NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones reported that he has obtained agreements from insurers handling Valley and Butte wildfire damage claims to help fire victims begin their recovery more quickly.
Jones' office reported that more than 5,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged between the two wildland fires – Cal Fire's assessments showing that more than 1,950 structures, including more than 1,300 homes, were destroyed in the Valley fire alone – thousands of residents face the long and painful task of recovery, which often includes trying to reconstruct destroyed or missing documents.
In an effort to speed that recovery, insurers representing 90 percent of the claims resulting from the fires have agreed to claims handling reforms requested by Jones that will bring more timely payments and flexibility with some of the deadlines and documentation typically required by insurers.
“Expediting the insurance claim process is the right thing to do,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “I applaud the effort insurers have made to streamline claim handling and pay consumers quickly, so fire victims may begin to put their lives back together.”
After such destructive wildfires, policyholders often find many of the things the insurance company needs to process their claim are missing or were destroyed in the fire, such as home inventories and vehicle ownership papers.
Under this agreement, policyholders may receive advance payment for up to four months of additional living expenses, 25 percent of policy limits for personal property, and expedite the process for debris removal-a first step in rebuilding.
In addition to the more than 5,000 property claims, more than 1,000 vehicles were damaged or destroyed in the fires, Jones' office reported.
Insurers have also agreed to speed payment for damaged or destroyed vehicles and provide at least 30 days billing leniency for lost renewal notices or those who do not have the ability to have their mail forwarded.
Immediately following the fires, Commissioner Jones visited the burn areas to survey the damage, meet with residents, make sure insurers were on-site taking claims, and to talk to CDI staff who were on site assisting residents. The commissioner also met with state fire and emergency management and local officials.
Jones mobilized the department's resources to make sure consumers had access to the assistance and support the department provides, such as helping consumers navigate the recovery process.
He also directed the department's law enforcement team to meet with residents and educate them on how to avoid scam artists who prey on vulnerable victims.
When the local assistance centers opened, the department's consumer services team was on hand to assist consumers, and they remain on scene.
Policyholders who need assistance with their claim or have questions, may contact the Department of Insurance Consumer hotline at 800-927-4357 or visit the department's Web site for tips and advice.
The following is a list of Insurers participating so far in the voluntary policy reforms. Other insurers may respond to the department's request.
– CSAA Insurance Group (AAA Northern California);
– Farmers Insurance Group (Including Foremost);
– Hartford Fire & Casualty Group;
– State Farm Mutual Group;
– United Services Automobile Association Group (USAA).
To find out if your insurer is participating, please call Consumer Services at 800-927-4357.
Butte and Valley fire insurers agree to voluntary claim handling reforms to speed victim recovery
- Lake County News reports
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