California

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.

Hedge funds are facing pushback in California as their bets tied to insurance claims stemming from the Los Angeles wildfires are attacked as unethical.

The state's regulator said the insurer must show it will cover more homeowners, and be more transparent. Consumer advocates want more concessions, saying the insurance crisis can't be solved on the backs of homeowners.

Consumer Watchdog says increase was not justified, while insurance commissioner points to concessions gained from the insurer.

The probe into the deadly Southern California Eaton fire is likely to take a year or more as authorities examine Edison International's utility equipment as the possible cause, according to the company's CEO.

Homeowners class action plaintiffs will depend on finding evidence of conspiracy in discovery process, a legal expert said, but the large scope and cost of discovery, as well as difficulty getting a summary judgment, are likely to lead defendant companies to settle.