What happens when one of the most important insurance markets in the world comes under pressure?

In this episode of Policy in Wonderland, Evy Amira — founder of Wonders Bridge, insurance advisor, and host of Policy in Wonderland — sits down with Patrick Wolff, financial analyst, insurance professional, two-time U.S. chess champion, and candidate for California Insurance Commissioner, for a deep conversation about the state of California’s insurance market and where it may be heading next.

Together, they discuss:

♟️ What fundamentally broke in California’s insurance market
♟️ Wildfires, catastrophe exposure, and systemic risk
♟️ The rapid growth of the FAIR Plan
♟️ Why California may be lagging in insurance innovation
♟️ AI, underwriting technology, and prevention models
♟️ The role of regulation in catastrophe-exposed markets
♟️ How incentives can be aligned to reduce losses and improve resilience

They also explore broader questions around insurance regulation, market structure, transparency, and the future relationship between technology and traditional insurance carriers.

And finally, Evy asks Patrick one unexpected question:
Which insurance industry figure would he invite to a chess match — and why WB was his answer 👀

California’s Insurance Commissioner election will take place on June 2, 2026, making this one of the most important regulatory conversations in the insurance industry today.

Important disclaimer:

This episode is intended solely for educational and professional discussion purposes.
It does not constitute political endorsement or support for any candidate or political position. The purpose of this conversation is to provide meaningful insight, professional analysis, and thoughtful discussion around insurance markets operating under pressure.

#Insurance #Insurtech #CaliforniaInsurance

Sometimes the most valuable moments at a global conference don’t happen on stage - they happen at the 19th hole.

In this episode of A Wonderland of Possibilities, I talked with Stephen Goldstein (Founder & Managing Principal at TETRA G, ITC Life, Health & Benefits Advisory Board member) about:
🔹 The power of authenticity in leadership🔹 How golf can teach you to listen, adapt, and play the long game🔹 Why real connections often start outside the meeting rooms

When two industry leaders Michael Gulla (CEO, ex-Hippo) and Arik Arik Yelovitch (CTO, ex-Hippo) - decided to build Adaptive Insurance, they set out to solve one of the biggest blind spots in commercial insurance: business interruption.As Michael shared: “Most small businesses don't go out of business because of a major climate catastrophe. They're die-by-a-thousand cuts… when they have an insurance event that then takes 3 to 4 months before their carrier can fully adjudicate that claim.”Adaptive’s answer: #parametric #insurance powered by AI and real-time climate data. With simple if-then triggers - “If the power goes down for 12 hours, then I get $10,000” - SMBs get immediate liquidity, backed by Tokio Marine HCC, to keep their businesses running.📖 Read more in our co-article on The Underwriter: From Catastrophes to Coverage - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-catastrophes-coverage-evyatar-amira-jynnf🎧 Watch the full conversation now on Policy in Wonderland Podcast.

Meet Gordon Coyle, dubbed "The Mr. Beast of Insurance" - a third-generation insurance broker who's transformed his family's 95-year-old business through YouTube. With over 600 videos and generating 3-4 qualified leads daily, Gordon shares how he's revolutionizing insurance marketing through digital content. From his key takeaways at ITC 2024 to practical tips on building trust through video, discover how traditional insurance expertise meets modern digital innovation.

Gordon's Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@TheCoyleGroupNY

Join us with Rob Secontine, VP of Sales at EmTech Group, as we dive into the future of insurance quality assurance and automation.

In this episode, discover:

Whether you're a carrier, InsurTech startup, or insurance professional, learn how quality testing is reshaping insurance technology development.

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more in-depth insurance innovation insights!

In this timely episode of Policy in Wonderland, we're joined by Stephen J. Pyne, America's preeminent fire historian and author of "The Pyrocene." From his 15 seasons fighting fires at the Grand Canyon to becoming a leading voice on fire's role in shaping our world, Pyne offers crucial insights into humanity's complex relationship with fire.

As wildfires impact communities worldwide, Pyne explains:

Whether you're in insurance, emergency services, or simply concerned about our changing world, this episode offers essential insights into one of humanity's oldest relationships.

Our thoughts are with those affected by wildfires - stay safe and informed.

Fresh from ITC Vegas 2024, join us for an insightful conversation with Vidur Nayyar, founder of Upchange.ai and former McKinsey consultant, as he shares his unique perspective on insurance transformation.

In this episode, we explore:

Plus, Vidur shares invaluable advice for InsurTech startups and his vision for the future of insurance innovation.

Whether you're an insurance professional, tech innovator, or curious about the transformation of this vital industry, this episode offers practical insights and strategic perspectives you won't want to miss.

Connect with Vidur:

#PolicyInWonderland #InsurTech #InsuranceInnovation #ITC2024

In this episode, I'm joined by Ian White, an insurance innovator known for his insightful "Hot Takes" on LinkedIn and deep understanding of the intersection between insurance, data, and sustainable growth.

Ian shares crucial insights on:

Plus, candid reflections on what it truly takes to succeed in InsurTech, drawn from his extensive experience in the field.

Whether you're a founder, investor, or insurance professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into building sustainable innovation in insurance.

In this episode of Policy in Wonderland, we dive deep into the world of insurance innovation with Franklin Manchester, Global Insurance Strategic Advisor at SAS Institute, Inc.

Franklin shares insights on:

Plus, get a sneak peek at Franklin's upcoming panel "F – AI – lure is Always an Option" at InsureTech Connect (ITC) 2024!

Whether you're an insurance professional, tech enthusiast, or curious about the future of risk management, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of insurance.

Don't miss Franklin's insider tips for making the most of Insuretech Connect 2024 in Las Vegas!

Connect with Franklin:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franklin-manchester-cpcu-52910321/

#InsurTech #AI #InsuranceInnovation #ITC2024 #PolicyInWonderland

Join us on Policy in Wonderland as we explore the cutting-edge climate risk assessment with Valkyrie Holmes, co-founder and CEO of Faura.

In this episode, Valkyrie shares:

Don't miss Valkyrie's preview of Faura's upcoming demo at InsureTech Connect (ITC) 2024 and their participation in the State Farm startup competition!

Plus, get insider tips on the best spots to visit in Las Vegas during ITC!

Connect with Valkyrie and Faura: