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CA Department of Insurance
CA Department of Insurance
CA Department of Insurance

Helping You Recover After Wildfires

031924 CA Consumer Alert

Helping You Recover After Wildfires

September 13, 2024 — Our thoughts are with those who suffered a loss as a result of the recent California wildfires.

The loss of life and property in the communities hit by these fires is heartbreaking.

In an effort to assist survivors of these devastating fires, we are continuing to work closely with other federal, state and local agencies to assist in recovery issues related to insurance.

Recovery is a process that can take months or even years, and we are here to help you access the insurance benefits that you paid for. Commissioner Lara has implemented laws that cut red tape and protect consumers by stopping insurance companies from dropping coverage for one year following a declared disaster — covering nearly 4 million consumers across 55 counties since its inception in 2019. Call us at 800-927-4357 (HELP) or visit our wildfire recovery page to use online chat and access resources. Following is a series of tips for wildfire survivors to help you walk through next steps.

September 13 Alert quote

 

CONSUMERS FACING EVACUATION FOR WILDFIRES

Insurance can cover additional rental costs if you are under mandatory evacuation orders and you need to evacuate because of a wildfire in your area. Please view the department’s checklist for consumers facing evacuation:

  • Follow all evacuation orders from local authorities.
  • If time allows, locate your insurance policy documents and upload them to the cloud using your mobile device.
  • If time allows, make a photo or video inventory of your possessions. An inventory can be completed quickly and easily on your smart phone and safely stored in the Cloud. Download a free home inventory guide from the department website.

If fire officials suggest evacuating, it’s best to leave right away. This helps you avoid danger and keeps roads clear for firefighters. In big wildfires, there’s no time for door-to-door warnings, so if you’re told to go, do it fast to stay safe.

Prepare for fire risk

 

FOLLOWING EVACUATION ORDERS:

  • Stay informed: You’ll be advised of potential evacuations as early as possible. Listen to local radio or TV for updates from authorities.
  • Officials decide: Fire officials decide when and where to evacuate based on the fire, wind, and terrain.
  • Law enforcement role: Police enforce evacuation orders. Follow their directions right away.
  • Order” & “warning”: These terms alert you to the significance of the danger. Other terms like “precautionary” and “immediate threat” might be used too.
  • Act fast: In severe wildfires, there’s no time to waste. If advised to leave, do so without delay.
  • Don’t wait for orders: It’s safer to leave before a mandatory order is issued.
  • Stay alert: You may be directed to temporary assembly areas to await transfer to a safe location.
  • Help firefighters: Don’t return home until fire officials notify you that it’s safe to do so.

low cost steps to keep embers out

 

RETURNING HOME SAFELY

 

Being aware of hazards is crucial when you return home:

  • Wait for clearance: Don't go home until it’s declared safe.
  • Watch for dangers: Look out for things like downed power lines.
  • Check gas lines: Be cautious with propane tanks and gas lines
  • Inspect for fire hazards: Search for any hidden embers or fires.

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TOP TEN TIPS FOR WILDFIRE CLAIMANTS

  1. Obtain a complete copy of your residential homeowner's insurance policy, including your declarations page.
  2. Take note of your Additional Living Expense (ALE) limits and manage your ALE expenses in recognition of a long rebuilding process.
  3. Track all of your additional expenses that arise from having to live in another location away from your home.
  4. Document all of your conversations with your insurer/adjuster about your claim and policy limitations in a dedicated "claim diary."
  5. Get at least one licensed contractor's estimate or bid on the cost to rebuild your home just to get a reasonable sense of the actual cost as compared to your coverage limits (for more considerations on contractors, view the CDI's electronic brochure Don't Get Scammed After a Disaster and check the website for California's Contractors State License Board.)
  6. Call the Department of Insurance Hotline for help at (800) 927-4357. You can also file a complaint at: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/101-help/.
  7. Understand you can purchase or rebuild at another location, and still receive full replacement cost benefits.
  8. Assess your situation, do not rush into any decision
  9. Do not assume you have inadequate coverage based on general information you are hearing about building costs or other general comments.
  10. Evaluate whether you will need a public adjuster or attorney to help you with your claim. In a declared-disaster, you may cancel the contract within five calendar days. Public adjusters are required to be licensed by the California Department of Insurance. To verify a public adjuster's license, call us at 1-800-927-4357 or check the status online on the License Status Inquiry application.

Please note: These tips are for general guidance only and are not a substitute for legal advice.

DON’T GET SCAMMED AFTER THE FIRES

Top tips to avoid being victimized:

  1. It is illegal for a public adjuster to advance money as an inducement to sign a contract.
  2. Public adjusters may not offer referral fees in excess of $100.
  3. Public adjusters may not have an interest in any contractor, demolition company, or any entity making repairs to your property.
  4. Public adjusters may not use a badge as identification.
  5. Beware of anyone attempting to rush you into signing a contract.
  6. Beware of any contractor attempting to have you sign a contract or begin demolition.
  7. Beware of any attorney urging you to sign any documents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I don’t have a copy of my homeowners policy. What should I do?

Ask your insurance company or agent for a copy of the policy and all endorsements. The law requires your insurance company to provide this to you free of charge within 30 days of your request.

Q: I have my homeowners policy but I don’t understand it. What should I do?

The Department of insurance has experts who can help you to understand your policy and coverages, if you have those documents available (in an in-person meeting). Otherwise, you should first contact your insurance company, agent or broker to get assistance understanding your coverages. If you are still unsure about your coverages or disagree with how the insurer is describing your coverages, you should file a Request for Assistance with CDI and one of our officers will assist you in understanding your coverages.

Additional Resources: 

Additional contact information:

  • California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): (916) 657-9494 or www.caloes.ca.gov
  • California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE): www.fire.ca.gov
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or www.fema.gov
  • Contractors State License Board: 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or www.cslb.ca.gov
  • National Insurance Crime Bureau 1-888-815-9064 or www.nicb.org

 

 


Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.

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