This episode is a little different—it’s our mid-year pulse check on personal insurance in 2025. But before diving into the numbers, I share a story that forever shaped how I see insurance: Hurricane Katrina, and the unimaginable losses my husband’s family lived through in New Orleans.

It taught me this: you can’t stop the unexpected, but you can prepare for it.

From wildfires in California to rising premiums in Florida and the Carolinas, from underinsurance risks to new solutions like parametric coverage and smart home technology—this year has brought huge shifts. I walk you through the trends, the real client stories, and the steps families can take to not just survive, but recover stronger when the unimaginable happens.

This episode is about more than policies—it’s about protecting what matters most.

In this episode, Chelsey sits down with Kelly Weiss, a long-time BCU Risk Advisors team member whose remarkable career path has taken her from receptionist to high-net-worth insurance advisor. Kelly shares her behind-the-scenes experience in every facet of the insurance lifecycle, the mindset shift from service to sales, and why empathy and education are key to building trust in this evolving industry. She also reflects on advice from her dad, the impact of personal claims stories, and what matters most in life—how you make people feel.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Career growth from admin to advisor
• The power of knowing every step of the client journey
• What’s changed most in insurance over the last two decades
• Staying empathetic in a high-net-worth space
• Why Michigan might be the safest place to live 😉
• Kelly’s legacy, values, and life beyond insurance

In this episode of Reassurance, I’m joined by Amanda Martinez, one of our fantastic brokers here at BCU Risk Advisors. Amanda dives into what’s happening in today’s personal insurance marketplace—specifically for high-net-worth individuals and families. From rising insurance rates and labor costs to weather-related risks and evolving auto technology, she breaks down the “why” behind the increases we're all seeing in our premiums.

We talk about major trends: the ongoing labor shortage, material cost volatility, claims delays (like the 41-month rebuild in Florida), and how social inflation and distracted driving are pushing up auto liability claims. Amanda also highlights the growing use of excess & surplus lines carriers, particularly in high-risk states like California and Florida, and the importance of working with a knowledgeable broker in those cases.

Plus, we explore how our clients’ passions—whether it’s art, jewelry, wine, boats, or sports memorabilia—impact their coverage needs, especially when it comes to collecting and estate planning. Education is everything, and this episode is full of actionable insights to help you protect what matters most.

Visit us at www.bcurisk.com to learn more

In this episode of Reassurance, I walk you through how to make your home more resilient in today’s ever-changing risk environment. I’m Chelsea Rabalais, and as your host and a longtime insurance advisor, I’m here to help simplify personal insurance and keep you one step ahead.

We cover key risks like wildfires, flooding, hailstorms, power surges, and even electrical fires—and the practical upgrades that not only protect your home but can improve your insurability too. From swapping out cedar shake roofs for Class A fire-rated materials, to installing smart water shutoff valves and devices like Ting that detect electrical hazards before they spark a fire, I highlight tools insurers love and what many homeowners still overlook.

I also touch on simple but powerful security measures, like monitored alarms and motion-detecting cameras, that make a big impact on both safety and insurance pricing. Ultimately, resilience isn’t about fear—it’s about preparation.

If you're not sure whether your home is as resilient as it should be, talk to your advisor or schedule a full risk review. A little work now could make a big difference down the road. Thanks for tuning in to Reassurance—and remember, I’m always here if you want to talk coverage. Stay safe and stay insured!

In this special episode, I sit down with Janessa Vanderheyden from Monoline to dive into the evolving world of personal umbrella insurance. We explore why standalone umbrella policies are more relevant than ever, how Monoline is reshaping the insurance industry with cutting-edge technology and old-school customer service, and what’s on the horizon for this game-changing carrier. If you're an agent or a policyholder looking to understand the value of extra liability protection in today's litigious world, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Topics Covered:

• The shift in personal insurance markets: Why Monoline umbrella policies are in high demand
• How Monoline was built by agents, for agents—creating a seamless quoting and binding experience
• Why an umbrella policy is crucial in today’s legal environment
• The importance of combining modern tech with human connection in insurance
• What’s next for Monoline: higher limits, excess products, and a true E&S umbrella offering

Visit the Website to learn more about Monoline

Learn more about BCU

It’s our one-year anniversary of the Reassurance Podcast! In this special episode, I reflect on why I started the podcast, my journey in the insurance industry, and the critical role of claims advocacy. From my early days at BCU Risk Advisors to a life-changing moment that shaped my perspective on advocacy, I share insights into why having the right advisor truly matters. I also open up about how my professional experiences prepared me to advocate for my son in a deeply personal way—and how that journey has made me an even better advocate for my clients.

Key Topics Covered:

• The driving force behind launching this podcast
• Why insurance should be more approachable for everyone
• My career path from studying insurance at Drake University to joining BCU Risk Advisors
• A life-changing client claim and how it shaped my advocacy approach
• How advocating for my son with a rare genetic disorder strengthened my role as an insurance advocate
• What to ask when choosing an insurance advisor—are they truly advocating for you?
• Looking ahead: what’s next for season two of the Reassurance Podcast

Thank you for an incredible first year! Your support means the world, and I can't wait to bring you even more valuable insights in the next season.

Visit us to learn more at www.bcurisk.com

Transitioning from renter’s insurance to homeowner’s insurance can be overwhelming, and missing key coverage could leave you financially exposed. In this episode, Kelly Weiss joins The Jason Theory Podcast to break down:

✔️ Why renters insurance is a must-have (and why your landlord’s policy doesn’t cover you)

✔️ Hidden risks in condo and homeowner policies—like water damage, liability, and loss of use

✔️ Why flat roofs, below-grade spaces, and wood shake roofs are causing coverage issues

✔️ How the insurance market is shifting in 2025 and what that means for your rates

✔️ Why working with an expert broker can save you thousands in the long run

Don’t wait until disaster strikes—learn how to protect your home and assets now.

Need a coverage review? Reach out to BCU Risk Advisors for personalized insurance solutions.

Watch the full video here!

Listen to The Jason Theory Podcast

Jewelry isn’t just an accessory—it’s an investment, a memory, and a symbol of love. But is it properly protected? In this episode of The Reassurance Podcast, we dive into why specialized jewelry insurance is essential and how policies from carriers like Chubb, Berkley One, Cincinnati Private Client, Vault, and PURE can offer superior coverage.

Key Topics:

• Why homeowners' insurance isn't enough for high-value jewelry
• The benefits of standalone valuable articles policies
• Coverage perks like worldwide protection, zero deductibles, and breakage coverage
• Real-life claims examples that highlight why this coverage matters
• How to get started with appraisals and policy reviews

If you’re gifting or receiving something special this Valentine’s Day, now is the perfect time to review your coverage. Listen now to learn how to protect what matters most!

Visit us www.bcurisk.com

Insurance is evolving—are you ready? In this episode of The Reassurance Podcast, we break down what’s ahead in 2025 and how to protect your assets, family, and legacy.

Key Topics:

• Rising premiums: Home, auto, and umbrella insurance costs continue to climb
• Cyber threats: Identity theft and ransomware risks are higher than ever
• Natural disasters: More severe weather events demand better coverage
• Generational wealth: Estate planning is critical before tax changes in 2026

Stay ahead of the curve with expert insights and proactive strategies. Listen now!

Visit us at www.bcurisk.com

In today’s episode, we’re diving into an essential topic for those facing the devastating reality of wildfires: how to navigate the insurance claims process effectively.

We start with actionable advice for filing a claim. From contacting your insurer promptly to documenting damage with photos and videos, every step matters in expediting your recovery. I also highlight the importance of keeping detailed records of expenses, such as temporary lodging and meals, as these may be reimbursed under your policy’s additional living expenses coverage (ALE).

Creating a comprehensive home inventory is another critical step. Though daunting, it’s key to a smoother claims process. I share tips for listing items with details like brand, model, and value, especially for high-value possessions.

We also cover common pitfalls to avoid. Whether it’s understanding the potential downsides of public adjusters or steering clear of signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) unnecessarily, knowing these risks can save you time and stress.

At BCU Risk Advisors, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you ever have questions or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out. Recovering after a disaster is never easy, but with the right knowledge and support, you can rebuild with confidence.

Stay safe, stay informed, and tune in next time for more valuable insights!

Learn more on our website www.bcurisk.com