Giving thanks to those who pay it forward
Giving thanks to those who pay it forward

This month’s tip from the non-profit that has your back when insurance matters is to recognize and be grateful for our previous disaster survivor volunteers who share their hard-earned wisdom and help United Policyholders make a BIG, positive impact on people’s lives and financial health all across…
Protecting Your Home
Protecting Your Home

As we wrap up National Preparedness Month, take a moment to prepare for what happens after a disaster. With insurance premiums rising to all-time highs, and coverage disputes in the news, many people are questioning whether it’s worth buying. But here’s a reality check from the Los Angeles wildfires…
Using Social Media Strategically
Using Social Media Strategically

Your insurance company likely uses social media to promote their feel good, “we’re here for you” brand. That’s their business strategy. But if your insurance claim is not moving forward and/or you are being treated unfairly – it does not feel good. You need your…
Summer is Here ~ Less is More
Summer is Here ~ Less is More

If you live in a suburb or rural area, as you refuel the BBQ and dust off outdoor furniture, take a moment to look around your home and yard. What is in that first five feet around and right up against your home? What if…
To whom it may concern…
To whom it may concern…

Submitting comments on proposed changes to your state’s insurance laws is a no-cost way of helping protect yourself as a consumer. Your insurance company is making their voice heard – you can too! There are many proposals making their way through state legislatures across the country today that relate to the…
Trust Issues
Trust Issues

Putting your home into a Revocable Trust is an estate planning best practice. One of the many challenges in the spotlight since the recent LA wildfires are problems people are having because their destroyed home was held in a trust but the trust wasn’t named…
Spooky home insurance changes to watch out for
Spooky home insurance changes to watch out for

Opening emails or letters from your home insurance company these days can be pretty scary. Non-renewals and premiums are increasing, and it’s trickier these days to find affordable coverage through a reputable insurer. UP is staying on top of the marketplace changes, keeping our shopping…
Hurricane Helene Recovery Help
Hurricane Helene Recovery Help

If you or someone you know have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, review our road-tested “First Steps” and visit our Hurricane Helene Roadmap to Recovery Help Library. United Policyholders is a non-profit organization that has thirty years of expertise in disaster recovery, insurance, repairs and…
Be pro-active to get a fair payout on a totalled car
Be pro-active to get a fair payout on a totalled car

If you’ve been in an accident and an insurance company declares your car a total loss, we recommend making sure their valuation and settlement offer are accurate and fair. Earlier this year a District Attorney in Northern California sued two major insurers and two software…
Strategies for staying protected
Strategies for staying protected

In the past, insurance companies were insuring homes, regardless of their age and condition. That has changed dramatically thanks in part to new technologies that pinpoint risk factors. Many Americans today, particularly those with older homes, are having the unpleasant experience of getting turned down…
How to stay in the know?
How to stay in the know?

Ask any person who’s survived a disaster and they’ll give you solid preparedness advice. UP’s consumer guidance draws heavily on those insights.  And while survivors won’t all agree on what to have in your “go bag,” everyone agrees on the value of timely emergency alerts.…
Aerial photos are leading to insurance non-renewals
Aerial photos are leading to insurance non-renewals

InsurTech may not be a buzz word at dinner parties, but it sure is in consumer advocate circles. Turns out, “disruptive” is not such a good thing for property owners and home values, especially with climate change in the mix. Today, insurance companies are using…
Pet Insurance 101
Pet Insurance 101

If you have a fur baby or pet of any kind, pet insurance will help you avoid getting stuck with a shocking vet bill after an accident, illness or having to put your pet down because you can’t afford treatment. Buying it when your pet…
Increase your resiliency in the new year…
Increase your resiliency in the new year…

If you own a home, we suggest putting “make risk reduction improvements” on your New Year’s resolution list. Taking steps to make it less likely that severe weather or a wildfire will damage your home is more important than ever. Insurers have added new coverage…
Mighty Thankful
Mighty Thankful

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, wherever and however you celebrated. This month’s tip is a message of gratitude for the many volunteers and donors that help our nonprofit make a BIG, positive impact on people’s lives and financial health all across the nation.…
Spooky Insurance News
Spooky Insurance News

There’s lots being said these days about the negative impact on home and business owners of reduced competition and coverage and sharply rising premiums resulting from insurers’ reactions to climate change, technology and inflation. The marketplace dynamics and political forces in play in Florida, Louisiana…
Mitigation Matters
Mitigation Matters

No matter where you live, if you’re a homeowner today, you need to do your best to maintain your property and take steps to avoid it being damaged or destroyed in a severe weather event. Why? 1) No place on earth is immune from risk…
Rolling with the policy punches
Rolling with the policy punches

UPdated shopping tips Our guidance on shopping for property insurance has been focused on helping consumers select from competing options and avoid underinsuring their assets. For reasons we explained in last month’s tip, a growing number of people across the United States are now scrambling…