The Insurance Commissioner regulates the largest insurance market in the United States, and the fourth largest insurance market in the world, with more than $119 billion in direct premiums; enforces the California Insurance Code; and oversees the Department of Insurance.

The Department of Insurance conducts examinations and investigations of insurance companies and producers and works to ensure the financial solvency of companies so that they will meet their obligations to policyholders and claimants.

The Department of Insurance receives and investigates more than 300,000 consumer inquiries and complaints annually. The department reviews and approves insurance rates to enforce the requirement of California law that rates are not excessive or unfair. The department also administers the conservation and liquidation of insolvent and delinquent insurance companies and fights insurance fraud in conjunction with local and state law enforcement agencies.