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."
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Media Notes:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Title marketing representative agrees to give up license and accept lifetime ban following accusation and $1 million penalty against employer
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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
Page 5
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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
Page 7
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