Protecting Californians by investigating insurance fraud for 90 years

News: 2026 Press ReleaseFor Release: January 27, 2026Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566Email Inquiries: cdipress@insurance.ca.gov LOS ANGELES— Working to prevent fraud and support recovery, the California Department of Insurance released an update on consumer protection actions by its Investigation Division. Charged with investigating insurance fraud, unlicensed insurance activity, and misconduct by insurance agents, claims adjusters, and other licensed individuals and entities, the Department is the front-line defense for Californians in the nation’s largest insurance market. — both during disasters and in everyday insurance transactions. “Our investigators work every day to hold insurance fraudsters and bad actors accountable, protecting consumers and ensuring integrity across California’s insurance marketplace,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “Whether during disasters or in everyday insurance transactions, the Department of Insurance helps policyholders access their benefits and ensures they are protected when they need it most.” Results That Protect Consumers The Department’s investigative work protects consumers year-round, including during disasters when policyholders may be especially vulnerable. After disasters, investigators take action against any licensees who may be targeting victims. Following the Eaton Fire, a Department investigation into a bad acting licensed adjuster, resulted in a $10,000 fine, license surrender, and a 10-year industry ban. Investigators are out in the community after disasters, educating consumers about their rights and helping to deter potential fraud by those who prey on survivors.During wildfire recovery efforts in Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu, investigators helped  safely transport claims adjusters into restricted areas to expedite insurance payments to survivors, which today total over $22.4 billion. Over several operational days, adjusters from seven insurance companies accessed approximately 318 properties, advancing more than 160 insurance claims.Beyond disaster response, the Department continues to stop fraud and protect consumers through both criminal and administrative actions, including: 90 Years of Enforcement and Consumer Protection This year the Department of Insurance Investigation Division is recognizing 90 years of protecting consumers through criminal investigations, regulatory enforcement, and oversight of California’s insurance marketplace. The milestone not only reflects the Department’s long-standing enforcement work, but also serves as a reminder that the Department of Insurance is a resource for Californians who need help, have questions, or suspect insurance fraud. As it enters its tenth decade, the Department’s Investigation Division continues its mission to protect consumers, stop fraud, and maintain the integrity of California’s insurance marketplace, building on 90 years of enforcement, oversight, and service to Californians statewide. Consumers play a vital role in stopping fraud. Many high-impact investigations begin with tips from the public, which help the Department identify misconduct and hold bad actors accountable. Reporting suspected insurance fraud protects individual policyholders and strengthens the entire insurance marketplace. Consumers can report fraud or verify a license at www.insurance.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-927-4357. 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 atwww.insurance.ca.govvia 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. This Google™ translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. The Department of Insurance is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool. The Department of Insurance is also unable to guarantee the same page layout for all the languages. Depending on the languages, the page layout may look strange from the original. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on ourDisclaimerpage. Close this box or use the [X]