El Podcast

E105: Recovering After Disaster: The Realities of Homeowners Insurance - w/ Professor Ken Klein

Episode Summary

Join us as we delve into the vital topic of homeowners insurance amid natural disasters with Ken Klein, a professor of law at the California Western School of Law. We explore the impact of Hurricane Helene on the Eastern U.S. seaboard, the intricacies of flood and wind insurance, and how insurance policies cover devastating events. Ken shares his personal experience of losing his home to wildfire and provides valuable insights into the recovery processes and the complexities of insurance policies. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or just someone looking to understand more about insurance related to natural catastrophes, this episode is packed with critical information.

Episode Notes

Law professor Ken Klein explains why so many Americans are unprotected against natural disasters—and what happens when your home is gone and insurance falls short.

Guest Bio: Ken Klein is a law professor at California Western School of Law specializing in disaster recovery, insurance law, and housing policy.

Topics Covered:

• What standard homeowners insurance covers (and doesn’t)
• Flood vs. wind damage and the legal gray zones
• Why most people are underinsured and how to fix it
• The role of mortgage lenders and force-placed insurance
• Recovery timelines and psychological toll of losing a home
• Market speculation after disasters (e.g. Lahaina, Asheville)
• Government programs, last-resort insurance, and FEMA’s role
• Equity concerns for low-income and generational homeowners
• Policy reform challenges and why there's no quick fix
• Practical tips for homeowners to get better coverage

Watch the full episode on YouTube➡️https://youtu.be/W2vwJ2dpHIU