Key Facts

• Many insurers have stopped or limited coverage in wildfire-prone California areas due to high risks and costs.
• Home insurance premiums have risen sharply, leaving many homeowners uninsured or losing coverage.
• The state requires insurance rate increases to be approved by regulators, which can take over a year.
• Candidate Xavier Becerra wants to freeze insurance rates by declaring a state of emergency and possibly challenging legal rules in court.
• San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan opposes rate freezes and supports allowing insurers to set prices based on risk to encourage competition.
• Steve Hilton argues the main issue is enforcing existing laws that require rate changes to be approved within 60 days.
• Candidates also discussed wildfire risk reduction through land and vegetation management as part of the solution.
• The debate showed clear disagreements on how to balance protecting homeowners and keeping insurers in the market.