News: 2008 Press Release

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today deployed more than two dozen California Department of Insurance (CDI) fraud division investigators to assist local law enforcement at the Sayre Fire.

CDI contacted local law enforcement and LAPD requested assistance. Additional CDI fraud investigators are on standby and are available should they be needed.

The Department of Insurance employs more than 200 sworn police officers statewide. Their main duties are to protect the public from economic loss and distress by actively investigating and arresting those who commit insurance fraud. The Fraud Division acts as the primary law enforcement agency in the State of California for investigating different types of Suspected Fraudulent Insurance Claims.

Commissioner Poizner also reminded residents who have been in a mandatory evacuation because of a wildfire that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses.  Businesses may also be eligible for reimbursement due to lost business.

"Being evacuated from your home is tough enough without having to worry about the additional expenses that will be incurred. Often, items like hotel stays, extra food and other additional living expenses during a mandatory evacuation are included in their homeowners insurance policies," said Commissioner Poizner.  "Evacuees should check their policies as soon as possible, and if they have any insurance questions, they should call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-HELP."

Many residential homeowners insurance policies cover what is known as ALE, or additional living expenses. This permits homeowners to maintain their normal standard of living by covering the increased living expenses incurred as a result of damage caused by the fire or a mandatory evacuation. ALE coverage typically includes extra food costs, increased housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage costs, telephone installation and extra transportation costs to and from school or work.