Last week in Pasadena, we joined supporters of Ben Allen for California Insurance Commissioner. Ben discussed problems we hear about every day from our clients, including the struggle many Californians face to obtain homeowners insurance and the agonizing fight they must then undertake to collect benefits owed when they suffer a loss.
For a homeowner whose house has burned, a delayed claim is more than an inconvenience. It can mean months of temporary housing, stalled remediation, and ongoing uncertainty about whether the homeowner has sufficient funds to rebuild. The toll is more than financial- the delays can cause families great emotional suffering. The next insurance commissioner must understand that these claims are about people’s lives, not just files on an adjuster’s desk.
Ben Allen has seen that struggle firsthand. After the Palisades Fire devastated communities he represents in the State Senate, he worked directly with constituents facing the practical difficulties of insurance claims and rebuilding. His campaign priorities include holding insurers accountable when they deny or delay claims, improving the Department of Insurance’s response after disasters, investing in wildfire prevention, and bringing more insurers back to California. A policyholder needs a real choice of coverage before a loss and fair treatment after one.
As part of his commitment to independence during his campaign, Ben has refused all insurance industry contributions. That commitment matters in an office charged with regulating those very companies. Ben understands that California families are facing disappearing coverage and rising premiums. He has pledged to confront both problems, press insurers to serve California communities, and enforce the promises insurers make to their customers.
The San Francisco Chronicle endorsed Allen, arguing that he is prepared for the careful work of restoring the market while holding insurers accountable. The editorial criticized his opponent Jane Kim’s proposal for a state-run disaster insurance system as a “recipe for disaster.” Patrick Wolff, who ran for commissioner in the primary, raised further questions about that proposal in a San Francisco Standard opinion piece.
As policyholder advocates and Los Angeles residents ourselves, we want the next commissioner to help Californians find meaningful coverage, make insurers honor their policies, and protect families when disaster strikes. We believe Ben Allen is prepared to do that work. That is why we support him for California Insurance Commissioner.
