July 3, 2024 — Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States, including many in California. Insurance coverage can help, but prevention is critical. As California endures high heat and increased wildfire danger for the July 4 holiday, the California Department of Insurance is sharing a fact sheet on Preparing for Extreme Heat and Wildfire Risk.
Consumers Facing Evacuation for Wildfires
Insurance can cover additional rental or food costs if 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.
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) Office of the Ombudsman is CDI’s liaison for elected officials and their staff for constituent-related issues and general questions.
Our contact information is as follows:
Telephone (Legislative): (916) 492-3457 (for use by elected offices only).
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as you can. If you do not have access to air conditioning, find a public cooling center near you. Cooling centers in your county can be found here.
Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
Be Firework Safe on the Fourth of July
Celebrating the 4th of July should be an enjoyable time for all! If you are planning to participate in fireworks check out these safety tips and remember your insurance may be responsible for any injuries or fires you cause.
Protect your Pets
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors.
Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
Check the sidewalks before taking your dog on a walk and don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt.
Insurance has you Covered
Health insurance is there for you if you experience any symptoms of heat related illness and need medical care.
Home warranties or home protection contracts can help repair or replace your air conditioning unit or other appliances that may overheat.
Heat waves bring greater fire risk, so it’s important to review insurance policies and understand your coverage. Home insurance can cover your extra expenses for hotels or food if you’re ordered to evacuate for wildfire.
Update on Department of Insurance services
As a reminder our offices will be closed this Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day but we will resume normal business hours Friday July 5.
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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