Daily California P&C Insurance News

Key developments impacting agents and the insurance industry

Today’s Top California Headlines

Wildfire Protection
January 9, 2026
Commissioner Lara protects nearly 150,000 Californians in Kern, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties from non-renewals following Gifford Fire

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara ordered a mandatory one-year moratorium on homeowners’ insurance cancellations and non-renewals for over 147,000 policyholders in 29 ZIP codes affected by the Gifford Fire. This action follows Governor Newsom’s December 23rd emergency declaration and supports Commissioner Lara’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy.[1]

Home Insurance Rates
2026 (Recent)
2026 Home Insurance Rates: Will SoCal’s Record-Wet Months Push Premiums Higher?

Southern California’s record wet months combined with surging reinsurance costs and regulatory changes allowing forward-looking catastrophe models are driving home insurance rate increases. Homeowners in high-risk areas face higher scrutiny and potential non-renewals, though long-term mitigation efforts may improve coverage options.[2]

Wildfire Legislation
February 19, 2026
State bill would mandate insurance for homeowners who reduce wildfire risks

SB 1076 introduced by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez would require insurers to offer coverage to homes meeting wildfire-safety standards starting January 2028, with penalties for noncompliance. The insurance industry warns the mandate could exacerbate California’s strained homeowners market by forcing carriers to lose money in high-risk areas.[3]

Surplus Lines Market
February 11, 2026
‘Structural Shift’ Occurring in California Surplus Lines

The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires accelerated a structural shift from admitted carriers to surplus lines as traditional insurers continue pulling back from California property markets. Major carriers CSAA and Mercury are implementing average 6.9% rate increases for hundreds of thousands of homeowners in 2026.[5]

Homeowners Insurance Crisis
January 2026
Opinion: Private insurers are holding CA homeowners hostage

California’s homeowners insurance crisis has intensified as private insurers threaten to exit unless granted less regulation and higher rates, leaving consumers vulnerable. Politicians face pressure to balance consumer protection with market stability amid growing FAIR Plan reliance.[7]