insurance

One policy idea that voters disliked in the poll was allowing insurance companies to increase their rates if it enables them to offer fire coverage more broadly.

Leaseholders must pay an annual service charge to a managing agent or the freeholder for things such as building insurance and maintenance of communal areas.

Cal Fire is adamant the hazard maps have no direct effect on residents’ insurance rates, saying they model hazard — the chance of an area experiencing wildfire — not the risk of specific homes burning down.

Vartan, who is in his late 50s, is one of millions of Californians struggling to keep up with health insurance premiums ballooning faster than inflation.

It’s a trend they anticipate will accelerate in the months to come as those affected by the fires receive insurance payouts and move out of temporary accommodations, where many still remain, into permanent residences.