California's levy of $1 billion on private insurers to help pay out wildfire claims in its state-run program has renewed focus on the challenges the industry faces in a market already losing appeal rapidly,

California’s plan that provides insurance to homeowners who can’t get private coverage needs $1 billion more to pay out claims related to the Los Angeles wildfires, the state Insurance Department said Tuesday.

The move will likely lead to higher costs for households across the state, and may push more insurers to leave, intensifying a home insurance crisis.