Insurance Commissioner Poizner Announces $50 Million Rate Cut For Northern California AAA Homeowners Insurance Policyholders

Rate Cut to Save Bay Area Homeowners More Than $28 Million

SAN FRANCISCO – Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today announced a 10.6% rate cut for California homeowners, a total savings of $50 million for California State Automobile Association Inter-Insurance Bureau (CSAA-IIB, or AAA of Northern California) customers, including more than $28 million in savings for Bay Area homeowners.

“With skyrocketing gas prices and unemployment on the rise, Californians are struggling to make ends meet,” said Commissioner Poizner.  “I am pleased to announce this significant rate cut today, which will save homeowners fifty million dollars on their insurance.  I applaud AAA of Northern California for raising the bar for insurance companies and exemplifying smart, consumer-friendly business practices.” 

AAA of Northern California initially filed for a 7.7 percent decrease in their homeowners insurance rates.  After reviewing their rate filing application, Commissioner Poizner approved a 10.6 percent decrease in rates.  As a result of this reduction, AAA of Northern California customers will save an average of about $130 per year, per policy.  An average policy is about $1200.  These savings will go into effect on August 1, and will apply to renewing policyholders and new customers.  AAA of Northern California is the fourth largest homeowners insurer in California, with about 400,000 policyholders and 6.7 percent market share. 

Since elected, Commissioner Poizner has approved nearly $1.7 billion in rate reductions for California drivers and homeowners.  Recent rate cuts include:

– $255 million rate reduction for Allstate homeowners insurance policyholders
– $30 million rate reduction for Fireman’s Fund homeowners insurance policyholders
– $61 million rate reduction for Mercury auto, renters and homeowners insurance policyholders
– $250 million rate reduction for Allstate auto insurance policyholders
– $100 million rate reduction for AAA of Northern California customers
– $65.8 million rate reduction for GEICO customers

In April, Commissioner Poizner issued new regulations to clarify and streamline the prior approval rate system, making the rate filing process more efficient, accurate and transparent.  The Commissioner’s regulations also help to speed the approval of rate reductions so consumers can see savings sooner.

###
 
Please visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non media inquiries should be directed  to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP. Callers from out of state, please  dial 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.