Tag: California Department of Insurance

Why California Insurers Are Being Forced Back Into Wildfire Zones

Angela Linders
California Insurers

California Introduces New Rules to Boost Wildfire Coverage in At-Risk Areas California has long struggled with providing adequate home insurance to residents living in wildfire-prone regions. After devastating fires in recent years and increasing climate risks, a new set of regulations aims to stabilize the insurance market and expand coverage to residents in high-risk areas. These landmark rules, set to take effect on January 2, 2025, form part of California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s broader Sustainable Insurance Strategy. Background For years, California homeowners in areas prone to wildfires have faced…

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Ricardo Lara’s Reforms: Can They Save California’s Property Market from Fire Risks?

Marc
Can They Save California's Property Market from Fire Risks?

Commissioner Lara’s Reforms to Rescue California’s Property Market In a bid to rescue California’s beleaguered property market, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has announced a series of reforms aimed at addressing the growing crisis in the state’s insurance sector. The situation has reached a critical point, with many insurers either pausing or severely limiting new policies, particularly in high-risk areas prone to wildfires. The Roots of the Crisis The current crisis is partly rooted in the 1988 voter-passed Proposition 103, which mandates that insurance companies obtain approval from the California Department…

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APCIA Criticizes Consumer Watchdog’s Eligibility in California Insurance Proceedings

Logan B.
California insurance nonprofit organization consumer advocate group

Controversy Arises in California Insurance Over Consumer Watchdog’s Eligibility The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) has issued a statement against Consumer Watchdog following a recent development that has sparked significant controversy within the insurance industry. Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit organization, was deemed eligible to receive compensation in California Department of Insurance proceedings as an intervenor for the next two years. This decision came despite numerous concerns raised by both the insurance industry and government officials regarding the group’s role and effectiveness. Industry Concerns Raised Questions have emerged about how…

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State Farm Seeks Major Rate Increase in California

Live Insurance News
state farm insurance news

State Farm, California’s largest insurer, is proposing sizable rate increases for its residential insurance policies in the state, potentially impacting millions of homeowners and renters. The company has filed for a 30% rate hike for its homeowners’ insurance, a 52% increase for renters, and a 36% escalation for condominium owners. This marks the third major change for State Farm in California within a year. State Farm’s Justification In a statement, State Farm indicated that these rate increases are necessary for the long-term sustainability of its California subsidiary, State Farm General.…

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Insurance Exodus: 2 More Companies to Exit California’s Homeowners Insurance Market

Logan B.
California Homeowners Insurance - Company Exits

Growing Trend Withdraw from California’s Market In a significant development within the insurance industry, Tokio Marine America Insurance Co. and Trans Pacific Insurance Co. have both declared their intentions to exit the homeowners and personal umbrella insurance markets in California. This decision places these companies alongside an expanding list of insurers that are choosing to either withdraw or scale back their operations in the state. Policyholders Affected: Tokio Marine’s Departure Impacts Thousands in California According to recent filings with the California Department of Insurance, both entities—subsidiaries of the Japan-based Tokio…

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State Farm Releases Non-Renewal Numbers Amid California’s Deepening Home Insurance Crisis

Angela Linders
Depositphotos - auto insurance - State Farm Sign

State Farm “Restructures” California Portfolio The company made it official, in a move to ensure the financial health of its operations within California, State Farm General Insurance Company is set to scale back its insurance offerings in the state. With an estimated 72,000 policies facing non-renewal, customers across California are poised to feel the pinch as they seek alternative coverage solutions. Starting July 3, 2024, State Farm General will cease renewing approximately 30,000 homeowners, rental dwelling, residential community association, and business owners policies, citing the necessity to sustain adequate claims-paying…

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Allstate Changes Down Payment After Insurance Settlement

Logan B.
allstate downpayment reinstated

Allstate, the insurance giant based in Northbrook, Illinois, has made a significant change to its down payment policy for new auto insurance policies. The move comes after a settlement with the California Department of Insurance regarding the insurer’s rate increase application. The Former Down Payment Restriction In July 2022, Allstate began requiring consumers to pay a 50% down payment on new auto policies. This policy represented a substantial upfront cost for consumers, given that the average annual cost for car insurance in California ranges from $1,500 to $1,999, according to…

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