California Property & Casualty Daily Briefing

California Approves New Rules Aimed at Bringing Insurers Back to Homeowners Market

PropertyCasualty360 · April 10, 2025

California regulators approved a package of rules allowing insurers to incorporate forward‑looking catastrophe models and reinsurance costs into homeowners rates, in exchange for committing more capacity to high‑risk areas. The move is designed to stabilize a strained market where multiple national carriers have scaled back or paused new business in wildfire‑exposed regions.

State Farm to Non-Renew Additional California Home Policies Citing Wildfire and Cost Pressures

PropertyCasualty360 · February 18, 2025

State Farm announced another round of non‑renewals for California homeowners policies, pointing to wildfire exposures, reinsurance costs, and inflationary pressures as key drivers. The decision intensifies capacity constraints for agents and consumers in already stressed parts of the state’s admitted market.

California Insurance Commissioner Unveils Faster Rate Review Plan for P&C Carriers

PropertyCasualty360 · December 5, 2024

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara outlined a framework to streamline the state’s rate‑approval process for property and auto insurers to address backlogs and delayed filings. The proposal includes tighter review timelines and expanded use of data and modeling, which carriers argue is necessary to keep up with loss‑cost trends.

California Wildfire Season Drives Spike in Catastrophe Losses and Insurance Costs

PropertyCasualty360 · August 21, 2025

A severe wildfire season pushed insured catastrophe losses in California sharply higher, with carriers reporting increased claims severity and pressure on underwriting results. The events are expected to influence future rate filings, reinsurance renewals, and underwriting appetites across personal and commercial property lines.

Usage-Based Auto Insurance Programs Grow in California as Insurers Seek Profitable Growth

PropertyCasualty360 · March 12, 2025

More auto carriers are rolling out telematics and usage‑based offerings in California, targeting safer drivers with personalized pricing amid rising loss costs. Agents are being encouraged to educate clients on data‑sharing, discount opportunities, and how driving‑behavior monitoring can impact long‑term premiums.