Consumer Watchdog
@consumerwatchdog.bsky.social
Our mantra at Consumer Watchdog is simple, but effective.
Expose rip-offs and injustice. Confront the industries and politicians responsible. Change the world.
Expose rip-offs and injustice. Confront the industries and politicians responsible. Change the world.
#GivingTuesday2025
Support our committment to California Fire Survivors by GIVING us your ears and listen to our new podcast.
Smoke & Mirrors:
Investigating Home Insurance Abuses
Listen today on your podcast platform of choice.
Support our work: consumerwatchdog.kindful.com?campaign=114...
Support our committment to California Fire Survivors by GIVING us your ears and listen to our new podcast.
Smoke & Mirrors:
Investigating Home Insurance Abuses
Listen today on your podcast platform of choice.
Support our work: consumerwatchdog.kindful.com?campaign=114...
December 2, 2025 at 10:49 PM
#GivingTuesday2025
Support our committment to California Fire Survivors by GIVING us your ears and listen to our new podcast.
Smoke & Mirrors:
Investigating Home Insurance Abuses
Listen today on your podcast platform of choice.
Support our work: consumerwatchdog.kindful.com?campaign=114...
Support our committment to California Fire Survivors by GIVING us your ears and listen to our new podcast.
Smoke & Mirrors:
Investigating Home Insurance Abuses
Listen today on your podcast platform of choice.
Support our work: consumerwatchdog.kindful.com?campaign=114...
The latest episode of Consumer Watchdog’s podcast series Smoke & Mirrors explores how a backdoor agreement between California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and major insurance companies led to a wave of dropped policies before 2025’s catastrophic LA fires.
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
November 27, 2025 at 12:19 AM
The latest episode of Consumer Watchdog’s podcast series Smoke & Mirrors explores how a backdoor agreement between California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and major insurance companies led to a wave of dropped policies before 2025’s catastrophic LA fires.
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
The recent filing from Farmers Insurance under Insurance Commissioner Lara’s “Sustainable Insurance Strategy” is the poster child for the loopholes in the plan, allowing the company to hike rates steeply without increasing overall policy levels,
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/fa...
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/fa...
November 24, 2025 at 6:35 PM
The recent filing from Farmers Insurance under Insurance Commissioner Lara’s “Sustainable Insurance Strategy” is the poster child for the loopholes in the plan, allowing the company to hike rates steeply without increasing overall policy levels,
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/fa...
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/fa...
Bottom line, the @nytimes.com reports: “Insurance companies will be able to raise rates and offload billions of dollars in costs and liabilities to ratepayers while taking on few, if any, new customers in high fire-risk areas.”
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
November 21, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Bottom line, the @nytimes.com reports: “Insurance companies will be able to raise rates and offload billions of dollars in costs and liabilities to ratepayers while taking on few, if any, new customers in high fire-risk areas.”
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
Consumer Watchdog Welcomes Los Angeles County Investigation Into State Farm’s Wildfire Claims
“Many wildfire survivors have been waiting for nearly a year for help that hasn’t come,” Carmen Balber, Executive Director at Consumer Watchdog
consumerwatchdog.org/in-the-court...
“Many wildfire survivors have been waiting for nearly a year for help that hasn’t come,” Carmen Balber, Executive Director at Consumer Watchdog
consumerwatchdog.org/in-the-court...
November 14, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Consumer Watchdog Welcomes Los Angeles County Investigation Into State Farm’s Wildfire Claims
“Many wildfire survivors have been waiting for nearly a year for help that hasn’t come,” Carmen Balber, Executive Director at Consumer Watchdog
consumerwatchdog.org/in-the-court...
“Many wildfire survivors have been waiting for nearly a year for help that hasn’t come,” Carmen Balber, Executive Director at Consumer Watchdog
consumerwatchdog.org/in-the-court...
Fire Victims Want Insurance Commissioner @icricardolara To Resign!
via @kcranews.bsky.social
Add your name the petition today: lararesign.org
via @kcranews.bsky.social
Add your name the petition today: lararesign.org
November 8, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Fire Victims Want Insurance Commissioner @icricardolara To Resign!
via @kcranews.bsky.social
Add your name the petition today: lararesign.org
via @kcranews.bsky.social
Add your name the petition today: lararesign.org
"California Fire Victims Urge State to Hold Insurers Accountable" Via @nytimes.com
Join survivors and allies calling on Governor @gavinnewsom.bsky.social to install new leadership. lararesign.org
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
Join survivors and allies calling on Governor @gavinnewsom.bsky.social to install new leadership. lararesign.org
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
November 7, 2025 at 5:39 PM
"California Fire Victims Urge State to Hold Insurers Accountable" Via @nytimes.com
Join survivors and allies calling on Governor @gavinnewsom.bsky.social to install new leadership. lararesign.org
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
Join survivors and allies calling on Governor @gavinnewsom.bsky.social to install new leadership. lararesign.org
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
Press Conference: California Needs New Insurance Leadership
Today!! 11/6 | 9:30-11 AM | Altadena
70% of insured L.A. survivors face delays and denials impeding recovery. Join survivors and allies in calling for new leadership at the CA Department of Insurance.
www.efsurvivors.net
Today!! 11/6 | 9:30-11 AM | Altadena
70% of insured L.A. survivors face delays and denials impeding recovery. Join survivors and allies in calling for new leadership at the CA Department of Insurance.
www.efsurvivors.net
November 6, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Press Conference: California Needs New Insurance Leadership
Today!! 11/6 | 9:30-11 AM | Altadena
70% of insured L.A. survivors face delays and denials impeding recovery. Join survivors and allies in calling for new leadership at the CA Department of Insurance.
www.efsurvivors.net
Today!! 11/6 | 9:30-11 AM | Altadena
70% of insured L.A. survivors face delays and denials impeding recovery. Join survivors and allies in calling for new leadership at the CA Department of Insurance.
www.efsurvivors.net
CA homeowner insurance rates could rise 40% & homeowners in high risk wildfire areas will continue to lose coverage if Ins Commissioner Ricardo Lara remains in office another year.
Lara's deal set up wildfire survivors to be dumped by their insurers prior to the fires
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/u...
Lara's deal set up wildfire survivors to be dumped by their insurers prior to the fires
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/u...
November 1, 2025 at 5:35 PM
CA homeowner insurance rates could rise 40% & homeowners in high risk wildfire areas will continue to lose coverage if Ins Commissioner Ricardo Lara remains in office another year.
Lara's deal set up wildfire survivors to be dumped by their insurers prior to the fires
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/u...
Lara's deal set up wildfire survivors to be dumped by their insurers prior to the fires
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/u...
JUST RELEASED! Episode 2: The Underworld of Fire Insurance Subcontractors
In this episode we’ll pull the curtain back on the testing and cleaning companies that insurance companies send in after a wildfire strikes and a home is left standing.
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
In this episode we’ll pull the curtain back on the testing and cleaning companies that insurance companies send in after a wildfire strikes and a home is left standing.
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
November 1, 2025 at 4:13 PM
JUST RELEASED! Episode 2: The Underworld of Fire Insurance Subcontractors
In this episode we’ll pull the curtain back on the testing and cleaning companies that insurance companies send in after a wildfire strikes and a home is left standing.
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
In this episode we’ll pull the curtain back on the testing and cleaning companies that insurance companies send in after a wildfire strikes and a home is left standing.
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
Smoke & Mirrors Podcast Exposes Troubling Tactics of Insurance Subcontractors in Wildfire Recovery
Companies Appointed to California Smoke Damage Task Force Among those Accused of Downplaying Smoke Damage
Episode 2 available now!
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
Companies Appointed to California Smoke Damage Task Force Among those Accused of Downplaying Smoke Damage
Episode 2 available now!
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
October 31, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Smoke & Mirrors Podcast Exposes Troubling Tactics of Insurance Subcontractors in Wildfire Recovery
Companies Appointed to California Smoke Damage Task Force Among those Accused of Downplaying Smoke Damage
Episode 2 available now!
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
Companies Appointed to California Smoke Damage Task Force Among those Accused of Downplaying Smoke Damage
Episode 2 available now!
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/ne...
JUST RELEASED! Episode 2: The Underworld of Fire Insurance Subcontractors
In this episode we’ll pull the curtain back on the testing and cleaning companies that insurance companies send in after a wildfire strikes and a home is left standing.
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
In this episode we’ll pull the curtain back on the testing and cleaning companies that insurance companies send in after a wildfire strikes and a home is left standing.
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
October 28, 2025 at 2:43 PM
JUST RELEASED! Episode 2: The Underworld of Fire Insurance Subcontractors
In this episode we’ll pull the curtain back on the testing and cleaning companies that insurance companies send in after a wildfire strikes and a home is left standing.
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
In this episode we’ll pull the curtain back on the testing and cleaning companies that insurance companies send in after a wildfire strikes and a home is left standing.
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
Smoke and Mirrors Episode 1
Hear from:
🔥fire survivors who have fought and won
🔥public adjusters who seek to get claims paid on behalf of policyholders
🔥attorneys who litigate in court against insurance companies
🔥experts in toxins and testing
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
Hear from:
🔥fire survivors who have fought and won
🔥public adjusters who seek to get claims paid on behalf of policyholders
🔥attorneys who litigate in court against insurance companies
🔥experts in toxins and testing
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
October 26, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Smoke and Mirrors Episode 1
Hear from:
🔥fire survivors who have fought and won
🔥public adjusters who seek to get claims paid on behalf of policyholders
🔥attorneys who litigate in court against insurance companies
🔥experts in toxins and testing
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
Hear from:
🔥fire survivors who have fought and won
🔥public adjusters who seek to get claims paid on behalf of policyholders
🔥attorneys who litigate in court against insurance companies
🔥experts in toxins and testing
consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
California Homeowners Face Surcharges To Help Recoup Costs From January Wildfires
Via KCAL Mornings
Via KCAL Mornings
October 24, 2025 at 12:48 AM
California Homeowners Face Surcharges To Help Recoup Costs From January Wildfires
Via KCAL Mornings
Via KCAL Mornings
Smoke damage has become a major issue for wildfire victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires. In this episode, we present a tip guide for policyholders on getting smoke damage claims paid from those who know best: folks who have gone through it.
Listen In- consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
Listen In- consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
October 23, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Smoke damage has become a major issue for wildfire victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires. In this episode, we present a tip guide for policyholders on getting smoke damage claims paid from those who know best: folks who have gone through it.
Listen In- consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
Listen In- consumerwatchdog.org/smokeandmirr...
Smoke and Mirrors- New podcast series uncloaking the wildfire home insurance industry to empower policyholders.
Listen to the trailer today!
Episode #1 drops Tomorrow!
Subscribe today so you can be the first to listen.
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
Listen to the trailer today!
Episode #1 drops Tomorrow!
Subscribe today so you can be the first to listen.
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
October 22, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Smoke and Mirrors- New podcast series uncloaking the wildfire home insurance industry to empower policyholders.
Listen to the trailer today!
Episode #1 drops Tomorrow!
Subscribe today so you can be the first to listen.
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
Listen to the trailer today!
Episode #1 drops Tomorrow!
Subscribe today so you can be the first to listen.
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
“If we get the insurance industry out of the fossil fuels business, we are moving to a more sustainable future, and that will save consumers money.”
Carmen Balber, executive director Consumer Watchdog
www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/19/i...
Carmen Balber, executive director Consumer Watchdog
www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/19/i...
October 22, 2025 at 1:33 AM
“If we get the insurance industry out of the fossil fuels business, we are moving to a more sustainable future, and that will save consumers money.”
Carmen Balber, executive director Consumer Watchdog
www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/19/i...
Carmen Balber, executive director Consumer Watchdog
www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/19/i...
Smoke and Mirrors- New podcast series uncloaking the wildfire home insurance industry to empower policyholders.
Listen to the trailer today! Episode #1 drops this week!
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
Listen to the trailer today! Episode #1 drops this week!
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
October 20, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Smoke and Mirrors- New podcast series uncloaking the wildfire home insurance industry to empower policyholders.
Listen to the trailer today! Episode #1 drops this week!
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
Listen to the trailer today! Episode #1 drops this week!
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
Smoke & Mirrors-uncloaking the wildfire home insurance industry to empower policyholders
Our NEW investigative podcast series that exposes the deceptions of the home insurance industry & empowers wildfire survivors to take back what they are owed.
🎧Trailer here:
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
Our NEW investigative podcast series that exposes the deceptions of the home insurance industry & empowers wildfire survivors to take back what they are owed.
🎧Trailer here:
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
October 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Smoke & Mirrors-uncloaking the wildfire home insurance industry to empower policyholders
Our NEW investigative podcast series that exposes the deceptions of the home insurance industry & empowers wildfire survivors to take back what they are owed.
🎧Trailer here:
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
Our NEW investigative podcast series that exposes the deceptions of the home insurance industry & empowers wildfire survivors to take back what they are owed.
🎧Trailer here:
open.spotify.com/episode/5LVB...
Lighting a candle in honor of infants we have lost and to spread awareness about pregnancy and infant loss.
#pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessday
#waveoflight
#infantloss
#pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessday
#waveoflight
#infantloss
October 16, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Lighting a candle in honor of infants we have lost and to spread awareness about pregnancy and infant loss.
#pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessday
#waveoflight
#infantloss
#pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessday
#waveoflight
#infantloss
#weremember #pregnancyandinfantloss
Sending our love to all of those who have felt the loss of their precious baby.
❤️
Sending our love to all of those who have felt the loss of their precious baby.
❤️
October 16, 2025 at 1:00 AM
#weremember #pregnancyandinfantloss
Sending our love to all of those who have felt the loss of their precious baby.
❤️
Sending our love to all of those who have felt the loss of their precious baby.
❤️
Californians are currently left defenseless against gasoline price spikes because there are no rules to force oil refiners to resupply the lost fuel after a refinery outage or to maintain minimum inventories.
consumerwatchdog.org/energy/consu...
consumerwatchdog.org/energy/consu...
October 10, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Californians are currently left defenseless against gasoline price spikes because there are no rules to force oil refiners to resupply the lost fuel after a refinery outage or to maintain minimum inventories.
consumerwatchdog.org/energy/consu...
consumerwatchdog.org/energy/consu...
Californians are ready to reform the home insurance industry to protect themselves and their property.
9 out of 10 voters are concerned about insurance companies cancelling their coverage or raising their premiums.
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/po...
9 out of 10 voters are concerned about insurance companies cancelling their coverage or raising their premiums.
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/po...
October 8, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Californians are ready to reform the home insurance industry to protect themselves and their property.
9 out of 10 voters are concerned about insurance companies cancelling their coverage or raising their premiums.
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/po...
9 out of 10 voters are concerned about insurance companies cancelling their coverage or raising their premiums.
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/po...
Insurance Commissioner @ICRicardoLara must make the FAIR Plan meet its obligations to policyholders before approving any increase.
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/fa...
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/fa...
October 8, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Insurance Commissioner @ICRicardoLara must make the FAIR Plan meet its obligations to policyholders before approving any increase.
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/fa...
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/fa...
The Insurance Policyholder Bill of Rights guarantees that people who invest in wildfire mitigation get coverage and prevents companies from cancelling people simply because they file a claim.
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/in...
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/in...
October 6, 2025 at 3:21 PM
The Insurance Policyholder Bill of Rights guarantees that people who invest in wildfire mitigation get coverage and prevents companies from cancelling people simply because they file a claim.
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/in...
consumerwatchdog.org/insurance/in...