| Commissioner Lara’s call to action leads State Farm to rescind non-renewals for wildfire survivors After Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara used his moratorium power to halt non-renewals in Southern California wildfire areas and called on insurance companies to rescind non-renewals, State Farm has responded to his call. The Los Angeles Times reported that the state’s largest homeowner’s insurance company will offer renewals to all Los Angeles County homeowners, rental dwelling policyholders, residential community associations, or business owners policies who are pending non-renewal or cancellation. Commissioner’s POV: “All eyes are on insurance companies right now, including mine. I asked insurance companies to do the right thing and stand by their customers. State Farm is answering my call and setting the tone for other insurance companies to follow. As I told the Los Angeles Times we are going to keep working to make sure everyone’s claims are paid fairly, quickly and completely — while protecting people from non-renewals under my moratorium orders.” Background: Commissioner Lara issued a moratorium on insurance companies non-renewing wildfire survivors. Today he expanded the moratoriums adding new wildfires. The amended Commissioner’s Bulletin shields those within the perimeters or adjoining ZIP Codes of the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Sunset, and Woodley fires in Los Angeles County for one year from the Governor’s January 7 emergency declaration regardless of whether they suffered a loss. To provide additional stability for communities near the wildfires, Commissioner Lara also issued a Notice calling on all insurance companies to stop any pending non-renewals or cancellations for any properties located near wildfires, if they are not already protected by the mandatory moratorium. This includes non-renewals issued up to 90 days prior to January 7, but taking effect after the start of the wildfires. State Farm is the first company heeding his call to action. In addition, Commissioner Lara called on insurers to offer beyond the 60-day grace period under existing law for policyholders in the immediate affected wildfire areas, to pay their home insurance premiums given the challenges that many policyholders in these areas are having right now. What’s next: Commissioner Lara announced free two-day insurance support workshops on January 18 and 19 in Santa Monica and January 25 and 26 in Pasadena to help survivors understand their insurance policies and the claims process, while also providing information about available resources for rebuilding and recovery. These workshops are open to all those impacted by the recent wildfires. Call 800-927-4357 to schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Department of Insurance expert. Visit www.insurance.ca.gov. |
| Media Notes: Additional resources and information for consumers on wildfires are available from the Department of Insurance. Download a free home inventory guide from the Department website, or receive a hardcopy by calling the Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. If you have any questions or need assistance, the Department of Insurance is here to help. Please call: 1-800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov.Additional contact information: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): (916) 657-9494 or caloes.ca.govCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE): fire.ca.gov Federal Emergency Management Agency: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or fema.govContractors State License Board: 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or cslb.ca.gov National Insurance Crime Bureau 1-888-815-9064 or www.nicb.org Exciting News! 🌟 The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is proud to introduce the Community Outreach and Education Partnership Initiative. This dynamic program is designed to raise consumer awareness about CDI’s vital services and expand understanding of key insurance topics and fraud prevention. Become a valued partner and unlock exclusive access to:Comprehensive consumer education materials Specialized training sessionsPowerful social media tools |
