Insurance
Insurance news, investigations, and reform — auto, home, and health insurance rates, claims denials, and industry accountability.
Consumer Watchdog: “State Farm’s Emergency Rate Hike is Not Justified”
Consumer group urges regulators to reject rate hike as unsupported and unfair Los Angeles, CA – In the first day of hearings, Consumer Watchdog made its...
At Hearing, Consumer Watchdog Will Oppose A Deal on State Farm’s “Emergency” Home & Renters’ Insurance Rate Hike
Sacramento, CA – On Tuesday, April 8, at 10:00 AM, Consumer Watchdog will be presenting its case at the California Department of Insurance against State Farm’s...
Insurers Can’t Avoid Offering Premium Discounts to Good Drivers by Creating Bogus Club Memberships
An auto insurance company must offer its lowest rate to all good drivers, and can’t hide behind so-called club memberships in order to overcharge motorists. ...
State Farm Rate Hike Request Goes To Public Hearing
As urged by Consumer Watchdog, California’s Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has called a hearing on State Farm’s unprecedented request for a $900 million “emergency” rate...
Consumer Watchdog Testifies, Calls on CA Lawmakers to Require Insurance Companies to Cover Fire Victims Who Build Back Better
Consumer Watchdog executive director Carmen Balber testified on March 12, 2025 to the State Senate Insurance Committee about the state of the insurance market after...
Homeowners Dropped by Insurers
Read the stories of Los Angeles homeowners who face unconscionable treatment by the insurance industry.
Watchdog to Lara: State Farm Exec’s Startling Admission About Orchestrating Rate Hike Request Through Cancelled Coverage Should Be Disqualifying For Emergency Request
Los Angeles, CA – Consumer Watchdog wrote a letter to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara with new information showing why State Farm should not be...
Rate Hike Challenge Saves $25 Million for General Ins. Co. Homeowner Policyholders
Los Angeles, CA – Consumer Watchdog reached a settlement this week with General Insurance Company of America and the California Department of Insurance, resolving the company’s...
Consumer Watchdog Opposes State Farm’s Emergency Rate Hike Following Meeting with Insurance Commissioner Lara
Los Angeles, CA – Following today’s meeting with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, State Farm General Insurance (SFG), and the California Department of Insurance (CDI),...
Consumer Watchdog Agrees With Insurance Commissioner Lara That State Farm Needs To Provide More Information Before Getting Rate Hike, But Should Be Provided in Full Hearing
Los Angeles, CA – Consumer Watchdog said that Insurance Commissioner Lara is right in asking for more information from State Farm before approving its request...
Homeowner Surcharge to Bailout Insurers for FAIR Plan Losses Unfair and Illegal, Says Consumer Watchdog
Los Angeles, CA – Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced today he would let home insurance companies charge every homeowner in the state for losses by...