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Insights for the Families and Advisors We Serve.

BCU publishes guidance on personal risk for high net worth families, family offices, and the wealth advisors who work beside them. Read the blog, listen to the podcast, and subscribe to the BCU Brief for a monthly summary.

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Blog

Short, frequent posts on personal risk topics, policy changes, and news relevant to the families and advisors BCU serves.

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Podcast

Long-form conversations with advisors, specialists, and the BCU team on topics that matter to high net worth families and the professionals around them.

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FAQ

Direct answers to the questions families, family offices, and wealth advisors most often ask BCU. Grouped by category so a reader can scan to the topic that fits their situation.

Latest From the Blog

Florida Fix Puts More Risk on Homeowners  Florida changed how the legal system applies to insurance companies, making it more onerous for homeowners to use the courts to challenge denied claims or...

HNW Market Notes August 2026

Florida Fix Puts More Risk on Homeowners  Florida changed how the legal system applies to insurance companies, making it more onerous for homeowners to use the courts to challenge denied claims or...
Non-Profit D&O Rising Employment and Cyber Exposure  For nonprofit organizations, the directors and officers (D&O) liability risk landscape looksincreasingly similar to what private and public...

HNW Market Notes June 2026

Non-Profit D&O Rising Employment and Cyber Exposure  For nonprofit organizations, the directors and officers (D&O) liability risk landscape looksincreasingly similar to what private and public...
BCU Webinar – Elevating Security & Crisis Readiness for Multi-Generational FamiliesJune 4, 2026: 1pm – 2pm CDT  A joint perspective from BCU Risk Advisors, Chubb & Corporate Security Advisors (CSA)...

HNW Market Notes May 2026

BCU Webinar – Elevating Security & Crisis Readiness for Multi-Generational FamiliesJune 4, 2026: 1pm – 2pm CDT  A joint perspective from BCU Risk Advisors, Chubb & Corporate Security Advisors (CSA)...
April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that even brief moments of inattention can lead to serious consequences. For families, business owners, and individuals...

April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month: A Reminder That Small Habits Can Prevent Serious Consequences

April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that even brief moments of inattention can lead to serious consequences. For families, business owners, and individuals...
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY – QUINLAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS (REPLAY)  Family offices face a level of complexity where traditional, siloed insurance strategies often fall short—leaving gaps, redundancies, and...

HNW Market Notes March 2026

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY – QUINLAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS (REPLAY)  Family offices face a level of complexity where traditional, siloed insurance strategies often fall short—leaving gaps, redundancies, and...
Spring Break is one of the highest-risk travel periods for affluent families. International trips, short-notice travel, second homes, rented villas, and luxury experiences all converge at once and...

Spring Break & Luxury Travel: What Affluent Families Need to Know Before Traveling

Spring Break is one of the highest-risk travel periods for affluent families. International trips, short-notice travel, second homes, rented villas, and luxury experiences all converge at once and...
WHAT THE HAIL?  Homeowners insurance premiums in Colorado are climbing faster than the national average — and far outpacing inflation. While wildfire risk remains a factor, hail claims are emerging...

HNW Market Notes February 2026

WHAT THE HAIL?  Homeowners insurance premiums in Colorado are climbing faster than the national average — and far outpacing inflation. While wildfire risk remains a factor, hail claims are emerging...
Protecting Jewelry, Art, and New Vehicles Before You Use or Gift Them February may be one of the shortest months of the year, but it’s often packed with meaningful (and expensive) purchases....

February May Be Short ... But the Purchases Are Big

Protecting Jewelry, Art, and New Vehicles Before You Use or Gift Them February may be one of the shortest months of the year, but it’s often packed with meaningful (and expensive) purchases....
January marks one year since the devastating California wildfires of 2025 - the costliest wildfire events in state history. While the immediate damage was visible in burned homes and displaced...

One Year Later: What the 2025 California Wildfires Taught Us — and What Affluent Families Must Do in 2026

January marks one year since the devastating California wildfires of 2025 - the costliest wildfire events in state history. While the immediate damage was visible in burned homes and displaced...
PAST THE PEAK IN FLORIDA  After years of climbing rates and limited options, Florida’s insurance market is showing its first signs of relief. Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-backed...

HNW Market Notes December 2025

PAST THE PEAK IN FLORIDA  After years of climbing rates and limited options, Florida’s insurance market is showing its first signs of relief. Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-backed...
Almost Back  Two U.S. Congressmen, one a Democrat from Louisiana and the other a Republican from Mississippi, have introduced legislation to retroactively restore the National Flood Insurance...

HNW Market Notes November 2025

Almost Back  Two U.S. Congressmen, one a Democrat from Louisiana and the other a Republican from Mississippi, have introduced legislation to retroactively restore the National Flood Insurance...
Don’t Leave Home Without It  The biggest buzzkill when planning a big vacation? Shopping for travel insurance. It’s confusing, time-consuming and adds to the trip cost, significantly if you’re...

HNW Market Notes-October 2025

Don’t Leave Home Without It  The biggest buzzkill when planning a big vacation? Shopping for travel insurance. It’s confusing, time-consuming and adds to the trip cost, significantly if you’re...
Ripple Effect  Calls in Illinois for legislative intervention in homeowners’ insurance underwriting and price setting, though well-intentioned, would likely reduce both affordability and...

HNW Market Notes- September 2025

Ripple Effect  Calls in Illinois for legislative intervention in homeowners’ insurance underwriting and price setting, though well-intentioned, would likely reduce both affordability and...
Chicago, IL – 9.9.2025  – BCU Risk Advisors, a boutique personal insurance consulting firm specializing in high-net-worth individuals and families, today announced the launch of its Family Office...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - BCU Risk Advisors Launches Dedicated Family Office Practice to Serve Successful Families Across the U.S.

Chicago, IL – 9.9.2025  – BCU Risk Advisors, a boutique personal insurance consulting firm specializing in high-net-worth individuals and families, today announced the launch of its Family Office...
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the most active weeks typically arriving in mid-August through late September. Even if you are not directly in the path of a...

Hurricane Season Preparedness: Protecting Your Family and Home

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the most active weeks typically arriving in mid-August through late September. Even if you are not directly in the path of a...
A Note from BCU The first half of 2025 has reminded us how quickly the personal insurance market can shift. From devastating wildfires in California to ongoing inflation in construction and...

2025 Mid-Year Pulse Check | Protecting Families, Building Resilience

A Note from BCU The first half of 2025 has reminded us how quickly the personal insurance market can shift. From devastating wildfires in California to ongoing inflation in construction and...
Like many middle-aged moms, I can’t get enough of true crime podcasts. There’s something about the way real-life stories unfold that makes me stop what I’m doing and really listen. That’s exactly...

Pack Your Digital Go Bag: Lessons from True Crime and Real-Life Preparedness

Like many middle-aged moms, I can’t get enough of true crime podcasts. There’s something about the way real-life stories unfold that makes me stop what I’m doing and really listen. That’s exactly...
Illinois and Utah turn 50  Homeowners insurance has soared over 50% for these states.  The sharpest spike was in Utah, where they soared 59%, from an average of $1,126 in 2021 to $1,795 just four...

HNW Market Notes- August 2025

Illinois and Utah turn 50  Homeowners insurance has soared over 50% for these states.  The sharpest spike was in Utah, where they soared 59%, from an average of $1,126 in 2021 to $1,795 just four...
State Farm Takes Rate State Farm is planning a major rate hike for Illinois home insurance starting in August.  The insurance company is raising its home insurance rates by 27% on average, the...

HNW Market Notes - July 2025

State Farm Takes Rate State Farm is planning a major rate hike for Illinois home insurance starting in August.  The insurance company is raising its home insurance rates by 27% on average, the...
(Under)Replacement Cost  Some homeowners who lost their homes in the Los Angeles wildfires have filed lawsuits against three large insurers over claims payouts they say didn’t cover their losses....

HNW Market Notes- June 2025

(Under)Replacement Cost  Some homeowners who lost their homes in the Los Angeles wildfires have filed lawsuits against three large insurers over claims payouts they say didn’t cover their losses....
State Farm Stays Solvent  In a contentious decision that underscores the ongoing volatility of California’s home insurance market, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has formally approved a 17%...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - May 2025

State Farm Stays Solvent  In a contentious decision that underscores the ongoing volatility of California’s home insurance market, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has formally approved a 17%...
Tariff Knock-on Effect  Citing Wall Street analysts, APCIA said the price for new cars would increase $4,000 to$15,000. About 60% of auto replacement parts come from Mexico, Canada, or China,...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - April 2025

Tariff Knock-on Effect  Citing Wall Street analysts, APCIA said the price for new cars would increase $4,000 to$15,000. About 60% of auto replacement parts come from Mexico, Canada, or China,...
Sometimes, the unexpected happens—a car accident, a slip-and-fall incident at your home, or even a lawsuit. Without the right protection, these events could put your financial security at risk....

Why Excess Liability (Umbrella) Coverage is Essential for Protecting Your Financial Security

Sometimes, the unexpected happens—a car accident, a slip-and-fall incident at your home, or even a lawsuit. Without the right protection, these events could put your financial security at risk....
Rising Tides  According to a new analysis of homeowners insurance rates, some Midwest states saw the biggest jumps in premiums last year—and American Family Insurance topped a list of 10 insurers...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - February 2025

Rising Tides  According to a new analysis of homeowners insurance rates, some Midwest states saw the biggest jumps in premiums last year—and American Family Insurance topped a list of 10 insurers...
The Industry Strikes Back  The U.S. Senate Budget Committee on Wednesday held a hearing to release a study they said confirms climate change is increasing non-renewal rates in multiple states, but...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - January 2025

The Industry Strikes Back  The U.S. Senate Budget Committee on Wednesday held a hearing to release a study they said confirms climate change is increasing non-renewal rates in multiple states, but...
Navigating the Future.  Protecting What Matters Most. At BCU Risk Advisors, we’re dedicated to safeguarding the legacies of successful individuals...

2025 Insights: Navigating the Year Ahead

Navigating the Future.  Protecting What Matters Most. At BCU Risk Advisors, we’re dedicated to safeguarding the legacies of successful individuals...
FRANKLIN FIRE – MALIBU, CAA fire near Southern California’s downtown Malibu has prompted mandatory evacuations and threatened homes and businesses, including the city’s iconic Malibu Pier. Nearby...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - December 2024

FRANKLIN FIRE – MALIBU, CAA fire near Southern California’s downtown Malibu has prompted mandatory evacuations and threatened homes and businesses, including the city’s iconic Malibu Pier. Nearby...
FLO NO MOProgressive said it will stop offering dwelling fire insurance, with nonrenewal notices going out as early as Nov. 19. The Mayfield, Ohio-based insurer late last week said the decision to...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - November 2024

FLO NO MOProgressive said it will stop offering dwelling fire insurance, with nonrenewal notices going out as early as Nov. 19. The Mayfield, Ohio-based insurer late last week said the decision to...
60 MINUTESJust as Florida property insurers face another round of storm claims, CBS News has raised questions about alleged insurer fraud stemming from claims incurred in the last major storm –...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - October 2024

60 MINUTESJust as Florida property insurers face another round of storm claims, CBS News has raised questions about alleged insurer fraud stemming from claims incurred in the last major storm –...
Flo No GrowProgressive confirmed that, yes, “Texas is one of the states in which we are temporarily restricting new homeowners business…” Progressive also has not answered my question about whether...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - September 2024

Flo No GrowProgressive confirmed that, yes, “Texas is one of the states in which we are temporarily restricting new homeowners business…” Progressive also has not answered my question about whether...
BCU Blog: The More You KnowUnderstanding the Risks of Wood Roofs: What Insurance Carriers Need you to Know! In this blog post, we'll examine the reasons behind these concerns and what homeowners...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - August 2024

BCU Blog: The More You KnowUnderstanding the Risks of Wood Roofs: What Insurance Carriers Need you to Know! In this blog post, we'll examine the reasons behind these concerns and what homeowners...
Understanding the Risks of Wood Roofs: What Insurance Carriers Need You to Know By: Danny McGinnis, CAPI, CPRIA Wood roofs, known for...

Understanding the Risks of Wood Roofs

Understanding the Risks of Wood Roofs: What Insurance Carriers Need You to Know By: Danny McGinnis, CAPI, CPRIA Wood roofs, known for...
The Power of a Home Inventory Video Imagine this: You’ve spent years building a home filled with cherished possessions, from...

Preserving Peace of Mind

The Power of a Home Inventory Video Imagine this: You’ve spent years building a home filled with cherished possessions, from...
GETTING PREPAREDFlorida's s state-backed insurer of last resort has purchased $3.56 billion in reinsurance cover for this year's potentially devastating hurricane season.READ ARTICLE  TOP OF THE...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - July 2024

GETTING PREPAREDFlorida's s state-backed insurer of last resort has purchased $3.56 billion in reinsurance cover for this year's potentially devastating hurricane season.READ ARTICLE  TOP OF THE...
Flooding isn’t just a coastal issue; it can impact homes anywhere. From heavy rain to unexpected storms, non-coastal regions can experience severe flood damage that...

Real-Life Claims Stories: The Importance of Comprehensive Flood Insurance

Flooding isn’t just a coastal issue; it can impact homes anywhere. From heavy rain to unexpected storms, non-coastal regions can experience severe flood damage that...
(UN)AFFORDABLE HOUSINGHomeowners in areas battered by climate disasters are facing dizzying insurance rate increases. But builders of housing for the homeless and other low-income families are also...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - June 2024

(UN)AFFORDABLE HOUSINGHomeowners in areas battered by climate disasters are facing dizzying insurance rate increases. But builders of housing for the homeless and other low-income families are also...
Why Should You Care About Personal Liability? First off, personal liability isn't just about having insurance; it's about protecting your assets and financial future....

Why Should You Care About Personal Liability?

Why Should You Care About Personal Liability? First off, personal liability isn't just about having insurance; it's about protecting your assets and financial future....
AND TOTO TOOFollowing a chaotic swarm of twisting storms in its final week, April’s tornado count in the United States climbed to at least 300, the second-highest in the month on record.READ...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - May 2024

AND TOTO TOOFollowing a chaotic swarm of twisting storms in its final week, April’s tornado count in the United States climbed to at least 300, the second-highest in the month on record.READ...
Navigating the

Preparing for the "What ifs"

Navigating the "What Ifs" of Travel with Chubb's Travel 365 Plan Planning a trip is like setting sail on a new adventure, full of excitement and anticipation. But what...
RETRENCHING CONTINUESThe California homeowners’ insurance crisis reached another critical stage this week when State Farm General Insurance announced that it would not renew policies for 72,000...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - April 2024

RETRENCHING CONTINUESThe California homeowners’ insurance crisis reached another critical stage this week when State Farm General Insurance announced that it would not renew policies for 72,000...
RETRENCHINGA year after recording the largest underwriting loss in the company’s 100-year history, State Farm eclipsed it in 2023.  The underwriting loss figure climbed to $14 billion for 2023,...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - March 2024

RETRENCHINGA year after recording the largest underwriting loss in the company’s 100-year history, State Farm eclipsed it in 2023.  The underwriting loss figure climbed to $14 billion for 2023,...
WAG THE DOGInsurers such as State Farm and Allstate are leaving Fire and Flood prone areas.  Home values may begin to take the hit.Explore the latest CNBC insights on homeowners grappling with...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - February 2024

WAG THE DOGInsurers such as State Farm and Allstate are leaving Fire and Flood prone areas.  Home values may begin to take the hit.Explore the latest CNBC insights on homeowners grappling with...
GOOD NEWS, HELP IS ON THE WAY…IN 2026? In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order for “prompt regulatory action” to address the plight of California homeowners facing availability...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - November 2023

GOOD NEWS, HELP IS ON THE WAY…IN 2026? In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order for “prompt regulatory action” to address the plight of California homeowners facing availability...
LEADERS OF THE PACK Farmers Insurance Group of Cos. and United Services Automobile Association (USAA) have increased homeowners insurance rates by nearly 15% each to lead all other insurers….READ...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - October 2023

LEADERS OF THE PACK Farmers Insurance Group of Cos. and United Services Automobile Association (USAA) have increased homeowners insurance rates by nearly 15% each to lead all other insurers….READ...
DONUTS FOR DOLLARS Washington lawmakers have come together to discuss the growing insurance crisis spurred by climate change-induced natural disasters and the exodus of insurers from high-risk...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - September 2023

DONUTS FOR DOLLARS Washington lawmakers have come together to discuss the growing insurance crisis spurred by climate change-induced natural disasters and the exodus of insurers from high-risk...
BRACE FOR IMPACT FEMA releases new flood insurance rates by Zip Code…READ ARTICLEQUESTIONING SOCIETAL BENEFITS Chubb CEO Evan Greenberg said society and the business community need to start asking...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - May 2023

BRACE FOR IMPACT FEMA releases new flood insurance rates by Zip Code…READ ARTICLEQUESTIONING SOCIETAL BENEFITS Chubb CEO Evan Greenberg said society and the business community need to start asking...
HOW HIGH CAN THEY GO? In December, as state lawmakers returned for their second special session in less than a year to deal with property insurance…READ ARTICLE'HARDEST IN A GENERATION' A...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - April 2023

HOW HIGH CAN THEY GO? In December, as state lawmakers returned for their second special session in less than a year to deal with property insurance…READ ARTICLE'HARDEST IN A GENERATION' A...
STATE FARM RECORDS LARGEST LOSS IN COMPANY HISTORY Late last year, State Farm’s chief executive broke the news that the auto giant would record the largest underwriting loss…READ ARTICLEBREAKING...

HNW Insurance Market Notes - March 2023

STATE FARM RECORDS LARGEST LOSS IN COMPANY HISTORY Late last year, State Farm’s chief executive broke the news that the auto giant would record the largest underwriting loss…READ ARTICLEBREAKING...
IntroductionOn March 24, 1986, Time Magazine’s cover article was titled “Sorry, America, Your Insurance Has Been Cancelled.” The article referenced the collapse of the U.S. commercial liability...

Sorry, America, Your Insurance Has Been Cancelled

IntroductionOn March 24, 1986, Time Magazine’s cover article was titled “Sorry, America, Your Insurance Has Been Cancelled.” The article referenced the collapse of the U.S. commercial liability...
Citizens Insurance company is commonly positioned as offering the “home insurance policy of last resort” in Florida.  Premiums can appear competitive; however, policy benefits are limited and...

Florida Market Update

Citizens Insurance company is commonly positioned as offering the “home insurance policy of last resort” in Florida.  Premiums can appear competitive; however, policy benefits are limited and...
CHICAGO, Apr. 18, 2022 – BCU Risk Advisors, LLC, an independent insurance consulting and brokerage firm providing ‘Family Office Risk Management Services’ to families and Family Offices throughout...

BCU Risk Advisors, LLC, Announces the Promotion of Chelsey Rabalais to Partner

CHICAGO, Apr. 18, 2022 – BCU Risk Advisors, LLC, an independent insurance consulting and brokerage firm providing ‘Family Office Risk Management Services’ to families and Family Offices throughout...
Stories such as these are likely more common than you think.  According to Jury Verdict Research’s, Current Award Trends in Personal Injury, 54 th Edition (2015), the percentage of personal injury...

The Relationship Between Social Inflation and Personal Liability Exposure

Stories such as these are likely more common than you think.  According to Jury Verdict Research’s, Current Award Trends in Personal Injury, 54 th Edition (2015), the percentage of personal injury...
ADVISORS DON'T HAVE TO BE INSURANCE EXPERTS TO PROTECT THEIR CLIENTS FROM THE RISK OF PROPERTY-RELATED LOSSES.Volatility in the stock market is a reminder that thoughtful advisors can help their...

A Hidden Risk That Could Crack a Nest Egg

ADVISORS DON'T HAVE TO BE INSURANCE EXPERTS TO PROTECT THEIR CLIENTS FROM THE RISK OF PROPERTY-RELATED LOSSES.Volatility in the stock market is a reminder that thoughtful advisors can help their...
If you have a credit report, chances are you’re one of the 143 million American consumers whose sensitive personal information was exposed due to the data breach at Equifax.According to Equifax,...

What You and Your Clients Need to Do About the Equifax Breach

If you have a credit report, chances are you’re one of the 143 million American consumers whose sensitive personal information was exposed due to the data breach at Equifax.According to Equifax,...
In preparation for Hurricane IRMA’s foretasted arrival in south Florida early Sunday morning, BCU has established a 24 hour Emergency Response Unit for clients affected by the storm. BCU has...

BCU Establishes 24 Hour Emergency Hotline for IRMA Victims

In preparation for Hurricane IRMA’s foretasted arrival in south Florida early Sunday morning, BCU has established a 24 hour Emergency Response Unit for clients affected by the storm. BCU has...
Serving on the board as a director or officer for a non-profit organization is often an altruistic action that many of us accept because it feels good to passionately support a cause that we...

Non-Profit D&O Liability – The “Do Gooder” Risk

Serving on the board as a director or officer for a non-profit organization is often an altruistic action that many of us accept because it feels good to passionately support a cause that we...
In follow up to our June update, August finds the Florida homeowners market, both in terms of capacity and pricing, under continued pressure. The top 5 carriers in the state, based upon number of...

2017 South Florida Home Insurance Rate Filing Update

In follow up to our June update, August finds the Florida homeowners market, both in terms of capacity and pricing, under continued pressure. The top 5 carriers in the state, based upon number of...
BCU Risk Advisors, the nation’s leading independent insurance consulting boutique for Family Office and Multi-Family Office clients, today announced the hiring of Kerry Shapiro and the opening of...

BCU Risk Advisors Continues Expansion in Family Office/Western States

BCU Risk Advisors, the nation’s leading independent insurance consulting boutique for Family Office and Multi-Family Office clients, today announced the hiring of Kerry Shapiro and the opening of...
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Recent Podcast Episodes

Trailer

Welcome to Reassurance, a BCU Risk Advisors Podcast. Join us as we break down the world of personal insurance.

Get to Know BCU Risk Advisors!

Dive into the story of BCU Risk Advisors – the cool crew shaking things up in risk management. Ever wondered why Bruce, Jeff and Bill started BCU? Tune in and find out! Hear what makes BCU stand out in the market.

Causes of Loss AKA Perils

We break down the complexities of insurance into simplified terms. Perils are the specific events or circumstances covered by insurance policies, protecting individuals and families from financial consequences.

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