It’s unclear how much premiums could go up in the Bay Area or which parts of the region would see the largest rate hikes. Statewide, the insurer covers roughly 15% of homes, totaling more than 1

California's top insurance regulator says he will approve an emergency request from State Farm to raise home insurance rates for roughly a million customers if the company can justify the hike at a public hearing.

State Farm has been given the green light to increase home insurance premiums by 22%, as long as the company can prove that it needs to raise rates at a public hearing next month.

State Farm made its request following years of losses and huge damage claims it has received following the Jan. 7 fires.

The approval comes months after devastating wildfires, and will add an average $600 a year to homeowners’ bills.

California’s insurance commissioner said his approval was conditioned on State Farm justifying its need for the increase by bringing data to a public hearing on April 8.

Consumer Watchdog, a consumer advocacy group that opposed State Farm’s request, said the 22% increase could equate to an additional $600 annually for homeowners.

California's top insurance regulator on Friday said he would approve an emergency request by State Farm to raise premiums 22% on home insurance for about a million customers if the insurance giant could justify the hike at a public hearing.