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

Seeking Refunds for Inflating Gas Prices

Judge Denies Lara’s CDI and State Farm’s Attempt to Move Rate Case Pre-Hearings Behind Closed Doors

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 Saves California Policyholders $47 Million in United Financial Auto Insurance Rate Hikes

December 17, 2024 · Ben Powell

Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog reached a settlement with United Financial Casualty Company and the California Department of Insurance last week, resolving the company’s application with...

Insurance Commissioner Seeks to Avoid State Review of Regulation Permitting Insurers to Use Secret Black-Box Models to Set Rates

December 11, 2024 · Ryan Mellino

On December 5, 2024, Consumer Watchdog sent a letter to California’s Office of Administrative Law (“OAL”) objecting to the Department of Insurance’s (“the Department”) use...

Consumer Watchdog Saves Policyholders Over $325 Million from State Farm Auto Rate Hike; Dispute Erupts Between Commissioner Lara and Chief Administrative Law Judge Who Finds Department of Insurance Is Not Ensuring Rate Cases Are “Fundamentally Fair”

December 11, 2024 · Ryan Mellino

As a result of Consumer Watchdog’s intervention, State Farm agreed to a lower rate increase of 17.7% compared to its initial 23.4% request

State Farm, Allstate and Insurance Lobbyists Ask Lara to Override Judge’s Decision

November 15, 2024 · Harvey Rosenfield

Chief Judge Says CA Insurance Regulators Flouted Consumer Protections Los Angeles, CA – The Chief Administrative Law Judge of the California Department of Insurance has...

Consumer Watchdog Litigation Director Jerry Flanagan Moves On, Is Succeeded By Experienced Consumer Protection Attorney Will Pletcher

November 4, 2024 · Jamie Court

Los Angeles, CA – Jerry Flanagan, a 22-year veteran of Consumer Watchdog, has stepped aside as Litigation Director to join the firm of Shernoff Bidart...

HIV-Positive Individuals Seek to Certify a Class Action in Discrimination Case Against CVS

November 4, 2024 · Ben Powell

Internal Documents Show CVS Adopted an HIV Prescription Drug Mail-Order Program to Increase Revenue Despite Health Risks Los Angeles, CA – CVS was aware of the...

Consumer Watchdog Saves Policyholders More Than $53 million with 21st Century, USAA, and Liberty Insurance Rate Hike Challenges

November 1, 2024 · Ben Powell

Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog recently reached settlement in three challenges to double-digit rate hikes requested by 21st Century Insurance Company for its auto policies,...

Consumer Watchdog Achieves Increased Transparency, Enhanced Wildfire Risk Disclosures for Consumers in Settlement with Allstate

August 22, 2024 · Ben Powell

Consumer Watchdog reached a settlement with Allstate and the California Department of Insurance, resolving the company’s application with the Department for a rate increase of...

Consumer Participation In Insurance Rate Review, Billions In Consumer Savings, At Risk From Commissioner Lara’s Actions

August 9, 2024 · Carmen Balber

Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog issued the following statement about Commissioner Lara’s action today threatening consumers’ voice in insurance rate review. “For the past two...

Consumer Watchdog Calls for Public Hearing on State Farm’s Unprecedented Request for 4-Year, $5.2 Billion Policyholder Bailout

July 29, 2024 · Carmen Balber

Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog is asking Insurance Commissioner Lara to hold a public hearing on State Farm’s new request for a 30% increase in...

Proposition 34 is a Threat to Our Health & Democracy, Consumer Watchdog Tells the California Supreme Court

July 16, 2024 · Jerry Flanagan

Los Angeles, CA – Proposition 34, currently scheduled to appear on the November 2024 ballot targeting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (“AHF”), violates the California and...

Consumer Watchdog Responds To Industry Attack On Its Right To Challenge Unjustified Rate Hikes; Calls On Insurance Commissioner Lara To Follow Law & Confirm Its Eligibility

July 15, 2024 · Carmen Balber

Los Angeles, CA — Consumer Watchdog called on the Department of Insurance to stop erecting roadblocks to public oversight and confirm the organization’s eligibility to challenge...