home insurance

California Approves New Rules to Keep Home Insurers in Wildfire Zones

Los Angeles Times  |  June 5, 2026

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara approved a set of regulations tying future rate increases to insurer commitments to write and retain business in wildfire‑prone communities. The rules allow carriers to incorporate forward‑looking catastrophe models into homeowners’ rates while requiring expanded availability and mitigation credits for policyholders in high‑risk areas.

auto insurance

California Auto Insurance Rates Climb Again as Regulators Clear Backlog of Filings

The Sacramento Bee  |  May 30, 2026

After a multi‑year pause on approvals during the pandemic, the California Department of Insurance has signed off on a new wave of personal auto rate hikes for major carriers, citing higher repair costs and severe claim inflation. Consumer groups warn that low‑income drivers are being priced out of the market, while insurers argue that the increases are necessary to restore profitability and prevent further market withdrawal.

catastrophe / wildfires

Insurers Brace for Another Tough Wildfire Season in California as Fuel Loads Build

Insurance Journal  |  June 3, 2026

Property insurers operating in California are tightening underwriting and reinsurance programs ahead of what fire scientists predict could be an above‑average wildfire season, driven by heavy vegetation growth and persistent drought pockets. Brokers report more non‑renewals and higher excess and surplus lines utilization, especially for high‑value homes in the wildland‑urban interface.

regulation / FAIR Plan

California Expands FAIR Plan Coverage Options as Private Insurers Pull Back

KQED News  |  May 28, 2026

State officials announced that the California FAIR Plan will begin offering more comprehensive homeowners coverage options, including increased limits and optional endorsements, in response to growing demand from residents dropped by admitted carriers. Industry groups warn that over‑reliance on the residual market could shift catastrophe risk to the state’s insurer of last resort and ultimately raise costs across the system.

technology / innovation

San Francisco Insurtech Targets California Home and Auto Market With Usage‑Based Products

San Francisco Business Times  |  June 4, 2026

A San Francisco‑based insurtech has launched a suite of usage‑based home and auto products tailored to California, using telematics and smart‑home data to reward mitigation and behavioral risk reduction. The startup is partnering with regional carriers and independent agents, aiming to improve risk selection in catastrophe‑exposed areas while offering more competitive, personalized pricing to consumers.