Homeowners insurance

Losses related to natural disasters and other perils rose for the seventh year, and that costs both insurers and consumers more money, LexisNexis said.

As this year's natural disasters bring heightened attention to the cost and availability of homeowners insurance, servicers often find themselves caught in the middle when customers see premium hikes.

Over 4 million residents in the region, both coastal and inland, face dangers similar to residents in Hurricane-weary Florida, Louisiana and Texas.

The 13 largest homeowners insurance underwriters denied almost half of their climate-related claims last year, adding to property owner and mortgage servicer woes.

How challenges created by climate change and some regulations related to it can create new avenues for business according to Chief Credit Risk Officer of Planet Home Lending.

Risks include pushing debt-to-income ratios too high for qualifying and rising costs leading to defaults, all of which affect the secondary markets.

Soaring insurance costs may add to escrowed funds that servicers can earn money on in some cases, but higher premiums also could lead to affordability issues.

One California insurer received an approved rate change for 56.4%, an increase affecting over 17,000 borrowers.

Borrowers are reacting to more media coverage of wider windstorm activity and events like a Tri-State earthquake, experts said.

InnSure executive director shares how communities can combat higher rates and mitigate climate risk by taking control of their insurability.