The Department of Insurance ordered the state’s home insurer of last resort to answer allegations that it has handled smoke damage claims illegally.

However, advocates for policyholders have questioned why it took so long for the department to take the action after its own probe in 2022 found 418 violations of state law and the insurance code.

Last week, the Department of Insurance ordered the state’s home insurer of last resort to answer allegations that it has handled smoke damage claims illegally, which has prompted policyholder complaints and multiple lawsuits.

But consumer advocates say the legal action is long overdue, and some are skeptical that the move will reform the controversial California FAIR Plan.

The July 31 filing threatens the plan, operated by the state’s license

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