We just completed another successful Independent Women Summit held on February 28, the eve of Women’s History Month. Our program included Victoria Roach, President of the CA FAIR Plan, sharing her successful career story, followed by Katie Quesada, helping us learn how to tell our stories with impact.
This event, our second annual, was sold out again and allowed over 230 attendees to network and learn with fellow insurance colleagues.
The end result is a new tradition for IIABCal that brings our members together and facilitates a venue for everyone to share their great stories while also enjoying some time for Zen!
The other BIG news is the launch of our new website. A huge thank you to all that contributed to make this happen with a special shout out to Jenn Pouey, VP of Operations & Member Services, for leading the project! The new website is a huge leap forward to engage all our members, make it easy to find membership benefits, and take advantage of all IIABCal offerings. If you have not checked it out yet, please visit IIABCal.org and view it today!
CEO Corner
Independent Women Summit: A Tradition!
Last year, at our inaugural Independent Women Summit, we set out to do something different. We didn’t just want to host another industry event – we wanted to start a tradition. We created a space where women in insurance could connect, share experiences, and develop strategies to excel in both business in life. Based the response to year one… and now year two… we know this summit is needed! Thanks to the nearly 250 people – women and men – who attended the event on February 28. The sponsors, the speakers, and the energy were all amazing. Hope you will join us next year!
Jill Epstein
CEO
IIABCal
IIABCal Advocacy
Comm. Lara Orders Insurers to Fully Investigate Smoke Damage Claims
In response to ongoing wildfire recovery efforts and litigation over insurer liability for smoke damage claims, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on March 7 directed insurers to thoroughly investigate all consumer claims related to smoke damage. Bulletin 2025-7 articulates the Commissioner’s position that insurance companies cannot deny smoke-related claims without conducting a proper investigation, reinforcing California’s stringent consumer protection laws. .
Wildfires cause extensive damage beyond direct flames, including harm from smoke, soot, and ash. Property insurance policies are intended to cover these losses, but validating smoke damage claims can be complex. Under Lara’s directive, insurers must ensure a comprehensive assessment of claims, including professional testing if necessary. While this strengthens consumer protections, it also places additional compliance and cost burdens on insurers.
The Bulletin comes not only in the wake of the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles in January, but also recent court decisions interpreting insurers’ liability for smoke damage claims.
The Commissioner’s decision to expressly mention the FAIR Plan is significant because FAIR Plan policy language is different from standard policy language in requiring “permanent” damage from smoke or other contaminants in order for coverage to be extended. The Plan is facing a class action lawsuit over that requirement, which was quietly written into policy language in 2017.
It is not yet clear how many smoke damage claims will be tendered in the Los Angeles fires, but the FAIR Plan has indicated that about 45 percent of the 4,500 claims it had received in early February were for partial losses; presumably many of those claims could include smoke damage and fine particle contamination.
Concerns over this aspect of FAIR Plan policy language are not new. In January 2021, CDI notified the Plan that its policy language failed to provide “the mandatory minimum coverage required by California law.” CDI then did a market conduct investigation into Plan claims handling and concluded that its approach to smoke damage claims was illegal. CDI claimed the Plan had misled the regulator into approving its policy language and that the Plan had “omitted relevant facts and misrepresented revised language” that made it seem as though it was actually broadening its coverage.
The FAIR Plan strongly disputes those allegations, and maintains that its policy language and claims-handling procedures are fully lawful.
Question of the Month
Editor’s Note: Do you have a question about California law? Your answer may already be posted on the IIABCal website. We maintain a large repository of questions posed by members on a wide variety of California regulatory and other legal requirements. They are available free of charge to all members at https://www.iiabcal.org/california-agent-question-of-the-month/
Here is a recent sample. The answer is provided for general informational purposes only, and is NOT intended, and should not be relied upon, as legal advice for any particular situation or problem. Members are invited to contact IIABCal General Counsel Steve Young, at syoung@iiabcal.org, for more information.
To whom should return premium be paid where the commercial policyholder no longer exists?
Question
We wrote a commercial liability policy for a client that was organized as a limited liability company with three managing owners. The company has gone out of business. We recently received a return premium payment from a premium finance company used on this policy, and two of the three former managing owners want us to send them the refund. Can we do this legally?
Answer
California Insurance Code Section 481.5 establishes the timelines and ground rules for “return premium” to be returned to consumers. In personal lines, an insurer must tender such funds within 25 business days; in commercial lines, the deadline is generally 80 business days. The Code does not expressly address the subject raised by your question. In order to comply with the statutory deadlines, it is important to understand when the clock begins to run on either the 25-business-day or 80-business-day deadlines.
Pie Insurance makes small business insurance as easy as pie for small businesses and the agents who serve them. Joe Reeder, Pie’s Sr. Marketing Manager, adds, “We’re honored to be part of IIABCal and a sponsor of this year’s Blue Ribbon Conference. If you’re attending, we’d love to connect. Let us know when’s a good time to chat.”
With competitive pricing, fast quotes, and a streamlined digital experience, Pie makes it easy for agents to succeed. They offer workers’ comp insurance in California and 37 other states, plus D.C. They also offer commercial auto coverage in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—with more states to come.
Members have asked for an easy way to incorporate the Trusted Choice® full library of social media content onto their social media channels without adding more work to already-full plates. The solution: Social Jazz’s social media automation tool. Big “I” members who currently use Social Jazz have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback on the time-saving features and support—84% of surveyed members said that they are now posting more on social media with Social Jazz.
Liberty Mutual Announces Safeco Brand will be Halted in 2026
As reported by Insurance Journal, Liberty Mutual has announced that it will “sunset” the Safeco brand and begin selling all its personal lines products under the Liberty Mutual name in 2026.
Product Spotlight
Monarch Personal Umbrella
Our partners at Monarch offer Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP) markets for IIABCal members that can provide a strategic defense against the potentially devastating financial impacts of lawsuits and claims. By extending limits and offering unique coverage options, this policy ensures that your assets and future earnings are well-protected under various scenarios.
IIABCal members may also be eligible for an additional point of commission!*
Greetings to the Membership of IIABCal! I participated in the 2nd Annual Women’s Summit held in Manhattan Beach last month. What an amazing collaboration of insurance professionals! For those of you who did not attend, I highly recommend the meeting next year which will be held in N Cal! The motivational speaker, Katie Quesada, provided a fun look at how to become an effective Story Teller to get your point across with meaning and impact!
Spring is in the air, and so is a renewed sense of energy and excitement for our club! As the flowers bloom and the days grow warmer, we’re thrilled to share some upcoming events and opportunities to connect, contribute, and celebrate together.
Highlights for the Season:
Luncheon with Steve Young-General Counsel for IIABCal: Join us on March 26th to learn about the latest updates on the CA property insurance market. Please use this link to purchase tickets and reserve spot at this high demand event!
Golf Tournament: Save the date – June 6 – and join us at Tilden Golf Club for gorgeous views, lots of fun on the course and dinner afterward with prizes and raffle. If you have a golfer in your circle or want to sponsor, please email ebiaa.dawnl@gmail.com
Fall Bocce Tournament: Start practicing now and get a team together for our Fall Bocce Tournament. Date TBA
Let’s make this spring a season to remember, filled with growth and connection. Be sure to check your emails and our website for event details and updates. Looking forward to seeing all of you at one of our upcoming events!
IIAB San Diego is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming Race for Autism on April 12th. This event not only supports a meaningful cause but also aligns with two of their core goals for the year – raising funds for charity and strengthening community involvement. Members and supporters are encouraged to join in this effort to make a positive impact.
Beyond the Race for Autism, IIAB San Diego is also preparing for I-Day, scheduled for May 20th. As part of this significant industry event, they are currently accepting nominations for their prestigious annual awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to our industry and community. The awards presented during our luncheon include:
Agency Person of the Year
Associate Member of the Year
The Andrew Ekhern Award – Honoring an individual who has dedicated their time and talent to the community and insurance industry.
The Bob Captain Memorial Award – A newly introduced recognition for exceptional mentorship within our industry.
Members are invited to participate in these events, whether by running for a cause, nominating deserving colleagues, or attending I-Day. Your engagement helps us achieve our mission of giving back and fostering growth within our industry.
For more information on how to get involved, reach out to IIAB San Diego or visit the website. We look forward to seeing you at these impactful events!
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Geovera-Events%20and%20Education%20Ad-March-2025%20(1).png)
