Tag:

Home Insurance

Service Champions 2025: Top Health Insurers Ranked

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 28, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

DKV Tops Ranking for Customer Service Among Supplementary Health Insurers

FRANKFURT, December 12, 2024 – DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG has been named “Service Champion No. 1” among supplementary health insurers, achieving a Service Evaluation Score (SES) of 65.8 percent in a recent ranking by servicevalue. The company also secured the 172nd overall position, earning a “Service champions Gold” seal.

The ranking, which assesses customer service quality across various industries, is notably relevant as consumers increasingly prioritize service experiences when choosing health insurance providers. With healthcare costs rising and options becoming more complex, a responsive and helpful insurer can ‍significantly impact a customer’s overall well-being and financial security. The full ranking provides valuable insights‍ for individuals navigating the supplementary health insurance market and seeking providers known for remarkable service.

Alongside ⁣DKV, several other insurers achieved “Gold” status – reserved for the top 700 test candidates – including Allianz Private Health Insurance AG (65.5 percent, 222nd⁢ overall), LVM Health Insurance AG (64.9 percent, 340th overall ‌- and last year’s winner), Inter Health Insurance AG (65.6⁣ percent, ‍391st overall), Huk-coburg Health Insurance AG (64.0 percent, 611th rank), Barmenia Health Insurance⁤ AG (63.9 percent, 624th place), and Envivas Health Insurance AG (63.7 percent, 664th position).

Insurers receiving the “Silver” seal (positions 701 to 1,400) included Debeka ⁣Health Insurance Association ⁣aG (63.3 percent, 780th place), Hansemerkur Krankenversicherung AG (63.2⁣ percent, 895th rank), and Gothaer⁢ Krankenversicherung AG (62.3 percent, 1,100th place).⁤ Süddeutsche krankenversicherung aG (SDK; 62.3 percent; 1,117th position),⁢ Provincial Health Insurance Hannover AG ⁢(62.1 percent; 1,229th place), and DFV⁢ Deutsche Familienversicherung AG (61.5 percent; ‍1,357th ⁣rank) also earned “Silver” recognition.Two insurers achieved “Bronze” status, requiring ‌placement between 1,401st ‍and 2,100th.

The complete ⁣industry ranking is ‌available at https://servicevalue.de/rankings/krankenzusatzversicherer-19/, and rankings from all‌ segments can be found at https://servicevalue.de/ranking/service-champions-deutschland/.

November 28, 2025 0 comments

Business

Farmers Ends Home Insurance Policy Cap as Rate Hikes Continue in California

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 22, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Farmers Insurance to Resume⁢ Selling New Home Policies in⁢ california,Seeks⁤ Rate⁣ Hike

SACRAMENTO,CA – In a notable growth for California‘s troubled homeowners insurance market,Farmers Insurance announced today it will begin offering new ‍home insurance policies across⁢ the state,ending a pause implemented last year.⁣ The move comes as ⁢the insurer ⁤concurrently seeks a ⁢rate increase⁣ under ⁢the state’s recently reformed insurance regulations.

insurance Commissioner Ricardo⁤ Lara hailed the announcement as “a major turning point,” stating, ”We will‌ be getting peopel off the FAIR Plan.Consumers, homeowners, nonprofits, and small business(es) are ⁤going to be able to get coverage on ⁣their⁣ own terms. As ‍we enter the holiday⁤ season,I ‍am grateful for the hard work and continued commitment⁢ of my Department staff who focused on facts and moved⁤ these critical reforms forward with ‍urgency and transparency.”

The‍ decision follows the finalization of Lara’s⁣ Lasting Insurance Strategy nearly a year ago – a series of reforms intended to address California’s escalating home insurance crisis. The⁢ strategy allows insurers to utilize forward-looking models of wildfire risk when setting prices and to ‍pass along some of the costs⁣ of reinsurance – insurance for insurers ⁢- to policyholders.

While experts predicted these‌ reforms would likely ⁣lead‌ to higher premiums,Lara emphasized the potential for increased policy availability. Many homeowners ⁢have been forced to rely‌ on the California FAIR Plan, a⁢ state-created, privately run insurer offering less comprehensive coverage, frequently enough at a higher cost.

Several major insurers have already⁢ applied for rate increases⁤ under the new rules, including Mercury, CSAA, ⁢and USAA, all requesting hikes around 6.9%. Rate increases of ⁤7% or higher trigger a mandatory ⁢hearing ⁤with consumer groups. ⁤The⁢ FAIR Plan has also⁢ requested a 35.8% rate increase, its first since 2023, which⁢ remains under‌ consideration.

All ⁤new Farmers ⁢policies will be subject to the insurer’s eligibility ⁤guidelines.

“By removing the cap on offering new homeowners policies, Farmers is doubling-down⁣ on its commitment to california homeowners, expanding choice and availability for consumers across the state,” said Behram Dinshaw, president of personal lines for‌ Farmers Insurance, in a statement. “We are‍ also reaffirming our commitment to serving the ⁢needs of residents ‍by submitting a new‍ Sustainable Insurance Strategy-inspired rating plan which is designed ⁤to⁣ expand our offerings ‍to ‍more homeowners across California.”

November 22, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Title: Debeka Leads in New PKV Business, Market Polarization Persists

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 19, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Private Health ⁤Insurance Market Shifts: Ottonova Leads Growth, while Established ⁤Players See Mixed Results

Berlin, Germany – New data⁣ reveals significant shifts⁣ in the ‍German private⁣ health insurance (PKV) market for ‍2023, with ⁣digital newcomer ‌Ottonova experiencing the most‍ substantial growth and several established⁢ insurers reporting declines⁢ in new customer acquisitions.The⁤ analysis, published by Versicherungsjournal, highlights a competitive landscape where customary players are facing challenges from innovative disruptors.

twelve of⁤ the listed providers saw weaker new business⁣ numbers compared to ⁤2023. Signal Iduna experienced the‍ largest drop, losing 1,126 new customers, followed by Huk-Coburg (down 914) and DKV‍ (down 844). However, Debeka‌ and⁣ Hansemerkur bucked the‍ trend, gaining nearly ⁣3,850 and 3,550 new customers respectively, ‍with Allianz and Barmenia ‌each adding over 2,000.

Ottonova demonstrated the‌ most dramatic growth, increasing its new entries by 127‌ percent – from 1,571 in 2022 to ⁣3,571 in 2023.This surge propels the ‍Munich-based‌ company to 15th place in⁢ new full insurance entrants,⁢ surpassing several traditional health insurers.

“this ⁣seems to ‌have finally broken ‌the knot for the digital newcomer, which had extremely ‍difficult times in the first few years and which has also been relying on traditional sales for some time,” commented Surminski, as reported‍ by Versicherungsjournal. The ZfV editor-in-chief further ⁢stated, “In just a few years, Ottonova has captured a remarkable share of a⁢ competitive market ⁣- after ‍many critical comments at the market launch, it is still a success story.”

Other growth ⁤winners included DEVK, with a‌ 75 percent increase in new acquisitions, ⁤and Süddeutsche Krankenversicherung⁤ aG (SDK) and DEVK, both ⁤reporting a 25 percent rise. Conversely, State health aid vvag saw ⁤a 25 percent decrease in new fully‍ insured individuals (down to 616), while VRK experienced a decline of over 20⁤ percent.

The data underscores a ⁢dynamic PKV‌ market where digital innovation and evolving sales strategies are‍ increasingly influential. The Munich Health Insurance Association aG remains a key player, while the performance of ⁤established insurers varies ‍significantly.

November 19, 2025 0 comments

Business

Oklahoma Insurance Rates: Demand Fairness and Transparency

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 13, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Oklahoma Leads Nation in Insurance Costs, leaving Residents to Bear the Burden

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma has earned the dubious distinction of leading the nation in insurance costs, a situation one former state representative calls unsustainable and demanding immediate attention. The state’s No. 1 ranking isn’t a source of pride, but a signal of a broken system where Oklahomans are increasingly shouldering the financial risk while insurance companies reap the profits.

Former Representative Mark McBride, a Republican who served in the House from 2012-2024, highlighted the crisis, noting the need for residents to actively shop for better rates. “I’ve had to spend time shopping around myself, and I encourage everyone to do the same. Don’t just take the first quote.Compare. Push back. Sometimes you can find a better deal with a regional company or through an independent agent – it takes work, but it can save you thousands,” McBride wrote in an opinion piece.

The escalating costs impact homeowners, builders, and investors across the state, fueled by factors like increased severe weather events. While natural disasters like tornadoes are unavoidable, McBride argues that fairness can be demanded through greater transparency in rate setting, stronger regulatory oversight, and a comprehensive discussion on maintaining affordable and accessible insurance coverage.

“We can’t stop tornadoes, but we can demand fairness,” McBride stated. “That means more transparency in how these rates are set, stronger oversight from regulators, and a real conversation about how to keep homes insurable without bankrupting the people who live in them.”

McBride frames the current situation as one where insurance is meant to protect families, not penalize them. He emphasizes that addressing the issue is the duty of oklahomans, not reliant on mythical figures like Pecos Bill. “And while we can’t rope the wind or harness a tornado, we can sure address this mess.”

Approximately 300,000 Oklahomans are facing surging health insurance costs alongside rising property insurance premiums, compounding the financial strain on residents.The situation underscores a growing concern about the affordability of living in Oklahoma and the need for systemic changes within the insurance industry.

October 13, 2025 0 comments

Business

Condo Crisis: Insurance, Mold, and Responsibility in Florida Homes

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 12, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

condo ⁤Owner Faces Repair Bill After Insurance Denies Mold Claim, ‍Points Finger‍ at Association

West ⁢Palm Beach, FL – A local condominium owner is facing a perhaps hefty repair bill after their insurance‍ company denied a mold claim, asserting the condominium association should be responsible for⁤ the damage.‌ The dispute centers around whether the mold growth stemmed from a sudden,accidental event covered by insurance,or from the ⁢owner’s actions – specifically,maintaining a high air conditioning temperature.

The situation, detailed⁢ in a recent column by condominium law specialist Ryan Poliakoff of ‍Poliakoff Backer, LLP,‌ highlights a common ‍point of contention between condo owners, insurance companies, and associations. The owner’s insurance company initially rejected⁤ the claim, stating the mold ⁢wasn’t ⁢the ⁢result of a “sudden and accidental loss,” a key requirement for coverage.

Poliakoff points out a critical flaw ⁣in the insurance company’s reasoning: “My problem ‍with your insurance company’s analysis is that they’ve already acknowledged that this is not an “insurable event,” as it was not a “sudden and accidental loss.” So, if they⁤ didn’t think it was an insurable loss under ⁢your⁢ own⁢ policy, I don’t see why they feel that woudl be different with respect to the‌ association.”

This leaves ‌the obligation for repairs to be persistent⁢ by the condominium’s ‍governing documents, specifically the “declaration of condominium.” While associations typically cover ceilings and perimeter walls, Poliakoff cautions this isn’t universal and requires⁣ a thorough review of the specific declaration.

Though, even if the association is responsible for the physical repairs, the owner may still be on the hook for the costs. Florida’s Condominium Act ‍allows associations to recoup expenses ‍from unit owners found negligent.

“The Condominium Act further says that when any damage⁢ is caused ‍by a unit owner’s negligence, the association is still⁣ responsible to repair the damage, but any amounts not collected from insurance can be collected from the‍ negligent owner (by lien⁤ and foreclosure if necessary),” Poliakoff explained.

In this case, the association is likely to ‌argue the owner was negligent in‌ setting ‌the air conditioning temperature too high, leading to the humidity and subsequent mold growth. While the ⁢owner could challenge this determination, citing potential building defects, Poliakoff suggests⁤ a legal battle would likely be costly and unsuccessful.

“It’s worth doing ⁤a detailed review to find out.⁤ But past that, it will likely be far more expensive ⁣to fight the association than simply repairing the ⁤damage in your unit, and I don’t think you’d have a high likelihood of success,” he wrote.

The situation serves ⁢as‍ a reminder that condo owners are often ultimately responsible for damage stemming from their⁤ own actions, even when the association is initially obligated to make repairs.

Ryan Poliakoff, a Board Certified specialist in condominium and planned ‍development law, dedicates his column ⁣to ‍the memory of his father,⁢ Gary Poliakoff,‌ and co-authored with him “New ⁢Neighborhoods – The Consumer’s Guide to Condominium, Co-Op and HOA Living.” Questions can be submitted‌ to condocolumn@gmail.com, including location details.

October 12, 2025 0 comments

Business

Home Insurance: Protecting Your Assets from Natural Disasters

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 15, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Protecting Your Home: A Guide to Home‍ Insurance in india

When purchasing home insurance, Indian policyholders have ‌several options. Beyond traditional policies,a standardized plan mandated by the Insurance Regulatory and Progress Authority of India (IRDAI) was⁢ launched in⁤ 2021. This comprehensive policy covers both the structure of ‍your building and it’s contents.

The standardized plan automatically includes coverage for contents up to 20% of the sum insured, wiht a‍ maximum limit of Rs. ⁣10 lakh.Policyholders can choose to increase this ⁢coverage by providing details of their⁢ belongings or opt-out of the contents cover altogether. Moreover, the plan incorporates several built-in add-ons, including coverage⁣ for damage caused by terrorism, rent for option accommodation ‍if your home is uninhabitable, fees for architect and consultant engineers (up to 5% of the claim amount), ‍and debris removal costs (up to 2% of the claim amount).

Expanding your Coverage with add-ons

Beyond the⁤ standard building and contents protection, you can customize your policy with additional coverage by paying an extra premium. These add-ons can cover a range of needs, ‌such as:

* Alternative Accommodation: Covers expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.
* Loss of ⁣Rent: Designed for landlords, ⁤providing rental income during periods when a tenant must live elsewhere due to covered damage.
* Temporary Housing: Helps homeowners or ‍tenants⁢ cover the cost of‌ living elsewhere if their home is uninhabitable.
* Valuables: protects items like jewelry, cameras, artwork, antiques, and portable electronics.
* Pet Injury: Covers veterinary expenses for ⁣injured pets.
* Utility‌ Expenses: Covers costs associated with utilities.
* Debris Removal: covers the cost of removing debris after a covered loss.

Determining the Right Cover Size

Accurately calculating the necessary insurance amount is crucial. ‌This involves assessing the value of both your house and its ‍contents.

For House Building:

The cover size should‍ not be based on the market value of your home, but rather on the cost to rebuild it. This is determined by multiplying the current reconstruction cost ‌per square foot by the carpet area of your house.

* Example ‍(Pune, 2025):

* Carpet Area: 1,000 sq ft
*⁤ Construction ⁣Cost: Rs. 4,000 per sq ft
‌ ‌ * value of House & ⁣Cover Needed: rs. 40,00,000 (1000 x 4,000)

For Contents:

Calculate the estimated replacement value of each item⁤ – the current cost to purchase similar equipment and furniture with the same specifications. It’s wise to add a 10% markup to account for potential price⁢ increases.

For Valuables:

The sum insured ⁢for jewellery,⁢ artwork, and other valuables is typically determined on an ⁢”agreed ⁤value⁤ basis.” This requires an agreement between you and the insurer, ‍supported by‌ a valuation certificate or report.

Policy Tenure

Home insurance policies typically have a minimum‌ tenure ⁢of one year, but can extend up to 30 years. Multi-year policies offer cost savings, lock in premiums⁣ for a longer period, and eliminate the annual renewal ‌process. If you have an annual policy,it’s essential‌ to review your coverage⁤ at each renewal‌ to account for inflation and rising⁣ construction costs.

It’s⁣ also vital to inform your insurer‍ of any modifications to⁤ your home’s structure ⁣or new household items purchased during the policy period.

avoiding Common Mistakes

A frequent error is using the market value of⁣ your ⁢house to ⁣determine the cover ‍amount. Insurers generally use⁣ a “reinstatement basis” to ‍calculate the cover size, estimating the cost to rebuild your home to its original condition ⁤using current market rates for materials and⁣ labor.

Experts⁣ recommend⁤ obtaining quotes from‌ a licensed civil engineer or architect to accurately assess your property. ⁤Adding ⁢an additional 10% ‍to the estimated cost can help account ‍for potential cost escalation during the policy period.

September 15, 2025 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts

Home Insurance

DKV Tops Ranking for Customer Service Among Supplementary Health Insurers

Farmers Insurance​ to Resume⁢ Selling New Home Policies in⁢ california,Seeks⁤ Rate⁣ Hike

Private Health ⁤Insurance Market Shifts: Ottonova Leads Growth, while Established ⁤Players See Mixed Results

Oklahoma Leads Nation in Insurance Costs, leaving Residents to Bear the Burden

condo ⁤Owner Faces Repair Bill After Insurance Denies Mold Claim, ‍Points Finger‍ at Association

Protecting Your Home: A Guide to Home‍ Insurance in india

Farmers Insurance to Resume⁢ Selling New Home Policies in⁢ california,Seeks⁤ Rate⁣ Hike