The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division filed a statement of interest in Ferrier v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, in which Larson represents 60 homeowners alleging a coordinated boycott between insurance companies to force homeowners in high-risk areas onto a state-run program with diminished coverage and higher costs.
The homeowners participating in the lawsuit lost their homes during the 2025 California wildfires and are seeking compensation to help them rebuild.
The statement of interest rejects the insurance carriers’ claim that the case should be dismissed, arguing that the exceptions to antitrust law cited do not apply to the alleged actions. “The last thing the fire victims need is the improper use of certain legal doctrines to deprive Angelenos of their day in court,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Charlie Beller in a statement. “The DOJ Antitrust Division is monitoring insurer conduct across the country to ensure that an improper understanding of federal law does not preclude state or federal antitrust claims.”
“We are pleased that DOJ’s antitrust division has taken a look at this dreadful situation and we welcome their involvement,” said lead counsel Stephen G. Larson. “We look forward to fully exposing in court, as alleged, the staggering damage unlawful collusion and group boycott by insurers have caused former long-standing policyholders forced onto grossly inadequate Cal FAIR policies.”
The DOJ Statement of Interest can be found here.