Daily P&C Insurance News
California Edition

California Headlines

Disaster Recovery
January 7, 2026
California Bill Would Require Insurer Claims Handling Plans

A new bill, Senate Bill 876, introduced by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Senator Steve Padilla, mandates disaster recovery plans from insurers to speed up claims during emergencies and doubles penalties for violations. It also expands policy limits for living expenses, requires quick up-front payments for total losses, and offers extended replacement cost coverage to aid wildfire survivors.

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

California home insurance premiums are projected to rise 20% or more by end of 2025 due to wildfire losses, reinsurance costs, and recent wet weather increasing flood risks in Southern California. Regulatory changes now allow better use of catastrophe models, potentially leading to higher rates in risky areas but more carrier participation long-term.

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Claims Adjusting
January 9, 2026
Guide for Adjusting Property Claims in California After a Major Disaster

The California Department of Insurance released its 2026 guide outlining key laws for property claims handling post-disaster, including extended timelines for replacement cost recovery up to 36 months and advance payments for living expenses. It details requirements like 60-day premium grace periods and mandatory estimate sharing during states of emergency.

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Regulatory Changes
January 2026
New California Insurance Laws on the Books in 2026

New 2026 laws effective January 1 require insurers to pay 60% of contents coverage limits up to $350,000 immediately after total home losses in qualifying disasters. The measures enhance wildfire safety, consumer protections, and transparency amid rising climate-driven insurance challenges.

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FAIR Plan
January 2026
Insurers Warn FAIR Plan is No Longer California’s Last Resort

Insurance industry leaders informed California lawmakers that the FAIR Plan is increasingly becoming the default for many homeowners rather than a true insurer of last resort. This shift raises concerns about market sustainability amid ongoing property insurance challenges in the state.

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