0845 Department of Insurance
Program Descriptions

0520 - REGULATION OF INSURANCE COMPANIES AND INSURANCE PRODUCERS

The objectives of this program are to: (1) prevent losses to policyholders, beneficiaries or the public due to the insolvency of insurers; (2) prevent unlawful or unfair practices by insurers as defined by the Insurance Code; (3) ensure that property and casualty insurance rates are not excessive, inadequate, unfairly discriminatory or otherwise in violation of the Insurance Code; (4) review health insurance rates filed with the Department to determine whether they are reasonable and attempt to get unreasonable rates lowered by insurers; (5) ensure that applicants for insurance licenses, and holders of insurance licenses, satisfy and maintain the qualifications for licensure. Through the Conservation and Liquidation Office, the CDI administers the estates of insolvent and delinquent insurance companies.

0525 - CONSUMER PROTECTION

The objectives of this program are to: (1) provide direct service to California consumers by protecting insurance policyholders and other parties involved in insurance transactions against unfair or illegal practices with respect to claims handling, rating or underwriting by insurers and (2) protect applicants and policyholders from discriminatory, unlawful or fraudulent practices or incompetence relating to the sale of insurance.

0530 - FRAUD CONTROL

The objective of this program is to protect the public from economic loss by actively investigating, arresting and referring for prosecution or adjudication those who commit insurance fraud and other violations of the law. The program is staffed by sworn peace officers who conduct criminal investigations of insurance fraud and related criminal cases.

0535 - GENERAL FUND TAX COLLECTION AND COMPLIANCE

This program performs tax collection; ensures compliance from insurance companies and surplus line brokers with the laws contained in the Insurance Code and Revenue and Taxation Code; and assists the Board of Equalization and State Controller's Office with various refund, assessment, and accounting matters relative to the premium tax program. Tax collections from this program are deposited in the State's General Fund.

9900 - ADMINISTRATION

This program provides administrative support services to the CDI including budgets, accounting, human resources, business services and information technology, as well as legislative and legal services.