SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE VICTIMS COULD TAP INSURANCE FOR EVACUATION COST REIMBURSEMENT
Printer-friendly version Insurance may help evacuated residents even if homes not damaged Source: California Insurance Commissioner Photo: ECM news partner 10 News December 8, 2017 (San Diego) – Thousands of residents in San Diego, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties ordered to evacuate due to wildfires may have homeowner or renter insurance coverage to help with evacuation and relocation costs, even if their homes are not damaged or destroyed, and in many cases no deductible is required. Many homeowners are unaware that they may have insurance coverage under their homeowner and renter policies to help them with evacuation and recovery expenses under additional living expense coverage, or ALE, allowing consumers to focus their attention on recovery. ALE coverage typically includes food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, and extra transportation expenses. “It is imperative residents are aware of every resource available to them to recover from the emotional and financial burden caused by wildfires and to get their lives back on track,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “Insurance coverage is meant to protect consumers from the devastating financial effects of wildfires and other disasters. I encourage evacuees to contact their insurance agent or the Department of Insurance for assistance.“ Here are some tips for consumers: Policy provisions, including deductibles, vary by company, residents should check with their insurer as soon as possible to confirm coverage, limits, and any other limitations and documentation requirements. Most renters’ policies also typically include ALE coverage. Consumer should make sure any insurance agent or public adjuster offering their services has a valid license by checking online with the Department of Insurance. Public adjusters cannot solicit business for seven calendar days after the 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. Additional tips and information for consumers about what to do before, during, and after a wildfire are available from the California Department of Insurance. Download a free home inventory guide from the department Web site at http://www.insurance.ca.gov, or receive a hardcopy by calling the California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP (4357) or visit www.insurance.ca.gov. Printer-friendly version
HAZARDOUS FIRE WEATHER CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND: RED FLAG AND HIGH WIND WARNINGS EXTENDED THROUGH SUNDAY
Printer-friendly version East County News Service December 8, 2017 (San Diego) — Santa Ana winds will continue this weekend, the National Weather Service advises. This will combine with very low humidity (5-10% minimums during the days away from the coast and poor nighttime recovery) to bring hazardous fire weather conditions. A red flag warning has been extended until 8 p.m. Sunday from the mountains west to the coast. Winds will gradually increase again Saturday through Sunday morning. Most of the windier locations will have 20-30 mph winds with local gusts 40-50 mph at times through Sunday, but the San Diego County mountains and foothills could have local gusts of 55-65 mph Sunday morning. Therefore, the high wind warning has been expanded through 4 p.m. Sunday for parts of San Diego County. Strongest winds will be just west of the mountain crests and through and below passes and canyons. Winds will diminish late Sunday and Sunday night, but offshore flow will continue to bring low humidity for most of next week. Printer-friendly version