California

Damage claims from the Eaton wildfire could wipe out the $21 billion fund created to protect utilities and their customers when an investor-owned utility's equipment is deemed responsible.

The state's insurer of last resort has taken on more policyholders that private insurers deem too risky. The strain on the plan, worsened by the January wildfires, led the state's regulator to allow an assessment on policyholders to cover the higher risks.

An academic paper presented at the Brookings Institute's annual conference found that future wildfire risks are already having economically significant impacts on financial markets, municipal borrowing costs and vulnerable communities.

Figures released by the state's insurer of last resort show double digit percentage increases over last fiscal year, and triple digit percentage increases since four years ago.

The state forecasts eroding coastlines will endanger $18 billion of existing homes and commercial buildings in the coming decades.

After California's own insurer of last resort was held liable for smoke claims, and a probe of State Farm was launched, a new task force is ordered to set standards for smoke damage claims.

Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced greater transparency to come for FAIR Plan data, plus a broadening of coverage to commercial properties, homeowner associations and affordable housing.

The state's insurer of last resort is facing an investigation by the California Department of Insurance as well as lawsuits from policyholders.

After the L.A. fires, a regulator's probe of State Farm claims practices and a looming wave of lawsuits expose gaps in the legal responsibilities of both insurers and policyholders.

Even before January's fires in Los Angeles, change-of-address data shows residential moves based on fire risks and insurance availability.