California’s Insurance Market Strengthens as Major Carrier Expands Coverage
June 19, 2026 - The California Department of Insurance is announcing significant progress under the state’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy, a comprehensive effort to modernize California’s insurance framework, strengthen market stability, and better protect communities facing increasing climate-related risks.
Zurich US, one of the world’s largest commercial insurers, has formally submitted a commercial property rate filing under the state’s updated regulatory system. With this filing, Zurich is committing to expand its commercial property coverage in some of California’s most distressed and wildfire‑prone regions.
Zurich joins other major insurers – including Mercury General and CSAA – that are increasing their presence and offering more coverage options where Californians need them most.
These improvements are happening because the state’s modernized rules, including the use of forward‑looking catastrophe models and recognition of reinsurance costs, are giving insurers the predictability and confidence necessary to return to the admitted market.
As more businesses transition from the FAIR Plan back into traditional insurance options, California is seeing meaningful steps toward a healthier, more competitive market that supports local economies and jobs.
While the state continues to recover from years of unprecedented wildfire activity, recent data shows clear signs of progress: insurers are re‑entering the market, consumer options are expanding, and California is moving toward a more stable insurance future.
For more information, you may review the publicly available reporting on this development at Insurance Business America.
Please contact us at CROB@insurance.ca.gov if you would like to have someone from the Department of Insurance present to your group.
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
