News Releases

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Los Angeles, CA – Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has withdrawn his proposed regulations attacking California’s consumer intervenor system after Consumer Watchdog twice pointed out that he...

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...

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

March 6, 2026  ·  Will Pletcher

Consumer Watchdog today announced a filed State Farm settlement that could save California policyholders about $530 million

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

February 20, 2026  ·  Will Pletcher

Decision Affirms Only Congress May Tax Americans; Ends Unlawful “Emergency” Tariffs That Are Driving Up Consumer Prices Los Angeles, CA —  In a landmark decision (opens in...

Court of Appeal Sides with Consumer Watchdog and Coalition of Consumer Protection and Civil-Rights Organizations in Privacy and Access-to-Justice Case

January 22, 2026  ·  Will Pletcher

Published Decision Rejects Industry Effort to Close California Courthouse Doors Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog, working with a broad coalition of consumer protection and civil-rights...