What is the maximum penalty per violation for anyone who willfully commits an unfair method of competition?

Engaging in unfair methods of competition can result in fines in an amount not greater than $2,500 for each non-willful violation and not greater than $20,000 for each willful violation, but these fines may not exceed a total amount of $10,000 for all non-willful violations or a total amount of $100,000 for all willful violations which arise out of the same action. The fines may be imposed in addition to other applicable penalties.

The offenses of "twisting" or "churning" result in a misdemeanor of the first degree and administrative fines not greater than $5,000 for each non-willful violation or not greater than $75,000 for each willful violation. A willful violation under the law must involve fraudulent conduct. Administrative fines for twisting, churning, or fraudulent signatures may not exceed a total amount of $50,000 for non-willful violations arising out of the same action.

When someone willfully submits fraudulent signatures on an application or policy-related document, the person commits a third-degree felony and may also incur fines not greater than $5,000 for each non-willful violation or not greater than $75,000 for each willful violation.

So be careful here. The fines for twisting and churning and fraudulent signatures are the same, but twisting and churning are misdemeanors while fraudulent signatures are a felony.

Hearings and cease and desist orders

The Department and OIR each have power to examine and investigate the affairs of every person involved in the business of insurance in this state in order to determine whether such person has been or is engaged in any unfair method of competition or in any unfair or deceptive act or practice.

Hearing on misconduct

The Department or OIR may conduct a hearing whenever they have reason to believe that any person has engaged in any unfair method of competition or deceptive act.

Cease and desist order; penalties for violation of act

If a hearing is conducted and it is determined that the person charged has engaged in an unfair or deceptive act, the Department or OIR will also issue an order requiring the violator to cease and desist from engaging in such activities. The Department or OIR also has discretion to order the suspension or revocation of the person's certificate of authority or license.

Violation of a cease and desist order may result in the following:

• A maximum fine of $50,000
• Suspension or revocation of such person's certificate of authority or license

News: 2018 Press Release

For Release: September 21, 2018

Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566

Email Inquiries:

Court upholds Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations after decade-long legal challenge

The decision paves the way to affirming $91 million in fines against PacifiCare for unlawful claims-handling practices

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — After a decade of legal wrangling over the regulations that implement the Unfair Insurance Practices Act (UIPA), a three-justice panel of the California Court of Appeal, 4th Appellate District, upheld the Insurance Commissioner's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, which prescribe how insurance companies must process insurance claims and are the foundation in determining the number of violations committed when assessing fines against insurers that have committed unfair claims practices.

Department of Insurance examinations of PacifiCare's claims-handling uncovered evidence of numerous unfair claims practices—which included wrongful denials for life-saving treatment for people battling serious illness and claim payment denials for providers and hospitals—all because the insurer was focused on maximizing profits through what it called "efficiencies" measures after the 2005 botched $7 billion acquisition of PacifiCare by UnitedHealthcare. The Department examinations also uncovered evidence the company was well aware of the egregious issues.

Under the Insurance Code, these unfair acts or practices include misrepresenting what medications or treatments an insurance policy covers, failing to promptly pay claims where liability is reasonably clear, and forcing claimants to file lawsuits to get full payment, and other acts. The Insurance Code allows the commissioner to impose fines of up to $5,000 each time an insurer commits an unfair act or practice on a consumer, or up to $10,000 each time if the insurer did so willfully.

"UnitedHealthcare purchased PacifiCare and imposed cost-cutting measures that destroyed PacifiCare's claims-handling processes and its arguments in litigation that insurance companies should be allowed to willfully harm consumers as long as they don't do it too often, reflect a gross disregard of the lives and well-being of the consumers who paid for the promise of coverage," Commissioner Jones said. "Customers have no choice but to rely on the integrity of their health insurance companies. PacifiCare breached that trust. By any measure, 908,000 violations reflect a general business practice of violating consumer protection laws. I am delighted the court of appeal has affirmed the authority of the insurance commissioner to punish insurance companies for knowingly harming even one consumer."

Based on departmental examination results and following and administrative hearing that took three years, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones found PacifiCare committed 908,547 separate violations of the UIPA, and he imposed fines aggregating $173,603,750 in penalties. On behalf of PacifiCare, UnitedHealthcare sued the commissioner, arguing that none of its harmful conduct violated the Insurance Code.

PacifiCare argued that insurers are immune from fines for committing these unfair acts, even if the insurer did so intentionally, unless the commissioner is also able to show that the insurer knew it had committed the acts frequently enough to constitute a "general business practice." The court of appeal rejected the argument, stating: "PacifiCare's interpretation of section 790.03(h) is not only internally problematic, it stands in contrast to virtually every other statute the Legislature has enacted in connection with (1) enforcement of the Insurance Code against insurers generally; (2) enforcement of the UIPA in particular; and (3) the imposition of administrative penalties against insurers in other contexts."

The court also rejected PacifiCare's argument that the commissioner must prove an insurer had "actual knowledge" of its illegal conduct and held that it was within the commissioner's authority to hold the insurer responsible if its agents or employees were aware of facts that would cause a reasonable person to know of the violations. The court also found the commissioner's reasoning was sensible in that restricting the definition of "knowingly" to one particular individual's actual knowledge would fail to take into account that many people handle a claim, and an unfair practice can be committed by cumulative acts, not simply the intentional act of one person."

Further, the court of appeal also upheld the commissioner's interpretation that an insurer's "willful" violation of the act may be established by showing a purpose or willingness to commit the act and agreed that penalties for willful violations do not need to require a showing that the insurer intended to violate the law or injure someone. The court held, "As the Commissioner points out, he engaged in an extensive, formal rulemaking process in the course of promulgating these regulations. That careful consideration, combined with the Commissioner's expertise in the area, weighs in favor of according significant deference to the Commissioner's interpretation of the terms, and we do so."

# # #

Media Notes:

• PacifiCare Opinion in PacifiCare Life and Health Insurance Company v. Dave Jones as Insurance Commissioner of the State of California, 4th District Court of Appeal # G053914.

• The case against PacifiCare was prosecuted at the administrative hearing by Michael Strumwasser and Bryce Gee, Strumwasser & Woocher, LLP, 10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (310) 576-1233.

• UnitedHealthcare filed a lawsuit on behalf of PacifiCare in the Orange County Superior Court, challenging the fines, and also claiming that the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations under which the fines were imposed, were illegal.

• The regulations were adopted by Commissioner John Garamendi in 1992, in response to legislation that gave the commissioner the power to fine insurers for violating the Unfair Insurance Practices Act. The legislation was enacted following the Supreme Court's decision in Moradi-Shalal v. Fireman's Fund Ins. Companies (1988) 46 Cal.3d 287, which held that private parties could not sue insurance  companies for violating the Act. Prior to the new legislation, the insurance commissioner only had the power to sue an insurer and ask the court for a cease and desist order.  

• The case was bifurcated by the superior court with the challenge to the regulations going first. In the first phase, the superior court first ruled three of the regulations were illegal.

• The superior court rejected the regulations' interpretation of Insurance Code section 790.03(h) which allows the commissioner to impose fines either whenever an insurer knowingly commits any of the 16 acts or practices on a single instance, or when an insurer commits the acts or practices with a frequency that indicates a general practice. Instead, the superior court incorrectly ruled that the code only authorized fines when an insurer knowingly performed the acts with a frequency that indicates a general business practice.

• The superior court also rejected the regulations' broad interpretation of "knowing," which included "constructive" knowledge (knowledge of facts that would cause a reasonable person to understand there was a problem), and "implied" knowledge (e.g., an employer is charged with the knowledge possessed by its agents or employees). The superior court ruled that the statute was limited to "actual" knowledge, but the court didn't explain how a corporation could have actual knowledge.

• The superior court also rejected the regulations' definition of "willful," which included only the intent to commit the act, but did require proof that the insurer specifically intended to break the law.

• This court of appeal's decision reverses all three of the superior court's findings, and holds that the commissioner's regulations were proper interpretations of the Unfair Insurance Practices Act, and that they were designed to further the law's intent to protect consumers.

• In the second phase, the superior court decided that the first ruling negates $91 million in penalties. The court of appeal's first-phase decision thus paves the way for a ruling reaffirming $91 million in penalties involving PacifiCare's claims-handling practices following the corporate acquisition.

• In the second phase the superior court also reversed $82 million in penalties on other grounds. An appeal of that decision is pending in the court of appeal, to follow the decision just released.

• The second phase decision has been appealed by both sides, but has not yet been briefed.

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.

Page 2

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Long Beach insurance agent arrested for identity theft and forgery

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Department of Insurance denies application for approval of sale of California Insurance Company

Insurance Companies Agree to Extend Time for 2017 Wildfire Survivors to Access Additional Living Expense Benefits Past Two-Year Cutoff

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Commissioner Lara thanks Governor Newsom for signing Department-supported wildfire bills to protect California consumers

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Huntington Beach former adjuster gets 180-day jail sentence after stealing over $130,000 from clients

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Unlicensed insurance agent sentenced to jail time for stealing nearly $30,000 from clients

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Court upholds Department of Insurance $27.5 million fine against Mercury Insurance for overcharging for auto insurance -- largest in the Department’s history

Psychologist and doctor charged with fraudulent workers’ compensation evaluations in Central Valley

Pasadena insurance broker allegedly commits identity theft for unearned commissions

Statement of Commissioner Lara on Trump Administration Damaging New Health Rule

Insurance Commissioners visit site of California’s most destructive wildfire during Risk and Resilience Summit

NRA agrees to stop unlawful solicitation of Carry Guard insurance

Southern California insurance agent’s license revoked for illegal action targeting seniors

Southland agent arrested in bogus policy scam

Elderly Santa Barbara woman target of insurance fraudsters for a decade

Insurance Diversity Bill Aims to Promote California’s Woman-, Minority-, LGBT- and Veteran-Owned Businesses

West Hollywood insurance producer charged with felony fraud, burglary and grand theft

Sacramento area neurosurgeon charged with insurance fraud and theft in $500,000 scheme

Commissioner Lara reappoints board members for COIN and WCIRB

Photo Release - Department assists wildfires survivors at insurance claims workshops

Department of Insurance assists with Russian River flood recovery, urges state homeowners to consider flood insurance

Insurance Commissioner Lara Promises Full Support for California Lawsuit Over Women’s Health Funding

Southern California agents charged with embezzlement and theft after allegedly stealing over $60,000 combined

Insurance Commissioner Lara Denounces Trump Administration Attack on Women’s Health

Unlicensed agent allegedly steals $174,000 in insurance premiums from truck drivers and charter bus companies

Insurance agent who allegedly faked insurance to rob small businesses to be arraigned on February 25

Commissioner Lara asks Trump Administration to withdraw proposed changes that ‘wreak havoc on the Affordable Care Act’

Department issues Cease and Desist Order to protect California employers from unauthorized “self-insured” health plans

Inland Empire medical office employees arrested for alleged $540,000 insurance fraud scheme

Senator Dodd, Commissioner Lara, Treasurer Ma Launch California Disaster Insurance Bill to Stabilize State Budget Costs from Catastrophic Events

LA podiatrist arrested for alleged inflated billing and kickback scheme

Commissioner Lara supports Governor Newsom’s call for creative approaches to reduce wildfire risk to our communities

Insurance Commissioner Lara submits testimony to US House of Representatives Committee on protecting Americans with pre-existing conditions

Insurance Commissioner reports insured losses from November 2018 wildfires up to $11.4 billion—a 25 percent increase from initial report

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara pledges support for transgender troops

Commissioner Lara urges insurers to assist California workers affected by federal shutdown

Commissioner Lara announces new members of Department of Insurance Executive Team

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara responds to PG&E’s intent to file bankruptcy

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Ricardo Lara pledges to confront climate-fueled wildfires, fight fraud, expand health care as next Insurance Commissioner

Commissioner Jones blasts Trump Administration rule that interferes with access to abortion and creates confusion that will cause some consumers to lose their health insurance

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Supreme Court denies review of decision upholding Commissioner’s Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations

Commissioner announces COIN impact investments estimated to reach $29 billion

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Department of Insurance Issues Report on the Impact of Prescription Drug Costs on Health Insurance Premiums

$10 million penalty in Wells Fargo case

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Title marketing representative agrees to give up license and accept lifetime ban following accusation and $1 million penalty against employer

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Stockton farm labor contractor arraigned on 15 felony counts in alleged

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Individuals in LA-based organized fraud ring sentenced to prison for staging auto collisions to collect insurance money

Commissioner Lara orders FAIR Plan to offer increased commercial coverage to businesses

Department issues Cease and Desist Order to protect California consumers from illegal extended car warranties sales

Santa Rosa resident convicted in “slip and fall” workers’ compensation fraud scheme

California leaders announce first-in-nation ranking of heat waves

Insurance Commissioner Lara names members to the CAARP Advisory Committee to help protect consumers

Commissioner Lara protects additional California wildfire survivors from insurance non-renewals

Statement of Commissioner Lara on COVID pandemic auto premium refunds

Former Orange County resident arraigned in $1.4 million workers’ compensation insurance fraud scheme that preyed on local businesses

Commissioner Lara urges California homeowners to get ready for major storms during Flood Preparedness Week

Insurance Commissioner Lara appoints members to statewide boards to drive forward consumer protection goals

Commissioner Lara’s sponsored bills signed by Governor Newsom will increase consumer protections for Californians

Commissioner Lara announces comprehensive solution to growing agricultural and commercial insurance needs

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara: “Diversity means business”

Commissioner Lara orders Allstate, Mercury, and CSAA to “close the gap” on auto insurance refunds owed to drivers who drove less during the pandemic

Over 50,000 Shasta County homes protected from insurance non-renewals because of Commissioner action

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Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara orders FAIR Plan to offer California homeowners increased coverage options

Commissioner Lara protects insurance coverage for 325,000 Northern California wildfire survivors

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Insurance Commissioner Lara appoints Press Secretary for the Department of Insurance to help promote outreach to consumers

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Statement of Commissioner Lara on Governor signature on SB 11

Former insurance agent sentenced for embezzling nearly $200,000 from clients, leaving them uninsured

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Insurance Commissioner Lara lowers workers’ compensation benchmark rate, further protecting workers and businesses during pandemic

Court upholds Insurance Commissioner Lara’s order to expand FAIR Plan “last resort” coverage to better protect homeowners

Department of Insurance investigation leads to additional charges against Fresno woman for nine felony counts of fraud and identity theft

Alleged disability fraud thwarted by Department of Insurance detectives

Seventeen additional defendants arraigned in San Diego $822,000 organized auto insurance fraud ring

Insurance Commissioner Lara names members to statewide boards to drive forward consumer protection goals

Northern California drivers charged after investigation uncovers text messages detailing alleged insurance fraud scheme

Fremont insurance agent’s license revoked for illegally borrowing money from insurance client

Arleta insurance agent guilty after stealing insurance payments from 26 consumers

Commissioner Lara takes action to expand culturally competent health care access to LGBTQ+ Californians

Statement of Commissioner Lara on passage of SB 334 by the California Assembly Insurance Committee

Commissioner Lara Supports Bill Expanding FAIR Plan to Cover Farm Buildings

Commissioner Lara revokes Los Angeles insurance agent’s license for illegal treatment of elderly and disabled clients

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Former Exeter insurance agent arraigned for allegedly embezzling nearly $30,000

Commissioner Lara, Attorney General Bonta, San Diego DA Stephan Announce Sentencing in Fraud Scheme Targeting U.S. Navy Sailors

Department orders consumer refunds from illegal sales of extended vehicle warranties

Commissioners Kreidler, Lara urge insurers to report climate risks through international financial stability framework

Grand jury issues indictments after Bakersfield vocational school allegedly steals benefits intended for injured workers

Encino construction company owner arraigned in $25 million workers’ compensation fraud scheme

Son of Bakersfield motel owners sentenced in felony insurance fraud scheme

Additional felony charges filed against Orange County insurance agents in $7 million securities fraud scheme

Department issues Cease and Desist Order to protect California consumers from unlicensed home warranty company

Sacramento flooring business owners charged in $3.8 million workers’ compensation fraud scheme

Commissioner Lara calls for insurance companies to support home-hardening and community mitigation safety efforts during Wildfire Awareness Month

Former Madera insurance agent convicted for felony grand theft

Statement of Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on the Biden Administration restoring patient anti-discrimination protections

Former Clovis agent arraigned for allegedly stealing consumers’ insurance payments

Fresno construction company owner arrested in nearly $1 million workers’ compensation scheme

Undercover operation leads to conviction of Maxwell rice mill worker in insurance fraud scheme

Former Lake Forest agent arrested on 90 counts of felony insurance fraud after stealing nearly $200,000 in premium payments

Sacramento man charged with fraud for scheme involving lost cell phone claims

Sacramento welder arraigned on felony workers’ compensation fraud charges

Farm worker’s medical mistreatment reveals siblings’ alleged $1.4 million workers’ compensation fraud scheme

Los Angeles business owner arraigned in $1 million workers’ compensation fraud scheme

Commissioner Lara Announces Appointments to the WCIRB Governing Committee

Hacienda Heights unlicensed insurance agent sentenced after stealing $450,000 in clients’ premiums

Southern California man arraigned for auto insurance fraud after Rolls Royce and Maserati accidents

Senate Insurance Committee Approves Bill to Protect Health, Safety, and Human Rights of Immigrants in Private, For-Profit Prisons and Detention Facilities

Former Visalia insurance agent arraigned after allegedly stealing from client

Statement of Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on the submission of Assemblymember Rob Bonta as California Attorney General

San Jacinto landscaper arraigned in alleged workers’ compensation scam

Department issues Cease and Desist Order to protect California consumers from illegal extended warranty sales

Commissioner Lara sponsors the Parent Healthcare Act to help reduce health insurance costs for California’s working families

Statement of Commissioner Lara on the Confirmation of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra

Surveillance footage leads to charges against Madera woman for workers’ compensation fraud

Commissioner Lara finds auto insurance companies overcharged drivers as accidents plummeted during the pandemic

Silicon Valley man arraigned for alleged auto insurance fraud and forgery

Merced nutrition assistant arraigned for insurance fraud in workers’ compensation scheme

Merced agriculture company owner and daughter sentenced in $2.5 million insurance fraud scheme

LA woman sentenced for involvement in staged collision insurance fraud ring

Commissioner Lara proposes new transparency rules to help consumers better prepare for wildfires

Legislation Introduced to Protect Patients in Recovery

Commissioner Lara issues revised draft regulations to expand auto insurance group discounts to lower-income drivers

Commissioner Lara Appoints Members to the Insurance Diversity Task Force and the CLHIGA Board of Directors

Porter Ranch mother and son arrested for auto insurance fraud involving their Aston Martin

Additional felony charges filed against insurance agents in $748,000 grand theft scheme

Commissioner Lara and Assembly Member Kamlager team up to address overpopulation and health care of ‘pandemic pets’

Commissioner Lara Thanks Outgoing Leader of Diversity Task Force and Welcomes First LGBTQ+ Chair

ICYMI — NAIC Task Force Meets to Address Climate and Resiliency

Senator Durazo, Commissioner Lara Introduce Legislation to Protect Health and Safety of Immigrants in Private, For-Profit Detention Facilities and Prisons

Department issues Cease and Desist Order against former Orangevale insurance agent

Commissioner Lara and Governor Newsom's Administration to establish home and community hardening standards for insurance

Former Long Beach agent arraigned for grand theft after allegedly stealing more than $97,000 from clients

Buttonwillow warehouse worker arraigned for alleged workers’ compensation insurance fraud

Unlicensed Lake Forest agent ordered to pay $20,000 after judge affirms Cease and Desist Order

Title company agrees to pay $50,000 following illegal inducement allegations

Two Davis residents arraigned in auto insurance fraud scheme

Commissioner Lara Appoints Members to the California Long Term Care Insurance Task Force

Commissioner Lara alerts Californians living in wildfire burn areas across the state about coverage for floods and mudslides

Firebaugh driver arrested for alleged auto insurance fraud

Fresno construction worker charged with insurance fraud and perjury

Former LA agent arraigned for theft and fraud in funeral insurance scam

Los Angeles insurance agents arraigned in $687,000 grand theft scheme

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Commissioner Lara Releases Final ZIP Codes Protected from Non-Renewals for 2020 Wildfires

New 2021 laws sponsored by Commissioner Lara that protect California insurance consumers ring in the New Year

Commissioner Lara takes proactive step to ensure transgender youth have access to gender-affirming medical care for gender dysphoria

Sacramento cleaning company owner charged in nearly $700,000 insurance fraud scheme

Eleven state insurance commissioners provide ACA policy recommendations to President-elect Biden

Department arrests mother and daughter in $210,000 Operation Double Trouble disability insurance fraud scheme

Commissioner Lara acts to enforce recently signed landmark state mental health and substance use parity law

Bay Area Woman Guilty of Identity Theft After Being Caught Using Stolen State Visa Card

Newport Beach attorney arrested for $310,000 insurance fraud scheme

Insurance Commissioner Lara protects nearly 347,000 Los Angeles County policyholders affected by Bobcat Fire from policy non-renewal for one year

Commissioner Lara answers questions about new report on extreme heat and insurance from UC Berkeley Law School

Simi Valley roof company owner arraigned in $4 million workers’ comp fraud scheme

Fresno woman arraigned on felony counts of arson and insurance fraud

Orange County insurance agents arrested in $4 million securities fraud scheme

Insurance Commissioner Lara approves workers' compensation average advisory pure premium rates

U.S. Insurance Departments Report Progress Toward Consistent Global Standards for Measuring Growing Climate Risks

Former Santa Ana insurance agent arrested in $1.1 million securities fraud scheme

Porter Ranch bail agent charged after allegedly stealing over $53,000 meant for consumers’ bonds

Fontana electrician arraigned in $63,000 workers’ compensation insurance scheme

North Hills unlicensed broker convicted again for insurance fraud

Sacramento area co-workers charged for insurance fraud and arson in $30,000 scheme

Fullerton couple charged with insurance fraud after four-car collision

New data shows insurance industry spent $2.1 billion with California diverse businesses—an increase in supporting diverse suppliers for eight years in a row

Anderson parolee arrested for insurance fraud after fleeing scene of crash

Commissioner Lara Urges Insurance Companies to Take PG&E Bankruptcy Settlement into Account for Wildfire Survivors Still Facing Rebuilding Delays

Canoga Park man arraigned for workers’ comp insurance fraud

Task force arrests Escondido man for insurance fraud and reporting a false vehicle theft

Insurance Commissioner Lara Protects More Than 2 Million Policyholders Affected by Wildfires from Policy Non-Renewal for One Year

Northridge wife arraigned for alleged insurance fraud following husband's high-speed pursuit

Janitorial company owner arraigned in $2.5 million insurance fraud case

Ontario street racer charged with auto insurance fraud and grand theft

LA claims adjuster and chiropractor co-conspirator arrested in $1.6 million Operation Lien on Me

Three arrested in Newberry Springs towing company’s alleged insurance fraud scheme

Commissioner Lara urges California homeowners to consider flood insurance during Flood Preparedness Week

San Diego dentist sentenced in nearly $900,000 fraudulent billings scheme

Daly City electrician sentenced for workers’ compensation insurance fraud

Commissioner Lara puts focus on solutions to protect consumers and a competitive market in first-ever investigatory hearing on wildfire insurance

Bakersfield woman charged with 127 felony counts of insurance fraud and grand theft

Sacramento trucking company owners charged in alleged $450,000 workers’ compensation fraud scheme

Department of Insurance issues Cease and Desist order against unlicensed Lake Forest agent

Oxnard insurance agent and unlicensed employee arraigned for alleged fraud

Department issues amended Cease and Desist Order to protect over 1,000 Californians from illegal extended vehicle warranties

Commissioner Lara takes action to ease financial burden for health insurance consumers and businesses during COVID-19 pandemic

Bakersfield health care biller charged for alleged insurance fraud

Commissioner Lara Announces New Appointments

Commissioner Lara urges insurance companies to cover wildfire property losses without requiring a home inventory

Commissioner Lara highlights increased consumer protections for Californians as Governor Newsom signs wildfire and HIV anti-discrimination legislation

Insurance Commissioner Lara issues statement on Governor Newsom's pledge to mitigate wildfire risks

Lamont nursery worker arraigned for alleged insurance fraud

Merced insurance agent arraigned for alleged financial elder abuse

Redding forestry technician arraigned for alleged workers’ comp fraud scheme

Sanger farm worker arraigned for alleged disability benefits insurance fraud scheme

Commissioner Lara takes action to protect consumers, stabilize insurance market following wildfires

Three suspects at large in Sacramento-area auto fraud scheme

Merced agriculture company owner and daughter arraigned for $2.5 million insurance fraud scheme

Ladera Ranch self-storage management company fined $250,000

Commissioner Lara urges insurance companies to cover reimbursement costs for those displaced during wildfires

Bakersfield driver charged for alleged insurance fraud after an auto collision

Department issues Cease and Desist Order to protect Orange County consumers from illegal extended warranties sales

Commissioner Lara issues emergency notice to expedite insurance claims and help survivors of California fires

Fresno organized ring charged with auto insurance fraud and forgery

Former Westlake Village insurance agent arraigned in $55,000 senior insurance scam

Department of Insurance launches remote licensing exams that will help increase employment opportunities

Commissioner Lara directs health insurers to guarantee health care access during wildfire emergencies and mail-order prescription drug delays

Former North Hills insurance agents charged for allegedly stealing clients’ insurance premiums

Wildfire evacuees may be eligible for cost reimbursement from their insurance company

Commissioner Lara named Co-Chair of National Climate & Resiliency Task Force

Atwater construction worker arraigned for workers’ comp insurance fraud

California Department of Insurance fraud lawsuit results in reforms of HUMIRA marketing and $24 million payment by drugmaker AbbVie

Bakersfield dental office employee arrested for failing to pay restitution in $46,000 insurance fraud scheme

East Bay woman pleads guilty to workers’ compensation insurance fraud and identity theft

Poway conman sentenced to 12 years in prison for $7 million Ponzi scheme targeting seniors

Department of Insurance investigation halts misleading practices by unlicensed immigration bond company leading to $5.5 million settlement

Commissioner Lara launches first-ever database of green insurance products

Sacramento Bee oped opposing AB 2167 from Commissioner Lara and Consumer Federation of California

Statement of Commissioner Lara on Supreme Court decision denying contraception coverage

Second Bakersfield dental assistant charged for insurance fraud and theft

Central Valley alleged fraudster arraigned for $50,000 insurance scheme

Bakersfield repeat offender arraigned for insurance fraud and grand theft

Commissioner Lara launches “Invest in Our Diverse Communities” Initiative to increase insurance investment in socially responsible projects

Department of Insurance updates auto premium comparisons with gender-neutral rates

Statement of Commissioner Lara on Trump Administration’s Supreme Court brief to destroy the Affordable Care Act

Bakersfield dental assistant arraigned for insurance fraud and theft

Commissioner Lara’s actions lead to more than $1.2 billion in premium savings for California drivers due to COVID-19 pandemic

Additional arrest warrants issued in $60 million sober living home fraud scheme

Insurance Commissioner Lara issues statement on U.S. Supreme Court upholding DACA program

Commissioner Lara Appoints New Members to Curriculum Board and California Insurance Guarantee Association Board

Commissioner Lara issues Order resulting in workers’ compensation premium savings for California businesses affected by COVID-19

Commissioner Lara Issues Notice to Health Insurers on LGBTQ+ Health Protections in California Law

Insurance Commissioner Lara issues statements following U.S. Supreme Court developments affecting California’s sanctuary laws and the LGBTQ+ workforce

Statement of Commissioner Lara on Trump Administration reversing LGBTQ health protections

Lara issues Notice to take action in reducing HIV transmission and ensure health insurance companies cover HIV PrEP without patient cost sharing

Department issues Cease and Desist order against unlicensed van rental company and its owners

Department of Insurance detective honored by U.S. Attorney Southern District of California for “Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice”

Hacienda Heights unlicensed insurance agent allegedly steals half a million dollars in clients’ premiums

Commissioner Lara expands order for insurance companies to partially refund premiums amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Senate Committee Approves Bill to Protect Health and Safety of Immigrants in Private, For-Profit Detention Facilities and Prisons

Commissioner Lara Appoints Members to Insurance Diversity Task Force

Department issues Cease and Desist Order to protect Californians from illegal extended warranties sales

Commissioner Lara Appoints Members to Advisory Boards and Committees to Protect California Policyholders

Commissioner Lara requires insurance companies to fairly investigate all business interruption claims caused by COVID-19

Commissioner Lara Orders Insurance Companies to Refund Premiums to Drivers and Businesses Affected by the COVID-19 Emergency

Insurance Commissioner Lara extends auto insurance coverage to delivery drivers for California’s essential businesses

Insurance Commissioner Lara Issues Alert About Immigrant Workers’ Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits for COVID-19 Exposure or Illness

Insurance Commissioner Lara calls for extension of policyholder deadlines for claims until after the COVID-19 state of emergency

Commissioner Lara directs health insurance companies to provide increased telehealth access during COVID-19 emergency

Statement by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Federal Supplemental Stimulus Bill

Commissioner Lara Orders Insurance Data on Business Interruption Coverage to Assist California Small Businesses

Commissioner Lara Urges Uninsured Californians to Obtain Insurance to Protect Their Health

Insurance Commissioner Lara Calls for 60-Day Insurance Premium Grace Period Due to COVID-19 Outbreak

Commissioner Lara Directs Health Insurance Companies to Maintain Health Care Access During Coronavirus Emergency Including Prescription Refills

Poway conman convicted in $6 million Ponzi scheme

Suspect extradited from Poland in $2.6 million organized fraud ring

Department Issues Cease and Desist Order to Protect California Consumers from Misleading Health Plans Known as ‘Health Care Sharing Ministries’

Governor Newsom and Commissioner Lara Waive Consumer Cost-Sharing for COVID-19 Testing

San Diegan charged for alleged insurance fraud after hit-and-run

Trump Administration Proposed Rules Threaten Stability of Health Insurance Markets

Trump Lawsuit Puts Our Health Care at Risk – When We Need It Most

Operation Car Seats snares family-run ring for alleged auto insurance fraud involving high-end child seats

Fresno father and son charged with auto insurance fraud

Contra Costa undercover sting brings felony insurance fraud charges in auto body repair shops bust

Statement of Commissioner Lara on Governor Newsom’s State of the State Address

Renew California Bill Would Create an Insurance Guarantee to Harden Homes Against Wildfire

La Mesa IHOP cook arrested for workers’ compensation fraud

Statement of Commissioner Lara on California Senate Action Plan to Combat Wildfires and Climate Change

Equal Insurance HIV Act announced to end discrimination against HIV-positive Californians for life and disability income insurance

Insurance Commissioner Lara issues statement on Governor’s clemency initiative

Two arrested in $20 million workers’ compensation insurance fraud and kickback scheme

Insurance Commissioner Lara issues statement on U.S. Supreme Court public charge ruling

Commissioner Lara clears career obstacles for licensing individuals with cannabis-related convictions following Proposition 64

Redding resident arrested for alleged insurance fraud after Carr Fire

$3.2 Million Sober Living Home Fraud Scheme Shut Down

Insurance agent sentenced for stealing $174,000 in insurance premiums from truck drivers and charter bus companies

Insurance Commissioner Lara issues statement on Governor’s 2020 budget

San Diego task force arrests fugitive who fled the country following alleged auto insurance fraud

Commissioner Lara Appoints Members to the Curriculum Board and the CIGA Board of Governors

Insurance Commissioner Lara issues statement following guilty plea of rehab center owner in $175 million fraud case

2020 brings greater protections for insurance consumers as new laws sponsored by Commissioner Ricardo Lara go into effect

Long Beach insurance agent arrested after allegedly stealing thousands and leaving client’s business uninsured

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Former Seal Beach insurance agent sentenced for theft from elderly consumer

San Jose father and son charged in alleged $12 million workers’ comp scheme

Commissioner Lara enforces nation’s first wildfire safety regulation to help drive down cost of insurance

Insurance Commissioner Lara Names Members to Statewide Boards to Drive Forward Consumer Protection Goals

Central Valley Workers’ Comp Fraud Task Force uncovers $2.5 million in underreported payroll by Fresno business owners

Bounty hunters working without legal authority arrested on multiple felony counts of kidnapping, false imprisonment and residential burglary

Commissioner Lara joins insurance regulators across the nation supporting Biden Administration action restoring health care protections for transgender Americans

Commissioner Lara’s sponsored bills signed by Governor Newsom will create important consumer protections for Californians

For-profit vocational school executives arrested in workers’ compensation fraud scheme

California takes crucial step in protecting reproductive rights by closing insurance gap with new grants to cover uninsured

Commissioner Lara protects insurance coverage for additional homeowners as wildfire emergencies continue in California

Commissioner Lara protects insurance coverage for over 236,000 homeowners following wildfire emergencies in Northern and Southern California

Commissioner Lara protects insurance coverage for additional Siskiyou County residents following wildfires

California leads world with new heat wave ranking law to protect from deadly effects of climate change

Commissioner Lara submits first-in-nation wildfire safety regulation to drive down cost of insurance

Commissioner Lara issues PSAs on unlicensed insurance scams and

Former Westlake Village insurance agent and accomplice arrested for theft

National Health Insurance Company agrees to pay more than $1.9 million over prescription drug practices

Commissioner Lara protects insurance coverage for Siskiyou County residents following wildfires

Alleged ringleader of Inland Empire auto insurance fraud crew arraigned on 39 felony counts

Insurance Commissioner Lara announces statewide appointments to advance consumer protection mission

Surveillance and social media posts lead to felony arraignment of San Bernardino mechanic accused of workers’ compensation fraud

Commissioner Lara protects insurance coverage for Mariposa County residents as Oak Fire continues

Mercury Insurance illegally steered ‘good drivers’ toward higher-priced policies, Department alleges in major legal action

Consumer Alert: Oak Fire evacuees could be eligible for evacuation-related expense reimbursements under their current insurance policy

Commissioner Lara acts to protect abortion coverage

Insurance Commissioner Lara issues workers’ compensation benchmark rate

Commissioner Lara protects insurance coverage for over 85,000 Central Coast residents

“Yellowstone” actress charged with workers’ compensation insurance fraud

Former Bakersfield insurance agent arraigned after allegedly embezzling clients’ insurance premiums

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara takes action to stop bias and discriminatory use of consumer data by insurance companies

Department acts to protect drivers from mishandled claims by app-based auto insurance seller Go Maps and insurer Topa

Department answers questions on insurance coverage for abortion

Insurance Commissioner Lara announces appointment to the California Long Term Care Insurance Task Force

Former police officers to be arraigned for kidnapping while acting as bounty hunters

Legislation co-sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara  ends unfair discrimination in California’s HIV statutes

Porter Ranch limo company owner arraigned for alleged workers’ comp fraud

Commissioner Lara applauds passage of 2022-23 State Budget bill by State Legislature

Insurance Commissioner Lara announces appointment to the California Long Term Care Insurance Task Force

Former insurance broker arraigned for stealing premium payments from low income individuals

Bakersfield couple charged with insurance fraud and arson following joint investigation

Palmdale insurance agents allegedly stole identities to gain $125,000 in unearned commissions

Commissioner Lara bans insurance companies from limiting access to life-saving screenings and treatment

Fraud investigation leads to arrest of Palm Springs insurance agent who allegedly stole from late art dealer

Insurance Commissioner Lara on Governor’s May Budget Revision: "Bold leadership on multiple fronts to face mounting threats”

Former Lake Forest insurance agent allegedly steals nearly $50,000 from elderly clients

Insurance Commissioner Lara announces statewide board appointments to advance consumer protection mission

Former Camarillo insurance agent sentenced for stealing insurance premiums from business owners

Former Irvine insurance agent who fled state arraigned for theft and fraud

Commissioner Lara holds insurance companies accountable in push for more investment in solutions to fight climate change

Former Bakersfield insurance agent arraigned after allegedly stealing clients’ insurance premiums

Santa Clarita contractor arraigned for 21 felony counts of forgery, theft, and fraud

U.S. insurance commissioners endorse internationally-recognized climate risk disclosure standard for insurance companies

Department detectives arrest former La Quinta insurance agent for theft and embezzlement

Insurance Commissioner Lara announces statewide board appointments to advance Department’s consumer protection mission

Former licensed agent faces felony charges in insurance fraud scheme

Commissioner Lara and legislative leaders urge insurance companies to withdraw all financial support for Russian regime

Commissioner Lara approves higher commercial coverage limits offered by California FAIR Plan

Commissioner Lara announces new regulations to improve wildfire safety and drive down cost of insurance

First-in-nation legislation for early warning and ranking of extreme heat waves introduced in California Assembly

Rubio bill targets illegal car extended warranty robo-calls and other unlicensed insurance scams

Marin County husband and wife sentenced in insurance fraud case totaling nearly $1 million

Commissioner Lara and state emergency agencies issue “Safer from Wildfires” framework to protect existing homes and communities

Commissioner Lara’s Statement on Latest Court Ruling Providing Win for Consumers over FAIR Plan

Oceanside man convicted of defrauding ill brother out of $120,000

Department issues 14 Cease and Desist Orders to protect California consumers from unlicensed health coverage

Former OC resident sentenced to four years in prison for $1.4 million insurance fraud

Fresno auto insurance fraud investigation results in charges for couple

Husband and wife business owners charged in $4.5 million workers’ compensation fraud scheme

North Hollywood insurance agent arraigned for 13 felony counts in alleged “affinity group” discounts scheme

Commissioner Lara voices strong support for AB 1400 to give all Californians access to quality health care

Calipatria insurance agent sentenced in burial policy and life insurance scheme

Commissioner Lara approves new coverage options for farms and agricultural businesses under state’s FAIR Plan

Former Palmdale insurance agent sentenced in theft and embezzlement scheme

Cease and Desist Order targets illegal vehicle extended warranty sales and denial of consumers’ claims

Insurance Commissioner Lara commends Governor Newsom’s 2022-23 budget plan for dramatically expanding health care and fighting climate change

New insurance laws for 2022 will protect Californians’ health and safety

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