By Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  The Eaton Fire burns in the community of Altadena. Firefighters were unable to get water from hydrants that ran dry, as homes and businesses burned, on Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Ted Soqui for CalMatters

February 4, 2025 (Los Angeles) - State Farm, the largest insurer for California homeowners, this week asked the state to approve “emergency” rate increases for insurance policy holders, saying the recent Los Angeles County fires have imperiled its finances. 

Source: California Insurance Commissioner

December 8, 2016 (San Diego) -- Superior Court Judge Katherine Bacal today denied State Farm's emergency request to stay a November order issued by Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. Jones’ order directed State Farm to reduce homeowner and renter rates by seven percent and issue refunds totaling over $100 million to State Farm's policyholders.