What is the primary responsibility of the California Department of Insurance (CDI)?

The primary responsibility of the California Department of Insurance (CDI) is to regulate the insurance industry in California and protect consumers. This encompasses a variety of tasks aimed at ensuring that insurance companies operate fairly and comply with state laws. The CDI also oversees the licensing of insurance agents and companies, ensures financial solvency among insurers, and enforces consumer protection laws.

By regulating the industry, the CDI helps maintain a competitive market while also safeguarding consumers against unfair practices and fraud. It conducts investigations, handles consumer complaints, and monitors insurance products to ensure they are being marketed and sold in a manner that is fair and just. This role is fundamental to maintaining public confidence in the insurance system within the state.

In contrast, while advocacy for consumers and product development play significant roles in the insurance landscape, they fall outside the primary regulatory duties of the CDI. The department does not set premium rates for all insurance policies; rather, it reviews and approves rate increases based on the financial health of insurance providers and market conditions.