Ricardo Lara

Commentary

California commissioner faces criticism as he tries to solve crisis in home insurance coverage

Recent wildfires are causing a shrinking home insurance market in California. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is trying to solve it but faces criticism.

By Dan Walters • August 14, 2024

Economy

California pushes insurers to cover more homes in these areas. Is your ZIP included?

California can't legally require insurers to write either residential or commercial property policies. But the state expects insurers to comply with the options unveiled today because they get something they want in return: catastrophe modeling. 

By Levi Sumagaysay • June 12, 2024

Commentary

Why should all Californians pay for the fire insurance risk only a few face?

Insurers are seeking rate increases as California leaders try to prevent companies from fleeing over disaster risk, particularly wildfires and floods. As costs surge for utilities and other goods, a Sacramento homeowner asks if the needs of the many outweigh the needs of a few.

By Jacquelyn Johnson • January 8, 2024

Commentary

California Legislature whiffs on insurance crisis, punting to Newsom and Lara

The California Legislature adjourned this month without resolving the issue facing homeowners and their declining ability to acquire fire insurance. A move by the insurance commissioner to try and intervene seemed to double down on a major tradeoff.

By Dan Walters • September 25, 2023

WhatMatters

Ricardo Lara unveils insurance plan for CA wildfires

As the threat from wildfires in California only grows with climate change, insurance companies have been pulling back their offerings to homeowners. But while the Legislature was unable to agree on how to address the high cost of doing business in the state while protecting homeowners, the executive branch is stepping in. On Thursday, Insurance […]

By Sameea Kamal • September 22, 2023

Politics

Can this plan fix California’s insurance crisis? What you need to know

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara unveils a plan to shore up the California insurance market for homeowners. Insurers would return to wildfire zones, but would have an easier path to rate increases.

By Ben Christopher • September 21, 2023

WhatMatters

Three state officers face policy pitfalls

Several statewide officials’ policies are coming under scrutiny as California’s Nov. 8 general election inches closer, heightening the possible political implications. First up: Attorney General Rob Bonta was dealt a major blow Monday, when the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 8-3 that California must exclude private immigration detention centers from its 2019 law […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 27, 2022

WhatMatters

Cohen-Chen standoff intensifies in controller’s race

Ahead of California’s November general election, some races are cooling off and others are heating up. Here’s a look at what went down Wednesday: The race for California insurance commissioner got a lot less exciting. Democratic Assemblymember Marc Levine of San Rafael conceded second place to Republican Robert Howell, who will now face off against […]

By Emily Hoeven • July 7, 2022

WhatMatters

Get ready for more wind, fires, blackouts

When it comes to California’s fire season, there’s no rest for the weary. Soon after PG&E began restoring power to the 24,000 customers hit with shutoffs amid Monday and Tuesday’s gusty winds, the utility warned another 29,000 customers could face blackouts starting Thursday morning, when a second round of powerful winds is expected to pummel […]

By Emily Hoeven • October 13, 2021

WhatMatters

Fighting fire with fire

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, September 21. Big 2022 campaign issue Fires move fast, but politicians move faster. Early Monday, Assemblymember Marc Levine of San Rafael announced plans to challenge fellow Democrat and State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in 2022, charging that Lara hasn’t done enough to prevent Californians living in fire-prone areas from losing […]

By Emily Hoeven • September 21, 2021