INSURANCE

New Rules Provide Pay for ‘Intervenors’: Consumers who participate in insurance hearings on proposed rate increases or rule changes may be compensated for their time under new regulations filed last week. California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi said the rules would “ensure that traditionally underrepresented consumers, such as seniors and ethnic minorities, will be able to bring their positions to the department’s attention.” Such “intervenors” would be paid by the insurance company requesting a rate hike or by the Department of Insurance, if the proceedings involve new regulations.