News: 2010 Press Release

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner reminded residents who have been evacuated due to the recent wildfires in Kern County that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations.

"Anyone who has been forced to evacuate their home due to the fires in Kern County should check their insurance policies," said Commissioner Poizner. "Many homeowners' policies cover additional living expenses that result from mandatory evacuations - including hotel stays and extra food costs. If any evacuees have insurance questions, I encourage them to call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-HELP."

Many residential homeowners' insurance policies cover what is known as ALE, or additional living expenses. This permits homeowners to maintain their normal standard of living by covering the increased living expenses incurred as a result of damage caused by the fire or a mandatory evacuation. ALE coverage typically includes extra food costs, increased housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage costs, telephone installation and extra transportation costs to and from school or work.

Commissioner Poizner also urged all Californians to get prepared for wildfires today. This morning, Poizner joined fire officials in Los Angeles, where he encouraged all Californians to make sure their insurance policies are updated and to conduct a home inventory today. A free home inventory guide is available on the Department of Insurance website at www.insurance.ca.gov, or by calling the CDI Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP.

Today Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency in Kern County, where wildfires have burned more than 2,000 acres, threatened hundreds of homes and required residential evacuations.