Kingstone Companies Inc

Kingstone Companies reported its most profitable quarter on record, with second-quarter net income rising to $15.5 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, from $11.3 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, a year earlier. Direct premiums written increased 19% to $72.5 million, and the GAAP net combined ratio improved to 70.2%. The company maintained its full-year 2026 guidance, including 16% to 20% premium growth and diluted earnings per share of $2.20 to $2.90, while raising its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.06 per share. Management noted softer market conditions and weaker July Dwelling Fire new business but emphasized it will not sacrifice underwriting standards. Kingstone also expanded catastrophe protection to $500 million, began writing business in California, and expects to enter Connecticut later in the third quarter.

Kingstone Companies announced a new loss-prevention initiative that will provide Ting smart sensors and three years of electrical fire prevention service at no cost to eligible New York homeowners insurance policyholders. The program, launching in July 2026, is enabled through a partnership with vipHomeLink and uses Ting sensors from Whisker Labs to detect hidden electrical fire hazards. Kingstone President and CEO Meryl Golden said the best claim is the one that never happens, and the initiative aims to reduce the frequency and severity of avoidable losses. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an electrical fire occurs in a U.S. home approximately every 10 minutes, and Whisker Labs reports that Ting helps prevent about four out of five electrical fires.

Kingstone Companies has appointed Sylvie Widjaja as Vice President, California Business Leader for its wholly-owned subsidiary KINS Insurance Agency. Ms. Widjaja, a California insurance executive with more than two decades of experience spanning distribution, underwriting, product, and claims, will lead Kingstone’s California operations as the Company enters the state’s homeowners market on an excess and surplus lines basis. She joins from Mercury Insurance Group, where she led distribution and market strategy, and previously held leadership roles at Travelers and Progressive. She will report to Meryl Golden, President and Chief Executive Officer.