As the Franklin wildfire ravaged Malibu last week, it’s a dire end of the year for an already disaster-hit California. From earthquakes to floods to fires, California’s wholesale insurance market is under siege from a barrage of challenges. But the California Insurance Wholesalers Association (CIWA refuses to stand idly by.
From regulatory overhauls to technological transformation, CIWA is stepping into the fray to safeguard its members and promote an equitable, competitive landscape for the state’s businesses and consumers.
In recent years, the withdrawal of admitted carriers from property and homeowners markets has forced significant reliance on the surplus lines market.
“Homeowners’ transactions in the surplus lines market have skyrocketed over 600%,” said Yana Connors (pictured) of CIWA. The California FAIR Plan, intended as a last resort for coverage, now faces over $380 billion in exposure with a meager $200 million in reserves.
“It’s a concerning imbalance,” she said. Addressing this precarious situation, CIWA has intensified its advocacy efforts, maintaining close ties with lobbyists and working to strengthen its legislative committee.
“We’re planning to form CIWA PAC to support legislative action that benefits our members,” Connors said.
The association’s focus on advocacy extends to its signature events, where legislative panels dissect critical issues affecting the industry.
“These panels provide members with a comprehensive overview of current issues and advocacy efforts,” Connors said. Speakers range from lobbyists to representatives of surplus lines associations, ensuring members receive actionable insights.
CIWA’s vision is not just about weathering the storm; it’s about preparing for the future. Recognizing the transformative potential of technology, the association has aligned itself with Lloyd’s Lab, a global innovation incubator.
“There’s an increase in opportunities for efficiency and data-driven decision-making,” Connors said, emphasizing the proliferation of tech and insurtech solutions. CIWA is in the process of creating educational webinars and insurtech panels which are designed to demystify these developments for members, while a soon-to-be formed InsurTech committee is set to explore practical applications of emerging technologies.
Despite the rapid pace of innovation, CIWA is unwavering in its commitment to high ethical standards. Membership is by application only, with a rigorous evaluation process to ensure alignment with the association’s core values.
“We assess applicants’ experience, reputation, and adherence to our mission of promoting ethical practices,” Connors said. Continuous learning remains a cornerstone of CIWA’s strategy, with events offering educational initiatives that empower members to maintain professionalism amidst mounting regulatory scrutiny.
Engagement, inclusion, and professional development are key pillars of CIWA’s strategy to attract and retain talent in the wholesale insurance sector. Connors pointed to the launch of CIWA Women in early 2025, aimed at fostering development and empowerment for women at all career stages.
“The goal is to provide tools, resources, and networks that enable success,” she said. Another initiative, CIWA Future, targets professionals under 40, connecting them with opportunities to learn and grow. “We want to support younger members and attract new talent,” she said.
Networking remains central to CIWA’s mission, with its annual events fostering deeper connections and long-term collaboration among members.
“These events offer opportunities for meaningful conversations and relationship building,” Connors said. Recognizing the importance of cultivating the next generation of professionals, CIWA also integrates internship programs into its events, giving young talent firsthand exposure to the industry.
As CIWA balances its legacy of advocacy with a forward-looking approach, the organization is setting a bold course for the future.
“Our mission is to ensure a vibrant, competitive insurance market for California businesses and consumers,” Connors said.
