Consumer Watchdog Announces Settlement in State Farm Insurance Rate Case Saving California Consumers Approximately $530 Million

Seeking Refunds for Inflating Gas Prices

Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs, Vindicating Consumers and the Constitution

Consumer Watchdog's Legal Project attorneys advocate for consumers' rights and hold corporations and government officials accountable in federal and state courts and before regulatory agencies.

The Legal Project specializes in highly complex litigation, including class actions in federal and state courts, to address healthcare, civil rights, government accountability, and abuses in the marketplace such as illegal overcharges, false advertising, and violations of consumer protection laws.

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Consumer Watchdog in the courts — lawsuits and legal advocacy holding corporations accountable to consumers.

Consumer Watchdog Launches State Farm Wildfire Complaint Form

July 27, 2026 · Will Pletcher

Complaint form will help identify and elevate unresolved problems with State Farm claims Consumer Watchdog announced the launch of a dedicated complaint form for State...

State Farm Settlement Saving California Consumers Approximately $530 Million Receives Final Approval

July 24, 2026 · Will Pletcher

Final order locks in reduced rate increases, refunds with 10% interest, and additional consumer protections LOS ANGELES, CA — California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has signed...

Court Upholds Lara’s Endorsement Of Insurer Discrimination

July 16, 2026 · Will Pletcher

Divided court allows insurers to charge widows, divorcees, single parents and other unmarried Californians more for auto insurance Los Angeles, CA — A divided California Court...

Court Upholds FAIR Plan Surcharges, Consumer Watchdog Weighs Appeal

July 1, 2026 · Will Pletcher

Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog respectfully acknowledges today’s trial court ruling but strongly criticizes Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s decision to authorize FAIR Plan surcharges on...

Fire Survivors Seek Formal Role in State Farm Claims-Handling Enforcement Proceeding

June 18, 2026 · Will Pletcher

Every Fire Survivor’s Network asks to intervene in California Department of Insurance case over State Farm’s handling of Eaton and Palisades Fire claims PACIFIC PALISADES, CA —...

Lara Forced To Redo Anti-Consumer Intervenor Proposal

June 4, 2026 · Harvey Rosenfield

Los Angeles, CA – Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has withdrawn his proposed regulations attacking California’s consumer intervenor system after Consumer Watchdog twice pointed out that he...

California Has the Power to Respond to the Insurance Crisis

May 5, 2026 · Will Pletcher

After years of skyrocketing insurance bills and policy non-renewals by insurance companies, it was good to hear candidates for Governor offer proposals to push back...

Consumer Watchdog Asks OAL to Reject Lara Intervenor Rules Over Last-Minute Attack Letter

April 29, 2026 · Will Pletcher

Los Angeles, CA – Consumer Watchdog is asking the Office of Administrative Law to reject Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s proposed intervenor regulations unless the public is...

Consumer Watchdog Asks Court to Stop Lara’s FAIR Plan Surcharges, Order the Return of $400 Million+ to Homeowners

April 24, 2026 · Will Pletcher

Los Angeles, CA – On April 17, 2026, Consumer Watchdog filed its opening trial brief in its lawsuit challenging Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and the Department...

Lara Issues Regulations to Silence Consumer Voice in Insurance Rates

April 20, 2026 · Will Pletcher

Los Angeles, CA – Ignoring the protests of 32 consumer protection, labor, senior, immigrant, low-income, and public advocacy organizations, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has issued regulations...

Consumer Watchdog Files New Supreme Court Brief Challenging Unlawful Tariff “Modifications” That Raise Prices For Working Families

March 26, 2026 · Will Pletcher

Organization Urges Court to Grant Review of Federal Circuit Decision Allowing Sevenfold Expansion of Section 301 China Tariffs with No Meaningful Limits Los Angeles, CA —...

Thirty-two Groups Urge Insurance Commissioner to Withdraw Proposed Intervenor Regulations; Rules Would Undermine $530 Million State Farm Settlement

March 12, 2026 · Will Pletcher

Los Angeles, CA – A broad statewide coalition of 32 consumer protection, labor, senior, immigrant, low-income, and public advocacy organizations urged Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara...