News Releases

Consumer Alert: Senator Calls Insurance Coverage for Fire-Safe Communities “Communism” 

April 30, 2026  ·  Carmen Balber

Senator Laura Richardson calling consumer protections “communism” to block legislation requiring insurance coverage where homes are made fire-safe.

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...

Legislation to Get Families the Home Insurance Benefits They Paid for and Stem Nonrenewals Passes Senate Insurance Committee

April 23, 2026  ·  Carmen Balber

Insurance Coverage for Fire-Safe Homes Does Not Advance Sacramento, CA – Three bills to help families keep their home insurance coverage and get the insurance benefits they...

Wildfire Survivors, Consumer and Environmental Groups Slam State Report for Letting Utilities Off the Hook for Deadly Fires

April 21, 2026  ·  Jamie Court

Twenty-three organizations warn CEA recommendations would reduce accountability, increase wildfire risk, and force the public to pay Los Angeles, CA — A coalition of twenty-three organizations —...

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...

Latest Episode of Smoke & Mirrors Podcast Explores How Fire Survivors Are Fighting Back

April 15, 2026  ·  Carmen Balber

Passage of SB 877 And SB 878 Would End Hidden Insurance Redlines And Delays Los Angeles, CA—The latest episode of Consumer’s Watchdog’s podcast series, Smoke &...

40 Public Interest Groups Back Insurance Legislation to Get Families the Benefits They Paid for and Keep Californians Insured 

April 14, 2026  ·  Carmen Balber

Sacramento, CA – A coalition of forty wildfire survivor, consumer, environmental, civil and economic justice, labor, small business, and community organizations called on lawmakers to pass four bills...

Consumer Watchdog Says CEA Report Fails To Evaluate Viable And Popular Options To Deal With Wildfire Crisis 

April 8, 2026  ·  Carmen Balber

Los Angeles, CA – Consumer Watchdog issued the following statement in response to the report (opens in new tab) by the California Earthquake Authority in responding to SB...

CA Dept of Insurance Finds Rebuilding Fire-Safe From LA Fires Would Reduce Losses by One-Third; Survivors Back Bill Requiring Insurers to Cover Fire-Safe Homes

March 30, 2026  ·  Carmen Balber

Los Angeles, CA – A new analysis showing that insurance average annual losses would fall by one-third in the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fire areas if...

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