Personal Insurance Federation Of California

The Personal Insurance Federation of California (PIFC) is a Sacramento-based association of the leading property and casualty insurance companies. Established in 1989, PIFC represents the interests of its member companies before the California State government on issues related to homeowners, automobile, earthquake, and flood insurance. Our mission is to ensure that personal insurance remains affordable and accessible to consumers through advocacy and political action.

Our Issues and Activities

At PIFC, our focus is narrow but critical. We advocate for personal lines property and casualty insurance before all branches of the California state government. Personal lines refer to the type of insurance sold to individuals, such as auto, home, flood, and earthquake. These lines of insurance are subject to significant state oversight by the California Department of Insurance, with price controls in place since the passage of Proposition 103 in 1988.

PIFC's activities include legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy, as well as political and grassroots activities. Our team of experienced professionals works diligently to ensure that the voices of our member companies are heard and understood by decision-makers in Sacramento.

Legislative Advocacy

At the heart of our legislative advocacy is a commitment to honesty, trustworthiness, and a deep understanding of the complexities of property and casualty insurance. Our team works tirelessly to educate state legislators and their staff on the issues that matter most to our member companies and California consumers.

Our approach to legislative advocacy is rooted in education. We strive to provide accurate information to legislators and their staff, enabling them to make informed decisions on behalf of their constituents. We prepare for legislative hearings, submit position letters and papers, testify in legislative committees, and organize floor votes.

Regulatory Advocacy

PIFC communicates regularly with the California Department of Insurance (CDI) and other state agencies to ensure that the interests of our member companies and consumers are protected. We closely monitor proposed agency rules, provide oral and written testimony at public hearings, and meet with key stakeholders to ensure fair implementation of state legislation.

Our regulatory work often involves working through the details of vague statutes, pushing back against groups that may seek to misinterpret or misapply state law. We are prepared to return to the State Capitol to correct or clarify law that is improperly enforced by the executive branch.

Legal Advocacy

California courts play a significant role in interpreting laws affecting the insurance industry. PIFC maintains an active legal advocacy program to challenge unlawful regulatory actions and file amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs on important cases. We make every effort to resolve issues through the legislative and regulatory process, and through negotiation, but are prepared to engage in litigation when necessary.

Political and Grassroots Action

PIFC has a strong partnership with the Personal Insurance Federation Political Action Committee (PIFPAC), the political action committee for State Farm agents and employees. PIFPAC works closely with FEAPAC, the Farmers Employees & Agents Political Action Committee. Together, these PACs provide a voice for insurance agents who are knowledgeable about their communities and committed to engaging with and evaluating candidates running for office.