Another insurer exits California

Another insurer exits California | Insurance Business America

Insurance News

Another insurer exits California

Withdrawal has been in motion since last year, says state regulator

Insurance News

By
Mika Pangilinan

CSE Insurance Group has recently announced its decision to phase out coverage in California, becoming the latest carrier to withdraw from the state in recent months.

The Oregon-headquartered insurer reportedly informed agents that it would cease providing quotes for all California policies as of October 9.

According to a copy of the message shared with the North Bay Business Journal, the company would issue letters to policyholders informing them that automobile coverage would not be renewed if it expired on or after November 17. Renewals for all other policies set to expire on January 1 would also be terminated.

CSE is a relatively small player in the state, representing only 0.4% of the homeowners market and 0.2% of the auto market, according to the California Department of Insurance (CDI).

Amid news of CSE’s withdrawal, state officials were quick to emphasize that the move should not be viewed as a sign that recent efforts to retain insurance options are failing.

“CSE informed the department last year of plans to leave the market while providing a soft landing for policyholders with a comparable policy,” CDI spokesperson Michael Soller told the North Bay Business Journal. “We are working on the rate filings that will help transition policyholders with as little disruption as possible.”

Over the past few months, California has been faced with the departures or pullbacks of major carriers like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, and Kemper.

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