CA Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Bill to End Surprise Ambulance Billing for Californians

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California considers new rules for property insurance pricing

California is considering new rules for property insurance pricing. The state's insurance commissioner, Ricardo Lara, has proposed several reforms, including:

Requiring insurance companies to write more policies in high-risk areas. Currently, insurance companies are allowed to redline certain areas, meaning they can refuse to write policies there. Lara's proposal would require companies to write a certain percentage of their policies in high-risk areas, such as those prone to wildfires.

Creating a statewide insurance pool. This pool would be made up of all insurance companies operating in California. It would be responsible for covering losses in high-risk areas where companies are unwilling to write policies.

Limiting the amount that insurance companies can raise rates. Currently, insurance companies can raise rates by up to 10% per year without approval from the state. Lara's proposal would limit rate increases to 5% per year.

These reforms are aimed at making property insurance more affordable and accessible for Californians. The state has experienced a number of major wildfires in recent years, which have led to billions of dollars in losses. As a result, many insurance companies have been raising rates or refusing to write policies in certain areas.

Lara's proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Insurance companies argue that the reforms will make it more difficult and expensive for them to operate in California. Consumer advocates argue that the reforms are necessary to protect homeowners from rising rates and limited coverage options.

The California legislature is expected to consider Lara's proposal in 2024.

In addition to the reforms proposed by Lara, there are a few other things that can be done to make property insurance more affordable and accessible in California. These include:

Mitigating wildfire risk. This includes things like clearing brush and debris from around homes, creating defensible spaces, and hardening homes against wildfires.

Creating a state-run insurance company. This could provide an alternative to private insurance companies for homeowners in high-risk areas.

Subsidizing insurance costs for low-income homeowners. This would help to make insurance more affordable for those who need it most.

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

We need the community’s input to update the city’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, to help plan for how to keep Angelenos safe in future emergencies or disasters. They want to hear from all Angelenos about your emergency preparedness priorities so that we can determine how best to focus our efforts to protect the city from various hazards. 

Please take a moment to take a short Hazard Mitigation Survey above

Cada octubre, el Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias de la Ciudad de Los Ángeles (LA EMD) alienta a los residentes a participar en el simulacro de terremoto más grande del mundo, por lo que hoy a las 10:19 a.m. lo alentamos a unirse a personas de todo el mundo que participarán en el Great Shakeout al practicando las acciones para salvar vidas de Agáchate, Cúbrete y Sujétate. Lo que hacemos para prepararnos ahora, antes del próximo gran terremoto, determinará qué tan bien podremos sobrevivir y recuperarse. Se pueden encontrar recursos adicionales de seguridad contra terremotos en https://www.readyla.gov/.

Stop Racism in Real Estate Appraisals

Racism in real estate appraisals is a serious issue that has had a significant impact on homeowners of color. A 2018 study by the Brookings Institution found that black and Hispanic homeowners were more likely to have their homes undervalued by appraisers than white homeowners. This undervaluation can have a number of negative consequences, including making it more difficult for homeowners of color to sell their homes, refinance their mortgages, and obtain home equity loans.

There are a number of things that can be done to stop racism in real estate appraisals. One important step is to increase diversity in the appraisal profession. According to the National Association of Realtors, only 5% of appraisers are black and 3% are Hispanic. By increasing the number of appraisers of color, we can help to ensure that appraisals are more fair and accurate.

Another important step is to address the unconscious biases that can lead to racism in appraisals. Appraisers are trained to be objective, but everyone has unconscious biases. These biases can be influenced by a variety of factors, including race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. Appraisers can learn to identify and mitigate their unconscious biases through training and education.

Finally, it is important to hold appraisers accountable for their work. If you believe that your home has been undervalued by an appraiser, you can file a complaint with your state's appraisal board. You can also contact the Fair Housing Administration to learn more about your rights.

Here are some additional steps that can be taken to address racism in real estate appraisals:

Require appraisers to complete training on unconscious bias and fair housing laws.

Increase transparency in the appraisal process by making appraisal reports available to homeowners.

Develop algorithms to detect and flag potential bias in appraisals.

Create a fund to help homeowners of color challenge inaccurate appraisals.

Support legislation that would prohibit discrimination in appraisals.

By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that all homeowners have the opportunity to build wealth and equity through homeownership.

Let's Act Now to Stop Racism in Real Estate Appraisals: How can lenders like community development financial institutions, or CDFIs, fight bias in the appraisal industry?