News: 2007 Press Release

SAN BERNARDINO ― California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today hosted a town-hall style Insurance Recovery Forum for San Bernardino County fire victims. Commissioner Poizner was joined by local, state and federal officials, in addition to representatives from the insurance industry who answered specific insurance questions for fire victims.

"Thousands of homeowners were hit hard by the recent wildfires in Southern California, and my heart goes out to all fire survivors for everything they have had to endure," said Commissioner Poizner. "These fires ripped through communities, destroying more than 2,000 homes. But I want all fire victims to know that they are not alone on the road to recovery. My Department is here to help, until every last insurance claim is paid."

Since the wildfires broke out in Southern California, more than 33,000 claims have been filed, and 1,500 of those claims are known to be total losses, with an estimated exposure for insurers of more than $2 Billion. More than $700 Million has been paid out by insurers so far.

In San Bernardino County, more than 6,000 claims have been filed, and 300 of those claims are known to be total losses, with an estimated exposure for insurers of $296 Million. More than $66 Million has been paid out by insurers to San Bernardino County residents. Commissioner Poizner has ordered his Department to continually monitor these numbers to make certain that insurers are meeting their obligations to pay all valid claims presented to them.

The Department's Consumer Services Division has received 65 consumer complaints from fire survivors. Forty-five of those complaints are from San Diego County, 14 are from San Bernardino County, and the rest are from the other affected counties. Most of the complaints are related to delays in getting adjusters assigned, or delays in getting Additional Living Expenses ("ALE") payments.

Commissioner Poizner will continue to monitor the wildfire recovery efforts, assist consumers with complaints, and make sure that insurance companies are fulfilling their legal obligations to their customers. He will also continue to host town hall meetings in the communities impacted by the recent wildfires.

At Commissioner Poizner's Insurance Recovery Forum, he was joined by representatives from the following agencies: U.S. Forest Service, Contractors State License Board, Small Business Administration, Debris Removal, Legal Aide, United Policyholders, and Insurance Companies with policyholders in the fire-impacted areas.

Last week, Commissioner Poizner hosted an Insurance Recovery Forum for the fire survivors in San Diego County, where the Witch Fire destroyed 480 homes.