California

Digital Insurance interviewed seven of the insurance commissioner candidates about how they would address the state's insurance crisis, AI risks and opportunities, rate increases and climate change issues.

The people vying to be the state's next insurance commissioner share how they would work with property data, climate risk mitigation programs and legislative proposals to mitigate the impact of climate change on policyholders.

As California's next insurance commissioner, how would each candidate treat insurers' requests to raise rates, how would they balance keeping insurers in the state and consumer affordability, and how would they manage compensation for advocates in rate increase proceedings?

Proposed FEMA reforms could further increase financial strain for state and local governments after natural disasters.

The many people vying to be California's next insurance commissioner discuss concerns about insurers' scaling up their use of AI, how policyholders could benefit, AI-fueled insurance fraud, aerial imagery applications and coverage of autonomous vehicles.

On June 2, California voters will choose from 11 candidates for an open seat. Seven of the candidates responded to Digital Insurance questions about how they would manage the regulatory agency, stop property insurers from leaving the state, and finance FAIR Plan insurance of last resort.

The insurance industry's research organization added 10 more states to the first four in its Wildfire Prepared Home designation program. About 35% of U.S. homes in high wildfire risk areas are not yet eligible.

Alongside a bill that gives homeowners a year of forbearance after state-declared emergencies, lawmakers will consider extending wildfire-related moratoriums.

Researchers examined more than 580,000 municipal bond issues and say the data shows communities with higher wildfire risk pay higher interest rates.

The state's administrative law office will decide whether to accept Commissioner Ricardo Lara's changes to a law passed as a referendum in 1988, which allows consumer advocates to be compensated for their work.

Regulators from larger states have more resources, as shown by the ratio of staff per insurer.

Society of Actuaries appoints new CEO and Delos expands coverage, plus more insurtech news.

Insurance companies have abandoned some California neighborhoods at lower risk of burning.

The state's regulator and a leading consumer advocacy group are parties to the settlement, which also addresses non-renewals following the January 2025 wildfires.

SB 1301 and SB 1076, addressing home insurance non-renewals, follow earlier proposals about smoke claim damage standards, the state's home insurance of last resort, and standards for prompt payment of claims. Also, insurance commissioner clarifies restrictions on consumer advocate compensation.

California AB 1795, the Smoke Damage Recovery Act, would make home insurance more expensive and push more policyholders onto the state's insurer of last resort, according to an insurance industry attorney.

California assembly insurance committee chair and the state's insurance commissioner propose measure to improve claims handling, coverage options and transparency for wildfire survivors.

Insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara, responding on social media, said tariffs and ICE raids are making rebuilding more difficult. Advocates also point to federal disaster relief that has been held back.

Legislation cites non-renewals based on "inaccurate, outdated or misleading images."

Representatives of both insurers and policyholders point out multiple flaws in the new laws and additional proposed bills.