2021 California Monument Fire - Engine crew battles flames
Credit: USDA

February 12, 2022 - LOS ANGELES — On Friday, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued the following statement after a Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday blocked the FAIR Plan's latest attempt to deny consumers with greater coverage options. Commissioner Lara ordered the FAIR Plan, California's homeowners insurance safety net, to implement a more comprehensive policy option in addition to its current fire-only policy. Currently, consumers must purchase a separate “difference in conditions” policy to have protection from liability and other perils typically covered by a homeowners policy. The judge previously upheld the Commissioner’s authority to protect consumers in July 2021.

“California consumers win when they have greater options for insurance coverage. The FAIR Plan, once again, has tried to put up roadblocks and deny consumers choice and, once again, a judge has ruled that they must comply with my order. By reaffirming that the FAIR Plan needs to implement a more comprehensive coverage option for homeowners, Judge Strobel’s decision is another victory for consumers.

“The FAIR Plan needs to stop delaying and move forward with giving consumers more choice. My Department of Insurance is ready to work with the FAIR Plan to make that coverage available for consumers as soon as possible, just as we continue to push for increased FAIR Plan coverage for commercial businesses.
Source: CA. Dept. of Insurance