The Idaho Legislature is taking steps to address growing concerns about the state’s property insurance market, particularly in the wake of destructive wildfire seasons. A House concurrent resolution, introduced Thursday, proposes the creation of a legislative committee tasked with studying the issue.
The resolution, expected to be posted on the Legislature’s website shortly, cites the impact of Idaho’s 2024 wildfire season on property insurance. Addressing the House Health and Welfare Committee, Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that 22 of the state’s 91 property insurance carriers have requested to cease offering property insurance.
Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron presenting to committee.
Cameron explained that the committee would provide a platform for Idaho homeowners to voice their experiences, particularly those facing loss of coverage or dramatically increased rates. “These aren’t just homeowners that live in rural Idaho,”; Cameron observed, “But they’re residents all over the state. Insurance rates are going up by nearly 30% on average this year for property insurance.”
The resolution’s introduction sets the stage for a full committee hearing, including public testimony, before consideration by the full House and Senate. The House Business Committee is likely to review the resolution. This comes as another bill, the “Idaho Wildfire Risk Mitigation and Stabilization Pool Act” (House Bill 17), introduced in January, remains stalled in the House Business Committee. This bill aims to assist homeowners against wildfire risks while keeping insurance rates down.
Cameron also disclosed plans for another piece of draft legislation, scheduled for an introductory hearing on Friday. These developments reflect the Legislature’s growing attention to the property insurance challenges facing Idaho residents in the face of rising wildfire risks.
