ABC7 Eyewitness News is sitting down with the two Democratic candidates who are running to become California's next Insurance Commissioner.
We spoke with State Senator Ben Allen on Wednesday. Allen represents a district that includes big portions of the area scorched by the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County.
"I've got to see dysfunction of the insurance system up close and personal," Allen said. "We've seen how the lack of insurance, underinsurance and the mistreatment by certain insurers has really made it harder for the community to rebuild and recover."
MORE: Wildfire risk drives 84% spike in California home insurance costs in 5 years, Stanford study finds
Since 2025, 7 On Your Side Investigates has been reporting on California's insurance crisis. More than a dozen insurers dropped out of the market or stopped issuing new policies.
When asked whether the state makes it too difficult for insurance companies to do business here, Allen said he feels the state could do more to encourage reputable insurers to come to California.
"One of the many things I want to do is create a more efficient system at the department without sacrificing consumer protections, but a faster review of these products and these rate applications, and I think that would make the market work better," Allen said.
ABC7 Eyewitness News is scheduled to speak with Allen's opponent, former San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim, on Friday.
Watch the full interview in the player above.