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Advice From CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.