Winter temps are coming in [not so] hot. With the cold air comes the potential for ice and snow, and it’s critical for not only the longevity of your home’s life, but for your safety, to make sure your house is ready to take it all on. That’s why we’ve pulled together some tips for you that will have you saying, “Bring it on, winter”. 

Insulation, insulation, and more insulation: The chilly air creeps in and cools down your house (ya know, the opposite of what you want), which then cranks up your heater – ultimately increasing the amount on your monthly heating bill. Having your pipes, attic, and crawl space sufficiently insulated helps to block out cold air and keep your house at the temp you want it without your heater putting in overtime. Hello, potential savings and cozy winter nights.  

Chimney and fireplace: Whether your fireplace runs on wood or gas, have a professional come check it out before you fire it up. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (via consumerreports.com), “fireplaces, chimneys, and heating equipment are some of the biggest causes of home fires”. Having a professional inspect yours could potentially help to avoid any mishaps. 

Trees and tree limbs: Mature trees are beautiful. The damage that their dead limbs can cause is not. Have a trusted tree service come out and inspect the surrounding trees for any branches that might not get along well with ice or snow. 

Outdoor water devices: Those spigots and sprinklers sure do come in handy for most of the other seasons, but in winter, there’s the potential for them to cause quite some chaos if not properly drained. Make sure you drain and store any hoses and/or sprinklers, and open outdoor spigots to drain trapped water prior to the first freeze. Contact your local plumber for tips (or help)! 

Homeowners insurance: We’ve got you on this one! If you want to level up on your homeowners coverage, get started today right here. 

Bamboo Insurance, a reimagined insurance organization offering a customer-driven experience through ease and innovation, has been ranked #18 on Insuretech Connect’s Forward50 America’s Report, powered by Sonr. This meticulously curated report takes a deep dive into the insurance industry and its top emergent startups that are leading change. 

According to the ITC Forward50 America’s downloadable report, the report is intended to provide “a unique, data-driven perspective into emerging industry trends, as well as the ability to draw comparisons between the regions.”  

The report continues with describing the ranked 50 companies as being “not just any insurtechs; they are the game-changers, the pioneers, the visionaries who are redefining the insurance landscape for the better. This report highlights the fifty standout insurtech companies that will make a lasting mark on an industry that is, at times, renowned for its tradition and rigidity.” 

Bamboo Insurance continues to see extensive growth in challenging markets, like California, through the continued offering of insurance solutions that are thoughtfully chosen to support homeowners’ intricate needs. In addition to being included on the prestigious ITC Forward50 report, Bamboo has landed on the Inc. 500 list for America’s fastest growing private companies in 2023, has cultivated unique partnerships with bolt and Super Home Warranty, and entered into an agreement with White Mountains. 

You can download and view the full report on either Sonr’s website (click here) or on the ITC Vegas website (click here).  

About the Forward50 America’s Report 

The Forward50: Americas Edition is not merely a celebration of insurtechs; it is a comprehensive guide with the latest insurance innovation trends that are shaping the future of the insurance industry in the western hemisphere. These trends reflect the broader insurance ecosystem’s commitment to adapt, evolve, and improve in the face of changing consumer demands and market dynamics. We also want to pay tribute to those well established insurtech leaders that have paved the way for innovation, proving that lasting success in the insurtech world requires both forward-thinking vision and steadfast commitment. Their stories inspire the next generation of insurtech entrepreneurs, demonstrating that transformation is not only possible but highly rewarding. 

Source: Downloadable report found here. 

Did the responsibility of bringing a side dish somehow manage to land on your plate? Where we’ll never turn down some canned green beans, if you’re looking to bring more to the table (literally) without the extra work and time, we’ve got you. Here are 5 remarkable-sounding recipes that are surprisingly simple to make. 

  • Buttery Garlic Green Beans: If you haven’t guessed it, we like green beans – and they’re an essential for any holiday meal. Here’s your opportunity to still bring the green beans, yet with this recipe, you can bring them with some extra deliciousness.
  • Baked Sweet Potatoes: Need a recipe that’s almost impossible to mess up? This one’s simple to make, with minimal prep, that you can just pop in the oven. (And who doesn’t love some sweet potatoes?)
  • Broccoli Cheese Bake: If you’re wanting to kick things up a notch, this is a good one to take on. Light prep, simple ingredients (some that you might even have already), and a yummy outcome.
  • Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas: This might be leaning more towards a dessert, but it looked too good not to share. This might be the simplest recipe on this list, with the potential to be one of the tastiest.

Another thing we make easy? Getting insurance. Get started today by clicking here.

Bamboo Insurance, a reimagined insurance organization offering a customer-driven experience through ease and innovation, and Super, a leading provider of subscription care for the home, have joined forces to offer eligible homeowners more opportunities for protecting their home.

Bamboo Insurance Agency offers homeowners a unique, high-tech, high-touch experience to people looking for their ideal homeowners insurance. This client-driven approach to providing an unmatched insurance experience involves clients in necessary parts of the process, like assessing their options and choosing the perfect one, while their trusted Advocate takes on the timely, heavy-duty items, like the shopping and binding of the policy – ultimately saving them from the stress of shopping confusing insurance policies and time.

One of the key features that sets Super apart is its focus on creating an “own like a renter” approach for homeowners. Unlike traditional providers, Super offers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond insuring breakdowns. With Super’s powerful technology platform, homeowners can easily coordinate repairs, schedule appointments, and track the progress of their repairs—all through a simple and intuitive app. This end-to-end coordination ensures that homeowners no longer have to bear the burden of managing repairs themselves, saving them time, effort, and stress.  By investing in technology and consolidation, Super is able to deliver superior economics while enhancing service quality, and providing a streamlined, worry-free experience for homeowners.

This exciting homeowner-focused partnership gives clients the opportunity to be proactive in their coverage, so their home can stay their happy place. Get started today at https://bambooinsurance.com/super.

About Super

Super was founded in 2015 with the mission to make caring for a home completely carefree. Powered by a proprietary data platform and backed by leading investors, Super offers subscription-based care for your home, including home warranties and home maintenance. We leverage data and technology to deliver high-quality, fast, and worry-free home repair and maintenance. Learn more at hellosuper.com.

White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM) (“White Mountains”) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services, LLC (“Bamboo”), an MGA focused on the California homeowners insurance market.  White Mountains expects to invest approximately $285 million, including primary capital to support Bamboo’s growth, and to acquire approximately 70% of Bamboo basic shares outstanding.

Bamboo was launched in 2018 by John Chu, a seasoned insurance executive.  Bamboo provides homeowners’ insurance for over 100,000 California policyholders, using its technology-enabled underwriting platform to select and manage risk.  Bamboo has grown profitably and rapidly in the challenging California market, and is now poised to expand into other states.  John and the current Bamboo management team will continue to lead the business through its next phase and will retain a significant equity stake.

“We are pleased to make this investment alongside John and the Bamboo management team.  Bamboo is delivering a much-needed insurance alternative to homeowners in California.  Bamboo has strong momentum, and we look forward to supporting its continued growth,” said Chris Delehanty, Head of M&A of White Mountains.

“This transaction marks a new and exciting chapter for Bamboo.  We are fortunate to have found a like-minded capital partner who shares our vision and has a strong track record of successful insurance partnerships,” said John Chu, Founder and CEO of Bamboo.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.  The closing is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.  The closing is not subject to a financing condition.  The exact ownership to be acquired by White Mountains, and the resulting amount that will be invested, will be determined based on Bamboo unitholder elections made prior to closing.  For more information, see White Mountains’s Form 8-K filed October 20, 2023.

Howden Tiger Capital Markets & Advisory acted as financial advisor to White Mountains, while Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP provided legal advice.  Evercore Group, L.L.C. acted as financial advisor to Bamboo and selling equityholders, while Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP provided legal advice.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — See the full press release here.

About Bamboo

Bamboo is a capital-light, tech- and data-enabled insurance distribution platform providing insurance offerings to the residential property market in California.  Bamboo operates primarily through its full-service MGA business, where the company manages all aspects of the placement process on behalf of its fronting and (re)insurance partners, including product development, marketing, underwriting, policy issuance, and claims oversight, and earns commissions based on the volume and profitability of the insurance that it places.  Bamboo puts underwriting first, leveraging technology and data science tools to select, price and manage risk.  Bamboo also operates two separate but integrated businesses: (i) a retail agency offering ancillary products (e.g., flood, earthquake) on behalf of third parties and (ii) a captive reinsurer participating in a small share of the underwriting risk of Bamboo’s MGA programs.  For more information, visit www.bambooinsurance.com.

About White Mountains

White Mountains is a Bermuda-domiciled financial services holding company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WTM and on the Bermuda Stock Exchange under the symbol WTM.BH.  Additional financial information and other items of interest are available at the Company’s web site located at www.whitemountains.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or referenced in this release which address activities, events or developments which White Mountains expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “could”, “will”, “believe”, “intend”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “project”, “estimate”, “predict” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to White Mountains’s:

  • change in book value per share, adjusted book value per share or return on equity;
  • business strategy;
  • financial and operating targets or plans;
  • incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses and the adequacy of its loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and related reinsurance;
  • projections of revenues, income (or loss), earnings (or loss) per share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, dividends, market share or other financial forecasts of White Mountains or its businesses;
  • expansion and growth of its business and operations;
  • expected timing of the transactions; and
  • future capital expenditures.

These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by White Mountains in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to its expectations and predictions is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including:

  • the risks that are described from time to time in White Mountains’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to White Mountains’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022;
  • claims arising from catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, tsunamis, severe winter weather, public health crises, terrorist attacks, war and war-like actions, explosions, infrastructure failures or cyber-attacks;
  • recorded loss reserves subsequently proving to have been inadequate;
  • the market value of White Mountains’s investment in MediaAlpha;
  • the trends and uncertainties from the COVID-19 pandemic, including judicial interpretations on the extent of insurance coverage provided by insurers for COVID-19 pandemic related claims;
  • business opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to it and pursued;
  • actions taken by rating agencies, such as financial strength or credit ratings downgrades or placing ratings on negative watch;
  • the continued availability of capital and financing;
  • deterioration of general economic, market or business conditions, including due to outbreaks of contagious disease (including the COVID-19 pandemic) and corresponding mitigation efforts;
  • competitive forces, including the conduct of other insurers;
  • changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations, or their interpretation, applicable to White Mountains, its competitors or its customers; and
  • other factors, most of which are beyond White Mountains’s control.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by White Mountains will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, White Mountains or its business or operations. White Mountains assumes no obligation to publicly update any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:  Rob Seelig
(603) 640-2212

SOURCE White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd.

I think we can all agree that we’re very ready for the cooler temps that the fall season will bring. But is your home ready? (And we’re not talking pumpkin decorations.) We mean prepping your house and yard to make sure they’re ready to take on the falling leaves, cooler temperatures, and new things this season brings that could impact them. If you’re not sure, we rounded up a few of the best maintenance tips we found to help you out!

Your house

  • Clearing roof and gutters: Go ahead and clear debris off and away from your roof and gutters. Unfortunately, this isn’t a one-and-done chore. During fall, leaves well…fall…and allowing your roof to get covered and your gutters to get clogged could result in costly damages.
  • Changing your filters: Having fresh air filters will keep your home at the temperature you’re wanting it.
  • Assessing for cracks in and around your house: When water gets into cracks, then freezes, it expands. So not only will your cracks get bigger, so will the cost of fixing them.
  • Checking for drafts inside the home: As the weather gets cooler, feel around for any areas that might be allowing the outdoor air in (like under doors that lead outside, windows, etc.). Getting these gaps addressed before the winter cold will help save on energy (and money).

Your yard

  • Scheduling an aeration treatment: Having your yard aerated will help to restore your grass from having been fried over the hot summer. Hello, green luscious grass for fall!
  • Planting bulbs: Depending on your geographic location, planting flower bulbs in the cooler fall months, like September and October, helps to support stunning blooms come spring and/or summer.

As always, if you’re looking for a little extra protection this season, fill out this form and one of our trusted Bamboo Advocates will reach out and help you find just what you need.

Tropical Storm Hilary is expected to bring heavy rainfall and wind to Southern California starting Saturday, 8/19. You and your family’s safety are of the utmost importance, so we’ve provided some top tips on preparedness below.  

  • Know your zones: You can find this by searching evacuation zones/mapping for your area. 
  • Pack your emergency kit: Have an emergency kit ready that can easily move around with you. While you’re at it, check the batteries in your flashlights and assess any other equipment used in these situations, like storm shutters or generators. 
  • Review your family emergency plan: Go over with your family where everyone will go and how to get in contact with each other. 
  • Bring in loose outdoor items: Items like patio furniture, umbrellas, kids toys, etc. should be moved into the garage or an area where they aren’t susceptible to being blown over/away by high winds.

Find more tips and helpful information here at weather.gov. 

After the storm, if you notice any damage to your property, we’re here for you. Get started on filing a claim right away by calling (877) 333-6938. (You’ll need your Bamboo Policy Number.) 

We’re continuing to think of those in the projected path of Tropical Storm Hilary, and wish for nothing but safety for you and your family.

With a three-year revenue growth of 109%, Bamboo Insurance ranks among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies. 

Bamboo Insurance, a reimagined insurance organization offering a customer-driven experience through ease and innovation, today announced that Inc. has recognized the company as one of the fastest-growing in the nation for 2023. The prestigious ranking represents a unique, data-driven look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. 

“We’re incredibly honored to have gained a place on the esteemed Inc. 5000 list,” says Bamboo Insurance Founder, John Chu. “This past year has introduced unique challenges to those of us in the insurance space. As a company, we decided to approach those challenges as opportunities, and show up when our clients and partners needed us most. Landing on the Inc. 5000 list proves to us that, despite those obstacles we faced, our team’s hard work and dedication to our mission is deep-rooted. It’s a great honor for us to be on this list among so many of the best independent businesses in the nation.” 

The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate ticked up to an astonishing 2,238 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years. For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 23. 

“Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000—with the fast growth that requires—is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.

View press release here.

About Bamboo Insurance 

We’re a growth-oriented insurance organization on a mission to deliver an easy and innovative insurance experience with an unwavering focus on customer advocacy. We’re using data and technology to simplify the insurance process, while enhancing transparency for our partners and policyholders. For more information on Bamboo Insurance, visit our site at www.bambooinsurance.com. 

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services (Bamboo) is Managing General Agency licensed to sell property-casualty insurance products; NPN 18657046; AZ License #3000209096; CA License #0M31082. All policies are issued by Sutton National Insurance Company. Sutton National: NAIC #25798. 

Bamboo Insurance Media Relations
Becca Powell
Director of Marketing
bpowell@bambooinsurance.com 

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000  

Methodology   

Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places.  

About Inc.   

Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work reaches more than 50 million people across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com.  

For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, slated for October 31 – November 2 in San Antonio, visit http://conference.inc.com/.   

bolt, the insurtech with the country’s largest technology-enabled insurance exchange, today announced a partnership with Bamboo, a property and casualty insurance organization that prioritizes simplicity, transparency, and savings. The partnership brings bolt’s smartphone protection product into Bamboo’s digital ecosystem, supporting their mission of delivering an innovative insurance experience.

Bamboo expands its once homeowner-focused portfolio with the addition of smartphone protection. As cellular devices have become an essential part of daily life, this product is the perfect complement to primary policies for existing customers, and for new policyholders, to ensure holistic coverage for their valuable possessions.

“We’re thrilled about our partnership with bolt, one of the leading coverage providers for smartphones,” said Taylor Mobley, Bamboo Insurance’s Chief Revenue Officer. “This unique offering builds on the foundation of Bamboo’s mission – to provide sensible coverage opportunities for our clients. Through this partnership with bolt, we’re able to expand on that by offering clients accessibility to affordable coverage also within the smartphone space.”

bolt’s smartphone protection is designed from the ground up to help insurers overcome complexity and meet the increasing demand for household level smartphone coverage. bolt’s turnkey solution is designed to be seamlessly integrated into existing agent and direct-to-consumer sales journeys.

“Aligned with Bamboo’s mission to deliver customers easy and innovative insurance experiences, we are proud to combine our brand strengths to fulfill a coverage gap for customers,” said Clayton Bodnarek, Executive Vice President of Alternative Distribution at bolt. “This underscores our commitment to design products that are easy for our partners to integrate, and even easier for their customers to access.”

 

Source: bolt insurance, AccessWire

AccessWire article link: Click here

The heat is slowly but surely creeping in, and it’s about that time to get your pool ready to take on some cannonballs. If your pool’s been out of service for the past few seasons, it’s time to start prepping for action again. With that, we’ve got some tips to help you start the pool season off the right way. 

Inspecting your pool 

And we don’t mean just testing the water. Dedicate a good bit of time to inspecting, cleaning, and reconnecting all pool equipment that’s been off duty the previous seasons. You’ll want to ensure they’re working properly for another long summer season. It’s also worth it to hire a professional to come out and inspect certain pieces of equipment, such as your pool filter and pump. 

Cleaning your pool 

Clear any debris that’s sitting on your water and vacuum the pool’s floor to remove any dirt that’s at the bottom of your pool. Keep in mind, this isn’t a one and done step – it’s recommended to do this at least once a week. While you’re at it, check your pool’s filter to ensure it doesn’t need to be changed.  

Checking the surrounding area 

Now that you’ve prepared your pool, it’s time to look at the surrounding area! If you have concrete or wooden flooring around the pool, check for any chipping or exposed nails that could be potential hazards. You’ll also want to double-check that your pool area’s fence is in working condition and the gate is able to be secured. And to keep those oasis vibes strong, hose off any dirty chairs or tables so your guests (and you) can sit back and enjoy your at-home pool. 

Keeping swimmers safe

With a pool comes great responsibility – like the safety of those who swim in it. When children are among your guests, assign shifts so that there’s an undistracted adult supervising the pool at all times. Ask visitors not to run, to avoid diving, and to stay away from the drain. Where “pool rules” may take you back to your younger days and the lifeguard blowing their whistle at you for running at the neighborhood pool – it’s smart to not only have rules established for your own pool, but make sure everyone who visits knows and follows them. Signing up for a local CPR class is a big recommendation, too! 

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the maintenance, try creating a pool cleaning schedule to make sure you don’t miss a beat when keeping your pool nice and clean. Pools are a large undertaking when it comes to care and maintenance. But dedicating the time to keeping up with it is all worth it when you and your loved ones are spending quality time together enjoying it, safely.  

To find out if pool-related incidents are covered by your homeowners insurance policy, reach out to your Bamboo Advocate or contact us through the form on our Contact Us page to find out!