Insurance News Digest 1-13-2025

Construction and property risks are evolving rapidly as climate exposure, cost pressures, and new technologies reshape the insurance landscape. This week, along with the Top 10 Articles we look at tightening construction insurance markets in the West and emerging green technologies.

January 13, 2026

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Top 10 Articles Of The Week

U.S. military action in Venezuela has prompted political risk underwriters and risk managers to reassess exposures across the Americas, with potential spillover effects on energy markets and broader geopolitical stability. The intervention underscores rising global political violence and the importance of monitoring systemic risks for corporate risk strategy.

2. House Moves Toward Extending ACA Health Insurance Subsidies

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to advance legislation extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, a key measure for maintaining accessible health coverage for millions. The policy shift could stabilize health insurance market participation and reduce uninsured rates.

A federal judge sentenced the former vice president of a Florida insurance agency to nearly three years in prison for orchestrating an Affordable Care Act enrollment fraud scheme that cost the program $134 million. The case highlights ongoing regulatory and ethical challenges in health plan distribution.

California introduced Senate Bill 876 to require disaster claims handling plans from insurers and double penalties for unfair practices during emergencies. The bill aims to speed wildfire recovery, expand consumer protections and increase accountability in claims processes.

A report warns that millions in Australia face wildfire risks similar to recent Los Angeles events, with implications for property insurers worldwide as climate driven catastrophes expand. The analysis underscores the growing need for resilient risk management and pricing strategies.

A new ACORD study reveals that nearly 48 of the 100 largest U.S. property and casualty carriers failed to create long term value over 20 years. The research highlights how disciplined underwriting and balanced portfolios separate sustainable value creators from those overly reliant on investment income.

S&P Global Market Intelligence projects strong 2025 auto insurance results driving healthier overall property and casualty underwriting outcomes but warns that competitive pressures and social inflation could erode those gains. The report underscores challenges ahead despite recent profitability improvements.

Industry leaders identify key artificial intelligence applications poised to transform insurer strategies, from customer insights to operational efficiency. As data driven decision making becomes central, carriers that adopt AI thoughtfully may gain a competitive edge.

A new homeownership trends report shows climate concerns and rising insurance costs are major factors for nearly half of U.S. homeowners considering relocation. The findings suggest weather driven risk perception could influence both property markets and insurance demand.

MAPFRE has filed a lawsuit alleging AAA Northeast violated a long standing exclusive marketing agreement by promoting competitor insurance under discount pricing. The legal dispute highlights complexities around distribution partnerships and contract enforcement.

Focus Of The Week: Construction and property risks are evolving rapidly as climate exposure, cost pressures, and new technologies reshape the insurance landscape. This week we look at tightening construction insurance markets in the West and emerging green technologies.

Construction insurance in the western U.S. is facing mounting pressure as wildfire exposure, labor shortages, inflation, and litigation costs converge. Carriers are tightening terms, raising premiums, and in some cases exiting markets, forcing stakeholders to rethink project risk planning and insurance strategy.

Emerging green technologies such as solar panels, energy storage systems, and electric vehicle infrastructure are creating new property risk considerations. The article outlines how insurers and risk managers can adapt underwriting, loss prevention, and risk mitigation strategies as sustainability investments accelerate.

*See a list of our preferred publications here.