Chris Chmura

1 week ago | nbcbayarea.com | Chris Chmura

With rubble still smoldering, Vardaan Vasisht narrated the moment he discovered his Malibu house survived January's firestorm. “I’m very fortunate that it’s intact,” he said, his breath halting, on a cellphone video. In the sea of ash around L.A., it’s a mystery why some houses survived and others burned. But not here. Vardaan points to his roof-mounted sprinklers. “I’m pretty sure, it wouldn’t be there,” he said about the sprinkler system he installed from Frontline Wildfire Defense Systems.

3 weeks ago | nbcsandiego.com | Chris Chmura |Alex Bozovic |Alyssa Goard

California just upped minimum insurance coverage requirements, and the NBC Bay Area Responds team has some tips that could save consumers a good chunk of money. There's a little-publicized route to savings hundreds of dollars on auto insurance, especially for new drivers or those not making a lot of money at work. As is the case with many people, the economy is pinching Dublin resident Jared Allen's wallet. "Gas, groceries, utilities, rent, you name it -- it's more expensive," Allen said.

3 weeks ago | nbcbayarea.com | Chris Chmura |Alex Bozovic |Alyssa Goard

Our consumer team has tips that could save you hundreds on auto insurance. But this is not a commercial. We’re highlighting a little-publicized route to savings, especially if you’re a new driver or not making a lot of money at work. Like all of us, the economy’s pinching Dublin resident Jared Allen’s wallet. “Gas, groceries, utilities, rent, you name it--it’s more expensive,” Allen said. Add to that list: car insurance. “Yeah, it went up,” Allen said of his latest auto insurance premium.

1 month ago | nbcbayarea.com | Alyssa Goard |Ian Cull |Chris Chmura

As of Wednesday, California’s Insurance Commissioner has not decided whether he will approve State Farm’s emergency interim request to increase insurance rates. However, Commissioner Ricardo Lara said he hopes to have a decision within two weeks. If approved, State Farm would increase rates in California 22% for homeowners, 15% for renters, 15% for condominiums, and 38% for rental dwelling coverage. State Farm is the largest insurer in the state and ensures about 20% of the homes in California.

1 month ago | nbcsandiego.com | Chris Chmura

Boston's snowy streets and sidewalks suggest it's the last place you'd find a discussion about wildfires and insurance. And yet, a little-known company here says it's trying to solve California's insurance crisis with a revolution of sorts. "Most people don't know this particular industry exists," said Rob Newbold, President Verisk Extreme Event Solutions.