Personal Lines Articles

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Claims Practices

How and Why California Killed Third-Party Bad Faith

2025-01-31 | Barry Zalma

Barry Zalma discusses the reversal of the 1979 "Royal Globe" case in 1988 by the California Supreme Court and its ramifications.

Catastrophe Risk Management

FAQs for Surviving Wildfire Losses—Los Angeles County 2025

2025-01-22 | Robin K Olson

IRMI offers information about dealing with wildfire insurance claims in Los Angeles County, California.

Catastrophe Risk Management

Wildfire Smoke Claims: A Hidden Postwildfire Catastrophe

2024-11-22 | John Putnam

Smoke claims are as varied as the fires that cause them. John Putnam examines the characteristics, psychological dimensions, remediation issues, and dispute resolution challenges.

Claims Practices

Lying on an Application about Primary Residence Is Grounds for Rescission

2024-10-18 | Barry Zalma

Barry Zalma relates a recent case showing that an insured's intentional misrepresentation can result in no homeowners insurance coverage.

Catastrophe Risk Management

FAQs for Surviving Hurricanes Helene and Milton

2024-10-11 | Robin K Olson

IRMI offers assistance in the form of informative tips for dealing with insurance claims related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Auto Risk Management

Inherent Diminished Value Claims for Personal Autos

2024-09-30 | Robin K Olson

Is perceptual or psychological diminished value—the perceptual loss of vehicle market value due to an accident—covered under the personal auto policy? This article examines the debate, relevant case law, and ISO's response.

Auto Risk Management

Senior Drivers and Insurance Concerns

2024-09-30 | Robin K Olson

As baby boomers age, the number of senior drivers increases. Rob Olson discusses the importance of finding ways now to reduce the frequency and severity of automobile accidents involving elderly drivers.

Auto Risk Management

Auto Manufacturer Parts versus Aftermarket Parts: A Question of Quality

2024-09-30 | Robin K Olson

Many insurers and industry groups believe non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket parts are the same quality as OEM parts, but are they truly of like kind and quality? This article examines the debate.