Lara moves to protect insurance coverage for Southern California wildfire survivors

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced an impending action to protect communities affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County following Governor Gavin Newsom's emergency declaration. Under state law, once the fire's perimeter is determined, Lara will issue a bulletin identifying areas in the immediate vicinity of the fires that will be protected for one-year from homeowners' insurance non-renewal or cancellation due to wildfire risk. In 2024 more than 1 million policies were protected for one year because of Commissioner Lara's actions.

"My heart goes out to the many Angelenos affected by this disaster, and our top priority right now is protecting Californians during this crisis," said Lara. "My department and I are committed to ensuring your claims are honored and that you receive the services you contracted for with your insurance company. Insurance companies are pledging their commitment to California, and we will hold them accountable for the promises they have made."

Lara is taking several actions to protect Angelenos

Cracking down on fraud

Lara is sending our enforcement team to safeguard Angelenos from fraudsters who are targeting wildfire survivors.

Preventing non-renewals

Utilizing our moratorium powers to prevent insurance companies from canceling or non-renewing policies in wildfire-impacted areas.

Fair risk assessment

Newly enacted reforms are now in effect to ensure insurance companies accurately assess risk and set premiums fairly for consumers.

Lara reminds residents in Los Angeles County who have been ordered to evacuate due to the wildfires that their homeowners' or renters' insurance may help with evacuation and relocation costs under Additional Living Expenses coverage, known as ALE. ALE coverage typically includes food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage and extra transportation expenses, among other costs.

If you have any questions or need assistance, the California Department of Insurance is here to help. Call: (800) 927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov.

Many homeowners are unaware that they may have coverage under their homeowners' and renters' insurance policies to help them with evacuation and recovery expenses.

In 2020, Commissioner Lara sponsored a new law — SB 872 authored by Senator Bill Dodd — that requires insurance companies pay at least two weeks of ALE benefits to evacuees and provide an advance payment for no less than four months of ALE without an itemized inventory form, among other consumer protections. This important consumer protection law removes barriers for disaster survivors to get critical insurance benefits and streamlines wildfire recovery processes for homeowners who suffer from a loss.

Here are some additional tips for consumers

* Keep all receipts during your evacuation. Policy provisions, including deductibles, vary by company, and residents should check with their insurance company or agent as soon as possible to confirm coverage, limits, and any other limitations and documentation requirements. Most renter's policies also typically include ALE coverage.

* Document the date, time, and names of any insurance company employees you speak to regarding your coverage.

* Consumers should make sure any insurance agent or public adjuster offering their services has a valid license by checking online with the Department of Insurance.

* Download the department's Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants(also available in Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese), which includes information about claiming ALE benefits.

* Under existing law, public adjusters cannot solicit business for seven calendar days after a disaster.

* Don't forget copies of insurance policies, important papers, and 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.