California Moves to Penalize State Farm Over Wildfire Claims Handling
State officials pursue millions in fines, accusing the insurer “buried policyholders in red tape at the worst moment of their lives”
California regulators filed legal action Monday against State Farm, alleging the insurer improperly delayed, denied, and underpaid homeowners’ insurance claims tied to last year’s Los Angeles wildfires.
State officials are pursuing millions of dollars in penalties — the largest wildfire-related enforcement action sought in California this century, according to the Department of Insurance. The filing also requests authority to suspend State Farm’s license to operate in California for up to one year.
The action marks another major setback for the nation’s largest home and auto insurer. Last month, President Trump criticized the company’s handling of wildfire claims, calling its response to the Los Angeles fires “absolutely horrible.”
Reported from several news sources
National Public Radio (NPR)
Lawsuits accuse State Farm of secretly working to cut insurance payouts
Go to NPR >>
Wall Street Journal
California Wants to Throw the Book at State Farm Over Wildfire Claims
Go to WSJ (subscription required) >>
California Department of Insurance
California takes legal action against State Farm after investigation finds widespread mishandling of LA wildfire claims
Go to CDI article >>
The Oklahoman
Go to Oklahoman article (subscription required) >>
“SERVICES WERE EXEMPLARY”
“I am a manager of a condominium association and hired Skipton to handle our insurance claim. From the onset of the process til I signed on the dotted line, their services were exemplary. Every step of the process they answered every question and and helped us along the way. They were amazing in every way. I hope I will not need their services in the future but if I did I would most certainly hire them. No questions asked!”