In response to the announcement by State Farm that the company would stop writing new homeowners and certain commercial property policies in the state due to the increased risk and cost of wildfires, the department issued a Consumer Alert with advice to consumers on obtaining coverage.

The alert advises that there are several factors affecting the industry as a whole that affected State Farm's decision. Customers will not be nonrenewed as part of State Farm's announcement, the company is just not adding new policies to its book of business. The alert advises that there are roughly 115 other insurers in the state still writing policies so that coverage is readily available to customers, as well as the FAIR plan for those properties that do not qualify for any other available insurer.

The alert advises consumers of available department resources such as Tips for Finding Residential Insurance, Insurance Finder, and the department itself which can be reached at (800) 927-4357 or online chat at www.insurance.ca.gov.

This premium content is locked for FC&S Coverage Interpretation Subscribers

Enjoy unlimited access to the trusted solution for successful interpretation and analyses of complex insurance policies.

  • Quality content from industry experts with over 60 years insurance experience, combined
  • Customizable alerts of changes in relevant policies and trends
  • Search and navigate Q&As to find answers to your specific questions
  • Filter by article, discussion, analysis and more to find the exact information you’re looking for
  • Continually updated to bring you the latest reports, trending topics, and coverage analysis

Christine G. Barlow, CPCU

Christine G. Barlow, CPCU

Christine G. Barlow, CPCU, is Executive Editor of FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, a division of National Underwriter Company and ALM. Christine has over thirty years’ experience in the insurance industry, beginning as a claims adjuster then working as an underwriter and underwriting supervisor handling personal lines. Christine regularly presents and moderates webinars on a variety of topics and is an experienced presenter.  

More from this author ⟶