Insurance Commissioner Lara Supports Zone 0—But Without Real Guarantees
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has come out in support of both the state’s Zone 0 proposal and Assembly Bill 888—the “California Safe Homes” grant program. But his backing ignores the realities facing homeowners in Los Angeles—and provides no assurance that insurance companies will continue to cover your home, even if you comply fully with Zone 0.
Although AB 888 is being promoted as a fix for California’s insurance crisis, it won’t help most residents in 90049. The bill limits eligibility to low- and middle-income homeowners in qualifying high-risk ZIP codes, meaning that many families in Brentwood and surrounding areas are excluded entirely. Read the full article here: “California Approves Grant for Homeowners—Find Out If You Qualify”
Recent experience with the Palisades Fire showed that hydrated, well-maintained vegetation helped save homes—proving that living landscapes can reduce ignition risk and slow ember spread. Yet the insurance industry continues to ignore this real-world evidence, promoting clearance rules that remove the very vegetation that protects structures.
Meanwhile, many homeowners who’ve already spent thousands on “home-hardening” measures required by insurers report little premium relief—despite meeting every new standard. Next week’s webinar with Chief Paula Berlant and Commissioner Lara is your opportunity to press for answera-- Will Zone 0 make insurance more available or affordable—or simply add new costs without real protection?
