Florida’s beaches, weather and patchwork of unique cultures have beckoned generations of retirees — and it’s one of only nine states that doesn’t charge a personal income tax. However, evolving financial realities have forced many to conclude that the dream of retiring in the Sunshine State is, well, sunsetting. Before you pull up stakes and head south, make sure you understand the key elements of the so-called Florida retirement trap and have the financial guardrails in place to make it work. As the P ...

Allstate has reported net income applicable to common shareholders of $3.8bn for the fourth quarter of 2025 (Q4 2025), compared to $1.9bn in the same period last year. The US-based insurer’s total revenue for the quarter reached $17.3bn, a 5.1% increase year-on-year (YoY). Diluted earnings per share climbed to $14.37, up from $7.07 in the prior year quarter. The company’s expenses fell to $12.4bn, down from $14.05bn in the previous year’s quarter. Property-Liability written premiums totalled $14.5bn, ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased to $17.3 billion for the fourth quarter and $67.7 billion for the year [4] - Net income applicable to common shareholders was $3.8 billion for the quarter and $10.2 billion for the year [4] - Adjusted net income was $3.8 billion, or $14.31 per common share for the fourth quarter, and $9.3 billion for 2025, $34.83 per share [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Premiums earned increased 4.4% in auto insurance and 15% in homeowners insurance [17] - Auto policy growth was 2.3% and homeowners policy growth was 2.5% [17] - The auto combined ratio improved by 10 points compared to the prior year, while the homeowners insurance combined ratio was 84.4 [17][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Protection Services segment grew policies in force by 3.3% to 172 million, while revenue increased 11.7% to $3.3 billion for the year [15] - Domestic revenue in the Protection Services segment increased 8.1% over the prior year quarter, while international revenue increased 39.7% [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Allstate's strategy focuses on increasing personal property-liability market share and expanding protection provided to customers [3] - The Transformative Growth initiative has lowered expenses and improved pricing models, allowing for competitive pricing [11] - New products like Affordable, Simple, Connected auto insurance are being rolled out to enhance customer value [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the need for regulatory changes to improve affordability for consumers, particularly regarding bodily injury claims [8][28] - The company is optimistic about its competitive position in both auto and homeowners insurance markets, citing growth potential [33] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining strong underwriting performance and cost control to support future profitability [19][21] Other Important Information - Allstate returned $2.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2025, with a new $4 billion share repurchase program announced [24] - The company has increased its quarterly stock dividend by 8% to $1.08 per share [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regulatory and legislative changes regarding rate relief - Management acknowledged the complexity of predicting regulatory changes but expressed hope for improvements in affordability through legislative action [27][28] Question: Competitive landscape in auto and home insurance - Management noted that competition remains strong, with key players like Progressive, GEICO, and State Farm, but emphasized Allstate's differentiated products and pricing strategies [31][32] Question: Impact of legacy policies on auto PIF - Management confirmed that the reported figures include inactive brands and are focused on overall growth, not just active brands [44][45] Question: New business penalty trends - Management indicated that increased pricing sophistication has reduced the new business penalty, allowing for better profitability [54][56] Question: Growth in independent agents channel - Management highlighted significant growth in both direct and independent agent channels, driven by the Transformative Growth initiative [58][60] Question: Autonomous driving technology impact - Management views autonomous driving as a long-term trend that could reduce frequency of accidents but may increase severity due to higher repair costs [68][70]

The Allstate Corporation Investor Supplement Fourth Quarter 2025 The condensed consolidated financial statements and financial exhibits included herein are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The results of operations for interim periods should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for the full year. Measures used in these financial ...

Core Insights - Planet Insurance Agency has formed a strategic franchise partnership with Goosehead Insurance, aiming to enhance the homebuying experience by providing a customer-first approach focused on choice, speed, and service [1][4] Group 1: Partnership Overview - The collaboration allows customers to connect with licensed insurance agents who guide them through coverage options in a streamlined process, enhancing clarity and confidence [2] - The partnership is particularly relevant as homeowners' insurance costs are rising, with many states experiencing double-digit percentage increases in average premiums in 2025 [3] Group 2: Customer Benefits - Customers can compare policy options from over 200 top-tier insurance carriers, enabling them to understand key tradeoffs and select coverage that fits their needs and budget [4] - The partnership aims to simplify the insurance process for both new and existing homeowners, helping them address coverage considerations earlier and find the best value [5] Group 3: Company Profiles - Planet Insurance focuses on providing stability and personal protection, connecting customers with licensed agents who offer transparent support and 24/7 digital assistance [6] - Goosehead Insurance, a rapidly growing independent agency, emphasizes consumer-centric service and represents over 200 insurance companies, aiming to deliver extraordinary value through broad product choice [7]

Group 1 - The article discusses an investigation opportunity for customers of State Farm, Travelers, and Progressive Homeowners Insurance [1] - Customers are encouraged to join the investigation into the practices of these insurers [1] - The investigation may reveal potential issues related to insurance claims and customer service [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (HIG) is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on January 29, 2026, with earnings estimated at $3.17 per share and revenues of $5.1 billion, reflecting year-over-year growth [1][2]. Earnings Estimates - The fourth-quarter earnings estimate has seen two upward revisions with no downward movements in the past week, indicating a projected year-over-year increase of 7.8% in earnings and 7.4% in revenues [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year's revenues is $19.9 billion, representing a 9.1% year-over-year increase, while the EPS estimate is $12.54, suggesting a 21.8% rise year-over-year [4]. Estimate Trends - The earnings estimates for the upcoming quarters have shown a positive trend, with the current estimate for Q1 at $3.17, up from $3.09 two months ago, indicating a 2.59% increase [3]. Business Segments Performance - The Business Insurance segment is expected to report earned premiums of $3.6 billion, contributing to a 6% rise in overall net premiums earned, projected at $6.2 billion [6][7]. - The Personal Insurance segment is anticipated to achieve earned premiums of $946.7 million, reflecting a 4.5% increase year-over-year, driven by renewal price increases and favorable net rates [8]. - The Employee Benefits business is projected to generate revenues of $1.8 billion, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year, supported by favorable mortality trends [9]. Margin Pressures - Despite the expected revenue growth, margins may be pressured by higher operating costs and ongoing investments in digital capabilities, which could impact overall profitability [10].

Core Insights - The California wildfire and homeowners insurance crisis were the most read stories in the Insurance Journal's Western region this year, highlighting significant challenges in the insurance market due to catastrophic events [1] - Major insurers have reduced their homeowners policy offerings in California, leading to regulatory changes aimed at stabilizing the market and encouraging insurers to cover riskier areas [1][2] Group 1: Wildfire Impact - The Los Angeles wildfires resulted in insured losses of $40 billion, marking the costliest wildfire event globally according to Swiss Re [2] - The FAIR Plan, California's insurer of last resort, faced financial strain, prompting a $1 billion assessment on admitted market insurers to cover wildfire claims [3][4] - Insured losses from the January wildfires are projected to reach as high as $164 billion, with several insurers reporting losses exceeding $1 billion [9] Group 2: Insurer Responses - State Farm, California's largest homeowners insurer, received provisional approval for a 22% interim rate hike to address losses from the wildfires [10] - Following significant losses, State Farm requested an additional 17% rate increase, reflecting the ongoing financial pressures in the insurance market [12] - USAA reported over $1 billion in payouts for the L.A. wildfires, with 86% of claims receiving initial payments [7][8] Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Developments - Homeowners affected by the wildfires have filed lawsuits against insurers, alleging underestimation of home replacement costs and seeking damages for inadequate payouts [13] - California's state Senate passed bills aimed at enhancing consumer protections, including giving the insurance commissioner authority to order restitution for harmed policyholders [16][17]

Core Insights - The article aims to educate consumers about common misconceptions regarding homeowners insurance, emphasizing the importance of understanding policy limits and exclusions [1][2]. Group 1: Common Myths about Homeowners Insurance - Many homeowners mistakenly believe their insurance covers all types of damage or loss, but standard policies only cover specific, sudden, and accidental events like fire, theft, and certain water damages [3][4]. - Homeowners insurance typically does not cover flooding from rising water or earthquake damage, necessitating separate policies for those risks [4]. - The perception that home insurance is extremely expensive is misleading; while costs are rising, shopping around and understanding available discounts can lead to affordable options [5]. - Renters often assume they are covered by their landlord's insurance, but this is not the case; renters insurance is crucial for protecting personal belongings and liability [6][7]. - Damage from pests and mold infestations is generally not covered by homeowners insurance, with coverage typically only applying if the original damage was caused by a covered peril [7][8]. - Home-based businesses are not automatically covered by homeowners insurance, and additional protection may be necessary to safeguard both home and business [9]. Group 2: Company Overview - Mercury Insurance is a multiple-line insurance carrier offering personal auto, homeowners, renters, and commercial insurance through independent agents across several states [11]. - The company has been recognized for providing value through competitive rates and excellent customer service, employing over 4,200 staff and working with more than 6,340 independent agents [11]. - Mercury Insurance has received an "A" rating from A.M. Best and accolades as a top auto insurance company from Forbes and Insure.com [11].

Financial Performance - Allstate's property-liability insurance premiums reached $56.839 billion, an increase of 8.2% year-over-year [4] - Net investment income increased by 18.4% to $3.390 billion [4] - Total revenues grew by 7.1% to $66.846 billion [4] - Net income applicable to common shareholders increased significantly by 100.9% to $8.261 billion [4] - Adjusted net income increased by 72.8% to $7.578 billion [4] - Adjusted net income return on equity was 34.7%, an increase of 8.6 percentage points [4] Market Share and Growth Strategy - Allstate is implementing a transformative growth plan initiated in 2019 to increase property-liability market share [9, 10] - The company increased marketing investments to $2.2 billion over the last 12 months, compared to $0.9 billion in 2019 [15] - Allstate has expanded distribution and product offerings, with new issued applications increasing significantly in exclusive agent (2x higher) and independent agent (2.4x higher) channels compared to 2019 [16] Operational Improvements - Allstate has reduced its adjusted expense ratio by 6.7 percentage points since 2018 [19] - The company has implemented a direct channel discount of 7-8% [19] Technology and Innovation - Allstate is leveraging its Large Language Intelligent Ecosystem (ALLIE) to enhance business performance, including a 45% reduction in policy billing inquiries [24, 25] - 15% of new coding is handled by AI [25] - 100% of claims adjuster emails are reviewed or generated by AI [25]