[Photo: AP]
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – California’s Insurance Commissioner has taken steps to protect thousands of wildfire survivors.
To speed recovery efforts and result in more timely payments to policyholders, Commissioner Dave Jones has issued a declaration of an emergency situation allowing insurers to use qualified out-of-state adjusters who work under the insurance company’s California license.
Jones also issued two notices to speed recovery efforts including one to expedite claims and a second to instruct insurers to make sure claims adjusters are properly trained on California law.
He’s requesting insurers expedite wildfire damage claims, and be flexible with deadlines and documentation.
Policyholders may receive advance payment for up to four months of additional living expenses, 25 percent of policy limits for personal property, and an expedited process for debris removal.
These procedures also speed payment for damaged or destroyed vehicles and provide at least 30 days billing leniency for lost renewal notices for those who do not have the ability to have mail forwarded.
[Photo:AP]Following last years’ wildfires, the commissioner received feedback from wildfire survivors, public officials, and others that some of the representations made by insurance adjusters conflicted with California law.
Jones also directed the California Department of Insurance to issue a formal notice to all insurers, adjusters, agents and brokers to make sure all claims adjusters assigned to wildfire claims, are trained on Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, and all other laws relating to property and casualty insurance claims handling,
Jones is visiting the Redding burn areas Thursday to survey the damage, meet with residents, make sure insurers are on-site taking claims, and to meet with California Department of Insurance staff who were deployed on-site to assist residents.
Policyholders may contact the Department of Insurance Consumer hotline at 800-927-4357 for tips and advice.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
