California Department of Insurance

Title: California Department of Insurance Category: California Clicks: 0 Listing added: Apr 29, 2009

The CDI ensures that consumers are protected; that the insurance marketplace is fostered to be vibrant and stable; that the regulatory process is maintained as open and equitable;and that the law is enforced fairly and impartially.

First created in 1868, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) has undergone many changes in its history. In 1988 California voters passed Proposition 103, and the Department's authority and responsibility was significantly broadened in the property and casualty area. Proposition 103 converted the Insurance Commissioner's status from an appointed position by the Governor into an elective post voted on by the people of California. Proposition 103 also expanded the Department's important role in consumer protection by requiring that property and casualty insurance company rates be pre-approved by the Department before going into effect.
In the early 1900's, the state Legislature passed tough new anti-fraud insurance legislation that transformed the Department into a law enforcement agency, in addition to its other functions. The legislation provided sworn peace officers to investigate and arrest those who commit fraud. The actions of fraud investigators in our Criminal Investigations Branch have paved the way for direct cost savings to be passed on to consumers by way of lower premiums.

The CDI licenses and regulates the rates and practices of insurance companies, agents, and brokers in California. Currently the Department licenses over 1,500 insurance companies and more than 340,000 agents and brokers. License fees, other fees, premium tax, and Proposition 103 recoupment fees are the primary sources of funding for the CDI. Today we have a complement of over 1,300 employees working to protect the consumers' insurance interests.

Address:	300 South Spring Street, South Tower, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone:	800-927-HELP (4357)
Quick links:	About Us  Check License  File a Complaint  Investigation Division  Enforcement Branch