A California Senate committee has rejected legislation that would have required insurers to provide coverage to homeowners who reduce wildfire risks on their properties. The decision marks the latest setback for similar proposals introduced in recent years. The Senate Insurance Committee voted down Senate Bill 1076 on April 21. The measure, known as the Insurance Coverage for Fire-Safe Homes Act, was introduced by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, a Democrat from Pasadena. The bill aimed to address ongoing challenges in California’s property insurance market following the January 2025 wildfires, which damaged or destroyed more than 18,000 structures and resulted in 31 fatalities. Under its original framework, SB 1076 would have required insurers to offer and renew coverage for homes that meet the state insurance commissioner's wildfire safety standards, beginning Jan. 1, 2028. The proposal also included enforcement measures, such as potential restrictions on insurers that failed to comply, though some exceptions were allowed. In response to opposition from the insurance industry, the bill was later revised. The amended version proposed community-based pilot programs to evaluate how wildfire mitigation efforts could reduce property losses and insurance exposure. Insurers participating in successful pilot areas would have been required to offer four years of coverage to qualifying homeowners. Industry representatives maintained their opposition despite the revisions. Denni Ritter, vice president of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, told lawmakers that the bill would interfere with underwriting practices and financial safeguards. She stated that the proposal would replace insurer risk assessment with statutory requirements, which the association considers a fundamental issue. Several lawmakers also expressed concerns during the committee hearing. Sen. Laura Richardson, a Democrat from San Pedro, cited broader concerns about government mandates on private companies when explaining her vote against the bill. Committee Chair Sen. Steve Padilla responded by noting the effort to balance industry concerns with the need for data and policy solutions related to wildfire risk and insurance availability. The proposal represented the fourth attempt since 2020 to pass legislation requiring insurers to cover properties that meet wildfire mitigation standards. These measures typically include clearing vegetation, installing fire-resistant roofing, and sealing structural openings to prevent embers from entering. The broader context for the bill includes changes in the insurance market leading up to the 2025 wildfires. Many insurers reduced their exposure in high-risk areas by dropping policyholders, thereby increasing reliance on the California FAIR Plan. This state-backed program serves as the insurer of last resort and offers limited coverage at higher costs. According to an analysis cited in the report, enrollment in the FAIR Plan nearly doubled in wildfire-affected regions between 2020 and 2024, from 14,272 to 28,440 policies. Supporters of SB 1076 included advocacy organizations and community groups formed after the wildfires, as well as several professional and environmental associations. However, opposition from insurers remained a central factor in the bill’s outcome. Other insurance-related legislation moved forward in the same committee session. Two additional bills introduced by Pérez advanced, including measures to increase transparency in the claims process and impose penalties for delayed payments. A separate bill addressing policy non-renewals also passed. Stay informed and ahead of the curve — explore more industry insights and program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.

As planting season accelerates across agricultural regions, insurance professionals are highlighting an increased risk of theft involving farm machinery and equipment. According to Zachary Hinthorn of Country Financial, the seasonal surge in field activity creates conditions that may expose valuable assets to potential loss.

During this period, farmers often leave tractors and implements in fields overnight to maintain efficiency. However, Hinthorn notes that this common practice can make equipment more accessible to thieves. He advises that operators take precautionary steps, including locking machinery whenever possible and removing valuable items before leaving the site.

Items such as GPS equipment remain a particular concern. Hinthorn points out that these components are frequently targeted due to their high value and portability. He says it is not uncommon for GPS systems, which can cost several thousand dollars, to be removed from unattended machinery. In addition to GPS units, he recommends securing or removing tablets, tools, and other unmounted valuables stored within equipment.

Location also plays a role in theft risk. While remote fields may seem less visible, Hinthorn explains that isolation can work to criminals' advantage. He notes that equipment placed in rural or less-trafficked areas may lack witnesses, making theft easier to go undetected. In contrast, machinery located near busier roads may benefit from increased visibility and the presence of potential witnesses.

In addition to physical security measures, Hinthorn highlights the importance of proper insurance coverage for modern agricultural technology. He explains that certain items, particularly GPS equipment, may require separate scheduling under an insurance policy. Coverage requirements can vary depending on how the policy is structured, so it is important for policyholders and agents to verify whether high-value components are adequately insured as standalone items or as part of broader equipment coverage.

Furthermore, Hinthorn emphasizes the value of conducting regular insurance reviews. He encourages farmers to meet annually with their insurance agents to assess their current coverage. These reviews help ensure that all equipment is properly insured and that policies reflect any changes in inventory. They also provide an opportunity to remove coverage for items no longer in use, helping avoid unnecessary costs.

As planting season continues, these considerations remain relevant for both risk management and policy oversight. By combining preventative practices with accurate insurance planning, stakeholders can better address the exposures associated with increased field activity.

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Amwins and Vivere have launched an exclusive California FAIR Plan Wrap product designed to address coverage gaps for insureds who rely on the state's insurer of last resort. Developed by Vivere and distributed exclusively through Amwins, the new product offers comprehensive coverage for commercial and dwelling risks across entire portfolios of California FAIR Plan insureds.

Filling a Gap in the California Property Market

Wildfire exposure, regulatory constraints, and capacity limitations have pushed many California property owners onto the FAIR Plan. However, the FAIR Plan does not cover all perils, and its limits often fall short of what insureds need. The Wrap product provides non-fire protection and covers losses that exceed FAIR Plan limits, bringing total coverage closer to private-market standards.

Product Details

For commercial risks, the product offers wrap limits up to $100 million. Dwelling wrap limits are available up to $3 million. All offerings are written on "A" rated paper and are subject to the Wrap policy's terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. Vivere built the product on proprietary technology that streamlines the quoting process. Using only a completed California FAIR Plan application, retailers can generate quotes for individual risks or entire portfolios within minutes. "Efficiency and underwriting discipline don't have to be mutually exclusive," said Rachael Dougherty, Chief Underwriting Officer, Specialty Property at Vivere. "This product brings together advanced technology and experienced underwriting to make it faster and easier for agents to place complex California property risks." Bob Black, Executive Vice President and National Property Practice Leader at Amwins, added: "In today's California property market, the FAIR Plan is often a necessary starting point, but it's rarely a complete solution. This product was built to address the real coverage gaps insureds are facing, combining broad protection, strong paper, and a streamlined placement process to help our partners deliver quality solutions with confidence."

About the Companies

Amwins is the largest independent wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products in the U.S. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the company operates through more than 138 offices worldwide and handles premium placements of more than $50 billion annually. Vivere, founded in 2025, is an independently owned specialty insurance platform. The company focuses on pairing underwriting expertise with purpose-built technology to improve speed, precision, and efficiency. For more information, contact your Amwins property broker or Amwins Access underwriter. Get the latest insurance market updates and discover exclusive program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.