Commissioner Lara enforces California’s first wildfire safety regulation

As of October, commissioner Lara’s regulation around wildfires requires insurance companies to provide discounts to consumers under the Safer from Wildfires framework created by the California Department of Insurance in partnership with state emergency preparedness agencies.

The regulation requires insurance companies to submit new rate filings incorporating wildfire safety standards created by the Department, and to establish a process for releasing wildfire risk determinations to residents and businesses within 180 days.

This regulation is part of a solution that Commissioner Lara initiated after taking office to protect consumers from climate change-intensified wildfires. When Commissioner Lara took office in 2019, insurance companies representing 7% of the residential market provided insurance discounts and, under his leadership, that figure has grown to 40%. When this regulation is fully implemented, it will be 100% of the residential and commercial market aligned with the Safer from Wildfires framework.

“Protecting Californians from deadly wildfires means everyone doing their part, including insurance companies by rewarding consumers for being safer from wildfires. The reality of climate change is driving my determination to help communities better prepare, help our firefighters save lives, and help more Californians find insurance they can afford. My Department will work diligently to increase discounts to reward the hard work that California consumers do to protect their families, homes, businesses, and communities.” – Commissioner Lara.