Insurance companies are starting to write new policies in California again after years of holding back as wildfire risk climbed higher. The state Insurance Department says that means new regulations, intended to boost insurance availability, are working. Consumer Watchdog, the advocacy group that often butts heads with the department, says the numbers are low.
Levi Sumagaysay / CalMatters
Posted inPolitics & Policy
New California law sets first-in-nation standards for smoke damage in homes
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed laws that detail insurers’ responsibilities in addressing smoke damage in homes. Some survivors from the Los Angeles County fires have yet to return home because of insurance disputes.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
With clock ticking, California lawmakers reject key parts of Newsom’s wildfire plan
Gov. Gavin Newsom is rushing a plan to provide financial relief to utilities facing massive lawsuit payouts because of California wildfires. Some lawmakers are fighting it.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Will California vote ‘progressive’ in insurance commissioner race?
Jane Kim, backed by Bernie Sanders, could ride the progressive wave. Ben Allen has the California Democratic Party’s endorsement for the insurance commissioner job.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom makes last-minute push to help California utilities facing wildfire bills
One of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s final political fights in California is a revival of an old one. As wildfire costs threaten utilities’ financial models, the governor wants to help them pay less for fires.
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Why insurance matters to renters, landlords and California
Insurance affects the cost of rent, housing supply and recovery from disaster. In November, Californians will elect the state’s next insurance commissioner, a position that will play an important role in the recovery from last year’s Los Angeles County fires and the state of the insurance market.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Four myths about insurance in California
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about insurance in California. Here’s what you should know.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California insurance commissioner race is set: Jane Kim vs. Ben Allen
Two Democrats will compete in November to regulate the insurance market amid increasing climate change risks and the aftermath of the 2025 Los Angeles fires.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s ‘groundbreaking’ fast food council lacks a leader, hasn’t met in over a year
Fast food workers and members of California’s first-in-the-nation fast food council are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint a chairperson so the council can meet again.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Insurance commissioner candidates float bigger California role
From a public wildfire authority to a state backstop, California insurance regulator candidates propose greater state involvement.
