than 30 years, Karl has helped consumers understand the complex world of insurance. He provides actionable advice and distills complex insurance concepts into understandable options. He appears regularly in the media, offering commentary and analysis of insurance industry news, and advises lawmakers on legislation, programs and policies. He contributes to the American Bar Association Insurance Regulation quarterly newsletter, helping its readers better utilize insurance products and services.
As the Principal of Susman Insurance Agency, Karl works directly with clients to ensure they have the information they need to make the best decisions for their insurance coverage. Karl’s given testimony as an expert hundreds of times, helping attorneys, judges and juries adjudicate insurance litigation.
Dedicated to helping consumers access accurate information about insurance, Karl hosts “Insurance Hour,” a call-in radio show syndicated across California with a reach of more than 30 million listeners.
Phone: (310) 820-5200 | Email: Questions@InsuranceHour.com | X (Twitter): @InsuranceHour__
Websites: www.susmaninsurance.com, expertwitnessprofessionals.com, insurancehour.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karlsusman
Latest articles 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 Published
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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 Published
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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 Published
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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 Published
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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 Published
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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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.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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Are Democrats or Republicans Better for My Insurance Premiums?
Let's compare how these two political parties might affect your insurance premiums now that the 2024 election is over.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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Five Tips to Help Avoid a Denial on Your Insurance Claim
After a loss, take some deep breaths and follow the rules to ensure your insurance company is able to do its job on your claim.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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Buying an Insurance Policy: Three Ways to Do It
You can buy an insurance policy through an insurance agent or broker or on the internet. Which way works best for you?
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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Do You Feel Like Somebody's Watching You? It's Your Car
What's worse, you gave your vehicle manufacturer permission to watch you — no matter what you're doing. What are the car companies doing with that information?
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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Who Works to Make Your Insurance Work?
Ensuring a smooth insurance process takes more than just your insurance agent or broker — many talented people are busy behind the scenes.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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Are You Annoyed That You Have to Buy Car or Home Insurance?
Maybe instead of considering car and home insurance extra expenses that you don't benefit from, think about how those policies protect your investment instead.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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Why Does One Claim Jack Up My Insurance After Years of No Claims?
Even loyal customers can be hit with an insurance premium hike after a claim, despite going many years without any claims. There's a reason for that.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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Does a Farm Need a Different Homeowners Insurance Policy?
Homeowners insurance is all about providing the right tool for the right exposure, and life on the farm comes with different risks than life in the city.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published
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What Does the Term 'Full Coverage' Really Mean in Insurance?
For starters, there’s no such thing as 'full coverage.' Instead, you should tell your insurer exactly what kind of protection you're looking for and for what.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS Published