Tom Pratt, head of public policy and government affairs at Delos Insurance Solutions, has been appointed to the Legislative Committee of the Surplus Line Association of California (SLAC).
His appointment was unanimously approved by the Association's board.
"[Pratt's] background and focus on helping solve California homeowner insurance challenges make him an excellent addition to the committee,” said Cliston Brown, vice president of public affairs at SLAC.
Meanwhile, Pratt (pictured above) emphasized the personal and professional significance of the role: "Working in a California-based company with colleagues and friends who have been directly affected by wildfires, I’m excited to be able to play a part in improving industry and government understanding of wildfires. Delos has a strong track record of profitably insuring homes in perceived wildfire-stressed locations and the science and expertise behind Delos’ predictive wildfire model is second to none."
California's property insurance market continues to face stress from escalating wildfire risks. Traditional insurers have reduced capacity in high-risk areas, leaving many homeowners reliant on the surplus lines market for coverage. As a surplus lines provider, Delos has focused on expanding availability by using wildfire science and satellite imagery to identify insurable homes in areas often overlooked by standard carriers.
In this environment, the SLAC plays a vital role in guiding how surplus lines insurers and brokers operate, ensuring that the sector can adapt to risks while protecting consumers. Pratt’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the industry and policymakers seek solutions that balance affordability, availability, and long-term sustainability in wildfire-prone regions.
Pratt grew up in the wildfire-prone hills of Calaveras County and has spent much of his career at the intersection of insurance and public policy. At Delos, he has cultivated relationships with the California Department of Insurance and county leaders, contributing to conversations on how to keep coverage available for homeowners in high-risk areas.
His broader background includes founding and running an insurance brokerage, serving as president of two school boards, running for the State Senate, and chairing the Calaveras County Democratic Central Committee.
Through his role on SLAC’s Legislative Committee, Pratt is expected to bring both technical insights and a practical perspective shaped by first-hand experience with wildfire challenges. His focus will be on ensuring decision-makers have accurate data and context as they consider regulatory approaches, with the goal of fostering solutions that expand insurance availability while protecting consumers.
