News: 2009 Press Release

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner hosted a town hall-style Insurance Recovery Forum for Triangle Fire survivors on Wednesday in Yorba Linda.  Commissioner Poizner was joined by local, state and federal officials, as well as representatives from the insurance industry who answered specific insurance questions for fire victims. 

"Thousands of homeowners were hit hard by the November wildfires in Southern California, and my heart goes out to all fire survivors for everything they have had to endure," said Commissioner Poizner.  "The Triangle Fire ripped through communities in Eastern Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, destroying one hundred thirty-one homes.  But I want all fire victims to know that they are not alone on the road to recovery.  My Department is here to help until every last insurance claim is paid." 

Since the wildfires broke out in Southern California in November, 5,151 residential and commercial property claims have been filed, and 718 of those claims are known to be total losses, with an estimated exposure for insurers of $637 million.  More than $250 million has been paid out by insurers so far. 

As a result of the Triangle Fire, 1,965 residential and commercial property claims have been filed, and 134 of those claims are known to be total losses, with an estimated exposure for insurers of $228 million.  Nearly $78 million has been paid out by insurers to Triangle Fire survivors.  Commissioner Poizner has ordered his Department to continually monitor these numbers to make certain that insurers are meeting their obligations to pay all valid claims presented to them.

The Department's Consumer Services Division has received 60consumer complaints from fire survivors.  Nine of those complaints are from the Triangle Fire.  One of the complaints from the Triangle Fire is related to underinsurance.  The remaining complaints include claim denial, claim delay and low settlement offers. 

Commissioner Poizner will continue to monitor the wildfire recovery efforts, assist consumers with complaints and make sure that insurance companies are fulfilling their legal obligations to customers.  Today's Insurance Recovery Forum is the third in a series of forums hosted by Commissioner Poizner in the communities impacted by the recent wildfires.  Commissioner Poizner hosted forums for Tea Fire survivors on January 29, and for Sayre Fire survivors on January 7. 

At this evening's forum, Commissioner Poizner was joined by Assemblyman Michael Duvall, and representatives from the following agencies: the California Department of Insurance, Small Business Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and insurance companies with policyholders in the fire-impacted areas.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Following the October 2007 wildfires, Commissioner Poizner hosted Insurance Recovery Forums for fire survivors in Malibu, Ramona, La Mesa and San Bernardino County, connecting survivors with the resources they needed to get back on their feet quickly.