#climate-risk

#climate-risk

As insurance companies continue to hike rates and cancel coverage for thousands of homeowners across fire-prone parts of California, Gov. Gavin Newsom is directing regulators to come up with new solutions to stabilize the state's spiraling home insurance market. In an executive order this week, Newsom instructed the state insurance department to submit recommendations on insurance costs and accessibility, wildfire mitigation and compensation for fire victims, among other concerns.

According to newly released American Community Survey (ACS) data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Alaska homeowners with a mortgage typically pay $1,000-$1,499 a year for homeowner's insurance, while those without a mortgage pay $800-$999; overall costs fall in the $1,000-$1,499 range. At the extremes, Alaska has 182,292 insured homeowner households in total-110,175 with a mortgage and 72,117 without. Among mortgaged owners, 10,862 pay less than $100 annually and 6,473 pay $4,000 or more.

The average American emergency savings is only $500, significantly below the recommended three to six months of living expenses, leaving many ill-equipped for home repairs or emergencies. Homeowners in high climate-risk areas face challenges with insurance, as premiums soar in disaster-prone regions, leading to some homeowners considering going without insurance due to high costs. With over $12.7 trillion worth of U.S. real estate facing severe climate risk, insurers are either increasing rates or withdrawing from high-risk areas, leaving homeowners with limited coverage options.