California Department of Insurance

The California Department of Insurance (CDI), established in 1868, is the angency charged with overseeing the regulation of insurance regulations, enforcing statutes mandating consumer protections, educating consumers, and fostering the stability of insurance markets in the state of California. The CDI has authority over how the insurance industry conducts business within California, and licenses and regulates the rates and practices of insurance companies, agents, and brokers in the state.

CDI has over 1,300 employees charged with the responsibility of protecting consumer interests. Its budget is primarily derived from funds generated by licensing and other fees, premium taxes, and Proposition 103 recoupment fees. The CDI licenses over 1,500 insurance companies and more than 340,000 insurance agents and insurance brokers. The current California Insurance Commissioner is Steve Poizner.

History

In the early 1900s, the California State Legislature transformed the CDI into a law enforcement agency when it passed new anti-fraud insurance legislation. The legislation provided sworn peace officers to investigate and arrest those who commit fraud.

In 1988 California voters passed Proposition 103, which broadened the Department of Insurance's responsibility for enforcement property insurance, automobile insurance, life insurance and other types of casualty coverages, including a requirement that the property and casualty insurance premium rates must be pre-approved by the Department before insurance companies could be raised. Proposition 103 also changed the California Insurance Commissioner's status to that of an elected official, from being a Governor-appointed position. Proposition 103 also expanded the Department's important role in consumer.

Consumer protection

The CDI aids consumers by regulating how insurance companies market and administer their policies, and is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that insurance business transacted in the state is conducted in an honest, open, and fair manner. The CDI has a Rate Regulation Branch, established under the provisions of Proposition 103, that is responsible for reviewing proposed personal auto and homeowners insurance rates to ensure that they are fair, reasonable, and adequate.

Licensing

The California Insurance Code (CIC) requires that the CDI provides licensing examinations for brokers and agents, and that the department must investigate suspected violations of the CIC by businesses and individuals who possess CDI licenses.

Criminal investigation

The CDI is charged with responsibility for investigating and arresting those who commit insurance fraud, in order to protect the public from loss and distress. Claimant, agent, and insurance company fraud is investigated and prosecuted by the agency.

Consumer education

The CDI publishes brochures and maintains a website to help consumers become aware of their rights, and to aid them in making informed insurance decisions. As part of the department's mission to protect consumers, an Education and Outreach Program has been established to provide speakers who participate in public events such as town hall meetings, business and community fairs, and professional association events.

External links

* [http://www.insurance.ca.gov Insurance.ca.gov] - California Department of Insurance website