Surplus Line Association of California Highlights Homeowners Insurance Market Shift at 2025 Annual Meeting

Data presented at the meeting revealed that surplus lines homeowners insurance is no longer limited to high-value or high-risk properties—it has become a broader solution as admitted carriers withdraw and demand rises. The analysis highlighted notable trends:

• Major metropolitan areas are leading the surge, with Bakersfield seeing a 2,500%+ increase and San Jose seeing a 1,500%+ increase in surplus lines homeowners’ policies.
• Fire-prone regions remain a top focus area, with surplus lines providing an alternative for homeowners struggling to find coverage in wildfire-exposed areas.
• The trend is expected to continue into 2025, reinforcing the growing role of surplus lines in stabilizing California’s property insurance market.

“California’s property insurance landscape continues to shift, and the data presented at our annual meeting highlights the important role surplus lines play in keeping coverage options available,” said Benjamin McKay, CEO and executive director of the SLA. “With ongoing challenges in the admitted market, surplus lines have become a necessary pressure valve, ensuring homeowners have viable coverage solutions while helping to ease strain on both the admitted market and the FAIR Plan.”

Board of Directors Slate Approved

During the business portion of the meeting, California-licensed surplus lines brokers voted to approve the 2025 Board of Directors slate, welcoming John Fosdick and Charles Ford as new board members.

“The SLA board plays a pivotal role in guiding our sector through change and ensuring surplus lines remain a trusted solution for California’s insurance market,” said Rich Gobler, SLA board chair. “We welcome John Fosdick and Charles Ford to the board and value their insights as we support the evolving needs of our members and the industry.”

The 2025 SLA Board of Directors includes Chair Rich Gobler (Burns & Wilcox), Vice Chair John Washington (Arch Insurance Group), Secretary/Treasurer Sarah Nichols (Crum & Forster Insurance Brokers Inc.) and Past Chair Janet Beaver (Aurenity), along with Directors Kristopher Bauer (Jencap Specialty), James Faley (Vela Insurance Services LLC), Charles Ford (Sompo), John Fosdick (CRC Insurance Services), Robert Gilbert (Markel West Insurance Services), Jon Larson (ACE Westchester), Terri Moran (Paul Hanson Partners), Pam Quilici (Ryan Specialty Group) and Charles Rosson (EPIC).

For more information about the SLA and its work supporting surplus lines brokers and the California surplus lines marketplace, visit www.slacal.com.

About the Surplus Line Association of California

Headquartered in San Ramon, the Surplus Line Association of California (SLA) is a self-governed, private organization dedicated to supporting the state’s surplus lines marketplace. Since its appointment by the California Insurance Commissioner in 1994, the SLA has served as the state’s official surplus lines advisory organization, working closely with the California Department of Insurance to facilitate regulatory oversight. The SLA helps surplus lines brokers comply with California laws and regulations, maintains a healthy, fair and competitive surplus lines marketplace and supports access to coverage by processing policies and monitoring the financial health of surplus lines insurers operating in California.

SOURCE The Surplus Line Association of California