COIN is a collaborative effort between the California Department of Insurance, the insurance industry, community affordable housing and economic development organizations, and community advocates.  COIN was established in 1996 at the request of the insurance industry as an alternative to state legislation that would have required insurance companies to invest in underserved communities, similar to the federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) that applies to the banking industry.  This voluntary program facilitates insurance industry investments that provide solid returns to investors and economic and social benefits to California's underserved urban and rural communities.  The following links provide additional details about COIN's investment programs.