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Insurance premiums for fireworks displays are going up

Jul 5, 2023
The high cost and risk are causing some cities and counties to rethink their 4th of July shows.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Are insurers accurately pricing in climate change risk?

A Federal Reserve study suggests that states have largely decoupled homeowners rates from underlying risks, says Marketplace's Chris Farrell.
Natural disasters have increased in scope and scale, increasing costs but not always homeowners premiums. Senior economics contributor Chris Farrell expects reform to come to the market.
Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images

For seniors who use medical cannabis, the expense can be considerable

Jun 16, 2023
More than three dozen states have legalized the medical use of cannabis products. But for some patients, it’s not an affordable option.
While insurance and Medicare will cover the cost for most FDA-approved medications, those who chose medical cannabis typically pay for it out of pocket.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Cannabis businesses are booming. They're also having a hard time getting insurance.

Apr 20, 2023
Insuring a store full of a substance that's still illegal under federal law isn't cheap.
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Much of the damage from Hurricane Ian will be from flooding, but will homeowners be covered?

Sep 30, 2022
Regular homeowner's insurance policies don't cover water damage from storm surge, or flood waters from the ground up.
In this aerial view, cars sit in floodwater near downtown after Hurricane Ian on Sept. 29, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.
Gerardo Mora/Getty Images

Ian's catastrophic damage in Florida falls on an insurance market in turmoil

Sep 29, 2022
The storm could cause more than $30 billion in property losses at a time when insurance companies in the state are losing money.
Hurricane Ian may be one of the costliest storms in U.S. history. Above, debris in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Regulators look at how "big data" may contribute to racial bias in insurance rates

Nov 30, 2021
Some advocates say the industry needs to move more quickly to address the issue.
While many insurance companies leverage big data and artificial intelligence to calculate insurance rates, advocates say it can produce disparities between urban and suburban residents. Above, a suburban neighborhood in Richmond, California, viewed from an Amtrak train.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images

The changing climate is driving up home insurance claims, and rates

Oct 28, 2021
More extreme weather means more damage to homes and property — a challenge for insurers, as well as owners.
A car sits on a flooded garage in Mamaroneck, New York, following Hurricane Ida in September.
Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images