California’s home insurance market is in a historic crisis, but major changes may be on the horizon with the 2026 Insurance Commissioner election.

In this episode, Peter Brecht and Mike break down the fallout from major insurance carriers pulling out of California, the upcoming 30% FAIR Plan rate increase, and where the leading candidates stand on fixing the market.

We take a closer look at the sharply different platforms of former San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim and State Senator Ben Allen. Mike also shares his blueprint for what it will actually take to restore a functioning insurance marketplace in California, from tort reform to building code updates.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why personal home insurance in California has become a battleground between carriers and the Department of Insurance
A breakdown of Jane Kim’s platform, including her push for a single-payer public insurance model and mandated crossover requirements for auto insurers
A breakdown of Ben Allen’s platform, focusing on upgrading physical building codes and land use restrictions
Why the California FAIR Plan’s approved 30% rate increase for October 2026 is a major issue for consumers
The missing pieces politicians are not addressing, including tort reform and depopulating the FAIR Plan

Timestamps:

00:00 – Podcast intro and recording on the road
01:28 – The 2026 California Insurance Commissioner election and the 30% FAIR Plan increase
05:11 – The personal home insurance crisis: why carriers left California
11:45 – Candidate profile: Jane Kim’s public model and single-payer approach
17:22 – Candidate profile: Ben Allen’s mitigation and building code solutions
23:40 – Mike’s blueprint: tort reform, efficiency, and how to fix the market
28:59 – The role of lobbyists, trade groups, and final thoughts

Learn more and connect:

Show website: https://falconwest.com
Falcon West LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falconwest
Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-tanghe
Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht

Falcon Forward is hosted by Peter Brecht and Mike Tanghe and focuses on the intersection of personal and commercial insurance, small business growth, and professional career development. The show delivers deep dives into the insurance industry to help business owners manage risk and build sustainable enterprises.

If you are a California homeowner impacted by these changes, consider reaching out to local candidates, sharing your perspective, and making your voice heard at the ballot box.

#CaliforniaInsurance #HomeownersInsurance #JaneKim #BenAllen #FAIRPlan #CaliforniaPolitics