Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse Applaud Extension of Additional Living Expenses Coverage for Marshall Fire Survivors

Targeted News Service (Press Releases)

DENVER, Colorado, Jan. 11 -- Sen. Michael F. Bennet, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:

Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse welcomed news from the Colorado Division of Insurance that several homeowners' insurance companies have agreed to extend additional living expenses (ALE) coverage for Marshall Fire survivors for up to 24 months for policyholders who only had 12 months of coverage. This news comes after Bennet, Hickenlooper, and Neguse urged insurance providers to extend ALE coverage for survivors of the fire, who continue to recover and rebuild their homes, in a letter last month.

The Marshall Fire began on December 30, 2021, claimed over 1,000 homes, and caused an estimated $2 billion in total damages, making it the most devastating and costliest fire in Colorado history. Affected homeowners with only 12 months of ALE coverage faced the risk of losing the essential benefits of rental and mortgage assistance before completing recovery efforts on their homes.

"Just yesterday, I met with survivors of the Marshall Fire in Louisville and heard about their continued recovery," said Bennet. "More than a year later, our communities are still rebuilding and we must continue to support them. I'm glad that insurance companies heeded our call to provide more certainty to survivors as they get back on their feet."

"Rebuilding from the devastation caused by Marshall Fire is difficult, but it's even tougher when you're up against a 12 month insurance coverage deadline. This extension will give survivors the time they need to get as close to whole as possible," said Hickenlooper.

"The announcements made today are an important first step in ensuring that the families impacted by the Marshall Fire are able to recover and rebuild. And we'll keep working each and every day here in Washington D.C. and with our local and state government partners to ensure that our community recovers," said Neguse.

Marshall Fire survivors who lost their home and only had 12 months of ALE coverage and haven't yet received an extension should contact their insurance company, agent or adjuster immediately to request the necessary extension, up to 24 months, to allow them to rebuild their homes. If people experience any problems or resistance regarding this request, they should contact the Division of Insurance Consumer Services Team: 303-894-7490 / [email protected] / doi.colorado.gov (click on "File a Complaint").