Today's Headline
Americans are cutting their insurance to pay for rent and groceries
One in five would rather have no coverage than pay rising monthly premiums.
Insurance has become a luxury for U.S. consumers in 2025 after 29% downgraded or canceled some form of coverage over the past year to afford essentials like rent and groceries, according to a report by Guardian Service.
The most common cut was car insurance at a 15% scale back, the data showed, with 8% of that total dropping full coverage for liability only, leaving them more financially exposed in the event of an accident.
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PropertyCasualty360.com
Climate/Resilience/Sustainability
This pinecone-sized device could transform the fight against wildfires
In the multibillion-dollar global fight against wildfires, early detection is critical. Satellites, drones, thermal cameras and manned lookout towers are just some of the tools currently used to alert authorities and first responders to imminent threats.
In under-resourced areas, however, these defenses can be prohibitively expensive. That’s why a group of recent design graduates has developed a smaller, simpler and, they say, cheaper solution: A pinecone-sized fire detector that can give vulnerable communities an invaluable head start in the race to escape or contain major blazes.
Made primarily from wax and charcoal composites, Pyri’s sensors are designed to blend in with — and leave no footprint on — the environment. The device can be deployed in fire-prone areas and left for years without maintenance, according to its creators. When a fire occurs, the heat melts an internal trigger, producing a low-frequency signal that raises the alarm.
“It can help people evacuate sooner, and it can stop fires from growing before they’re uncontrollable — before they’re really devastating,” Pyri co-founder Karina Gunadi told CNN in a video interview. “If you can catch a fire small, it’s a lot easier to put out.”
Pyri started in London as a college assignment between four design engineering students, three of whom decided to pursue it as a commercial venture beyond their graduation last year. Their company’s name comes from the scientific word “pyriscence,” which describes the ways nature adapts to wildfires.
Metricon Homes Introduces Wildfire-Resistant "Firesafe™ Homes" to California
Specialized California homebuilder Metricon Homes announced today the launch of its groundbreaking Firesafe™ Home, a design-forward, fire-resistant home and ADU solution engineered to withstand the challenges posed from wildfires and other climate disasters.
Homeowners across California are facing unprecedented challenges securing affordable home insurance as climate-related disasters intensify. This growing insurance crisis has created a perfect storm of policy cancellations, skyrocketing premiums, and inadequate coverage. For many homeowners, finding and maintaining adequate insurance protection has become increasingly difficult, expensive, and in some cases, nearly impossible.
"Our mission is to protect families from these wildfires and build homes that are more insurable," said Don Ganguly, CEO of Metricon Homes. "The Firesafe™ Home combines cold–formed steel framing, Class A roofing, fire rated insulation, concrete siding, tempered glass windows, ember–resistant vents, and defensible landscaping—all fast-tracked through local permitting. Insurance companies are increasingly requiring these features as a requirement in many zones." ( https://metriconhomes.com/firesafe-homes/firesafe-info/ )
The advantage of cold formed steel construction over wood are many:
- Maintains structural integrity under extreme heat conditions
- Resistant to warping, shrinking, splitting, and rot that can compromise fire barriers
- Immune to termite damage that often weakens wood's structural integrity
- Maintains precise dimensions that ensure fire-stopping measures remain intact
- Precision manufacturing ensures tight-fitting assemblies that resist flame penetration
- Consistent performance in all climate conditions
The first Firesafe™ homes and ADU models are now available in many California cities including Altadena and Pacific Palisades where fires consumed much of the community earlier this year. Homeowners are being supported by a design and estimation service so that they can optimize their budget based on the design choices that they make.
Research
Parks Associates: 52% of DIY Smart Home Users Report Setup or Connectivity Issues
Tech enthusiasts drove the early smart home market, but as smart home adoption moves into the mainstream, the user experience remains a critical hurdle, with 52% of DIY users reporting setup or connectivity issues, according to the latest research in Parks Associates' Smart Home and Security Market Tracker.
Currently, 45% of US internet households own at least one core smart home device (which excludes smart speakers and displays), and 20% own a video doorbell.
The Smart Home and Security Market Tracker delivers ongoing market intelligence, industry news, and quarterly forecasts. The most recent update recaps the firm's 29th annual CONNECTIONS™: The Premier Connected Home Conference held in Plano, Texas, May 13-15, 2025. The event brought together leaders across smart home, security, and energy sectors to explore how the industry can sustain momentum as it moves beyond early adopters.
"The smart home market has matured, expanding the need for an enhanced user experience to reach next-gen adopters as well as interoperability and standards to deliver a seamless smart home," said Daniel Holcomb, Senior Analyst, Parks Associates. "Key areas of discussion at CONNECTIONS™ included AI integration and how to monetize it, critical enhancements in security and presence detection, and the business side of the smart home."
Protection Gaps
Viewpoint: Rising False Advertising Claims Reveal Major Coverage Protection Gap
The steady rise in false advertising claims against consumer-facing companies has exposed a major insurance protection gap.
The drivers of these legal actions are many and varied and include consumers’ growing – and regularly-shifting – health preoccupations; sustainability concerns; patriotic consumerism; and even plain old disappointment with fast-food fare.
“Natural,” “green,” “organic,” “pure,” “healthy”, “premium” and “Made in the USA” are among the potential flashpoints, but the list is long, and, apparently, growing.
Plaintiffs have several attack paths, and an abundance of law firms to take up these cases. The growth of social media means it’s easier than ever to drum up support for class actions, while the almost-infinite advertising possibilities afforded by the Internet, and the rise of influencers, have increased exposures
News
Neptune Flood Secures Over $400 Million of Premium Capacity and Expands Nationwide
Neptune Flood, a leading provider of private flood insurance in the United States, today announced that it has secured over $400 million in premium capacity for 2025. This represents a substantial increase from last year's $300 million and reflects Neptune's continued growth in the private flood insurance market.
Neptune's capacity panel now includes more than 30 insurance and reinsurance partners, spanning global reinsurers and specialty carriers. This diverse group provides critical support for Neptune's flood insurance portfolio and reflects the broad market confidence in Neptune's technology-driven underwriting and track record of strong results.
"Securing over $400 million in premium capacity demonstrates the strong support we've built across the global insurance and reinsurance markets," said Trevor Burgess, CEO of Neptune Flood. "Triton, our AI-driven underwriting platform, continues to deliver strong results for our partners and affordable, fast flood insurance for our policyholders."
InsurTech/M&A/Finance💰/Collaboration
Sunsetting of Toggle
Toggle , launched by Farmers in 2018 and built on the Sure platform, is sunsetting its renters insurance products in most states, citing “a broader strategic plan” to focus on core offerings.
The brand is currently discontinuing renters insurance in Mississippi and Arkansas. In Mississippi, 866 renters policies will be nonrenewed; in Arkansas, 390 policies will face the same outcome. Affected policyholders are being referred to Farmers Insurance for alternative coverage.
However, based on user experience, prospective customers often encounter the following message when attempting to initiate a quote on gettoggle.com, regardless of the product selected:
“Thanks for starting a quote with Toggle! We’re sorry, but we can’t finish your quote here. But the good news is we may be able to get you a quote with our affiliate, Farmers Insurance.”
Since these policies were issued directly, agent relationships remain unaffected.
Trinity Capital Inc. Provides $35 Million in Growth Capital to INSHUR as the On-Demand Economy Booms
Trinity Capital Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIN) ("Trinity Capital"), a leading alternative asset manager, today announced the commitment of $35 million in growth capital to INSHUR, a leader in innovative insurance solutions for the on-demand economy.
Operating globally, INSHUR provides commercial insurance for on-demand mobility drivers, fleet operators, and delivery platforms across the mobility and delivery sectors. The company recently surpassed 1 million policies sold in the U.K., one of its core markets. Its platform offers a personalized suite of tech-enabled insurance products, providing flexible coverage and protection that adapts to the distinct needs of on-demand drivers.
"INSHUR understands the unique challenges of drivers across the on-demand economy and is delivering tailored insurance solutions designed to specifically meet those needs," said Jack McNamara, Director of Tech Lending at Trinity Capital. "We are excited to partner with their team as they continue to scale operations and deliver accessible coverage to drivers around the world."
This capital will help grow INSHUR's continued expansion across the U.S., advance its research into AI technologies for underwriting and real-time pricing, develop new solutions for the autonomous vehicle market, and expand partnerships with platforms offering on-demand services.
"With a consistent >50% CAGR since 2023, rapid international growth and a clear path to profitability, this raise helps INSHUR continue to cement its position as the leader in insurance solutions for the on-demand economy. Trinity Capital's support will enable us to accelerate our U.S. and global expansion, and to leverage our deep insurance and technology expertise to further develop our service offering into innovative and upcoming areas such as autonomous vehicles," said Dan Bratshpis, CEO and Co-founder of INSHUR.
InsurTech RoofMarketplace raises $7m for growth
RoofMarketplace, an InsurTech firm transforming roofing claims, has secured $7m in a Series A round led by Wingra Capital.
The company connects homeowners, insurers, adjusters and contractors through its platform to speed up and simplify roof repairs and replacements, ensuring quality at competitive prices.
The funding will support product development, team expansion and deeper insurance partnerships. RoofMarketplace aims to handle a wider range of claims and meet rising demand across the insurance ecosystem.
As part of its growth plans, the company has appointed Scott Holewinski as CEO. Holewinski previously led Tetra Defense, later acquired by Arctic Wolf, and co-founded Gillware Data Services, which was acquired by StorageCraft.
The leadership team has also expanded, with Brian Beermann joining as chief technology officer and Lauren Reid as vice president of marketing & communications.
Wingra Capital partner Nick Jackson said, “With RoofMarketplace, we see a platform that doesn’t just reduce friction, it gets roofs repaired in a more efficient, reliable way. They’re delivering what the claims industry has needed for years: real bids, completed jobs, and satisfied policyholders. We’re excited to support their continued growth.”
RoofMarketplace CEO Scott Holewinski said, “What drew me to RoofMarketplace is how clearly the platform solves a real problem for everyone involved—insurance carriers, contractors, and homeowners. In just a few months with the team, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the model is. We’re not just improving the process; we’re driving better outcomes where it counts.”
OneClick Code Integrates Building Code Data With Verisk’s Xactware | Insurance Innovation Reporter
OneClick Data, Inc. (Denver) had announced an integration with Verisk (Jersey City, New Jersey) and its Xactware platform to provide automated building code data for property estimating and claims solutions. OneClick Code has joined Verisk’s Partner Ecosystem for the insurance industry, making its building and roofing code data available directly in Verisk’s XactAnalysis solution.
Through the integration, claims professionals nationwide can access OneClick Code’s building code reports within XactAnalysis, which include jurisdiction-specific roofing code details, ventilation requirements, manufacturer specifications, ice and water shield mandates, and sheathing guidelines. OneClick Code says the solution supports faster and more accurate claims resolution by giving adjusters instant access to local code information.
Later this year, OneClick Code plans to expand its offering in the Verisk ecosystem to include exterior building code data such as siding and window requirements. The company says this will help adjusters reduce research time, minimize loss adjustment expenses, and improve code compliance.
“Our mission is to eliminate guesswork from property restoration claims,” says Garrett Kurtt, Founder and CEO, OneClick Code. “Through this collaboration with Verisk, and by providing our trusted data directly into XactAnalysis, we’re helping insurers improve efficiency and accuracy while supporting transparency across the claims ecosystem.”
AI in Insurance
Charles Taylor InsureTech reveals autonomous AI agents to enhance insurance customer experience
Charles Taylor InsureTech, a technology partner to the insurance industry, has introduced autonomous AI agents — known as agentic AI — as part of its initiative to modernise customer service and streamline core insurance operations through artificial intelligence.
Agentic AI stands apart from traditional generative AI by carrying out real-time tasks independently, without relying on human prompts.
These AI agents are designed to take action — such as assessing incoming claims or checking document completeness — rather than generating content.
Their ability to operate autonomously makes them especially well-suited to insurance use cases, including claims processing, underwriting, policy administration, and risk analysis.
This latest development is embedded within InHub, Charles Taylor InsureTech’s cloud-native SaaS platform. InHub acts as an API-driven integration layer that connects legacy systems with modern applications, making it easier for insurers to adopt advanced digital tools without overhauling their existing technology stack.
Commentary/Opinion
The P&C insurance customer-experience disconnect
In property and casualty insurance, trust is the product. Whether underwriting a policy or resolving a claim, what customers remember most is the experience. And that experience is increasingly shaping growth, retention, and competitive edge.
That’s why findings from the new Amdocs CX20 Global Report are worth a closer look. In a study of more than 3,000 business leaders and consumers across 14 industries, 80% of executives believe they’re delivering great customer experiences.
But only 24% of customers agree.
No. 1: Map your experience gaps.
- Go beyond internal dashboards. Use customer feedback, digital behavior, and cross-team data to identify where expectations fall short.
No. 2: Break down silos.
- Strong experience demands alignment across departments. A connected view of the policyholder journey prevents dropped handoffs and disjointed service.
No. 3: Respond with intent.
- Even small changes, like personalized updates during claims, can drive measurable impact. Show customers they’re heard.
No. 4: Tie CX to business outcomes.
- Experience is not a soft metric. Forrester links a one-point CX Index gain to over $1 billion in revenue. Better experience drives better business.
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Jeannette Michels is head of Marketing for Amdocs Studios, Experience Design & Digital Engineering.
Claims
4 Strategies to Navigate Insurance Claims Trends - AON
Explore 4 strategies to manage rising claim complexity amid evolving insurance claims trends and global risk challenges.
Dynamic trends are influencing the size and complexity of claims around the world. Proactive claims management can help organizations recover swiftly after a loss event and manage potential claims exposures.
Key Takeaways
- Interconnected risks — such as geopolitical volatility and social and economic inflation — are intensifying claim complexity and values, with the effects felt across regions, supply chains and industries.
- Organizations and societies hit by natural catastrophes and cyber attacks are left indelibly altered. These events disrupt business activities and contribute to the frequency of claims.
- The rise in large and complex claims requires enhanced claims management strategies, including working with an experienced insurance broker to address the evolving nature of risk.
People
New CFO Appointment Signals Next Phase of Growth and Innovation at ReSource Pro
Veteran finance and technology executive brings multi-industry leadership and a history of driving impactful change to ReSource Pro.
ReSource Pro, a leading provider of strategic operations solutions for the insurance industry, today announced the appointment of Eugene (“Gene”) Hugh as Chief Financial Officer. He will lead the company’s Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis, Tax, Treasury, Legal, and Mergers & Acquisitions functions.
“With Gene’s strong financial expertise and operational leadership, we’re confident he will be a key driver of ReSource Pro’s continued growth,” said Dan Epstein, CEO of ReSource Pro.
Gene joins ReSource Pro from Procure Analytics, where he served as CFO and helped the private-equity-backed firm achieve double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth during his tenure. He spearheaded cross-functional initiatives, led numerous acquisitions, and implemented AI-assisted analytics to clean and manage large, disparate data sets. Prior to that, he spent 15 years at Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE), where he built and led the US corporate finance teams, M&A analytics, global systems, procurement, and vendor risk operations, contributing to over 15 acquisitions and enterprise-wide transformation projects.
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