News: 2007 Press Release

SACRAMENTO ― Today Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner issued the following statement regarding the current Southern California fire storms:

"My heart goes out to the victims and evacuees of the fires. I will utilize all the resources at my disposal to ensure fire survivors' are treated fairly, quickly and honestly.

"The Department of Insurance has offered to support local officials at their 'one-stop shop' disaster assistance centers, in addition to the facilities coordinated by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. I have fraud-fighting teams ready to move into fire storm areas once it is appropriate. Additionally, at the request of the San Diego Sheriff's Department we have deployed approximately a dozen investigators for assistance. We also have teams on standby for the Lake Arrowhead and San Bernardino areas.

"My department has also contacted insurance companies' Catastrophe Assistance Teams to be sure they are smoothly integrated into the disaster response effort.

"I also want to remind residents that could be evacuated to make sure they gather their financial documents in addition to personal mementos. If you have not already conducted a home inventory of your assets, take the time to catalogue the condition of your home and your assets. Locate receipts for major purchases, such as art, electronic equipment, appliances. Should you need to file a claim, these steps will expedite the recovery process.

"I urge Californians who have questions or problems with their insurance policies to call our Hotline at 800.927.HELP (4357)."

Commissioner Poizner also reminds public adjusters of a law enacted after the 2003 wildfires that prohibits them from soliciting homeowners for adjusting business for seven calendar days after the disaster. The purpose of the law is to permit victims, such as victims of this week's fires, to have some time to comprehend their losses before contracts relating to their losses are solicited.