Commissioner Poizner Assists Jesusita Fire Evacuees and Victims in Contacting Their Insurance Companies for Assistance

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News: 2009 Press Release

For Release: May 8, 2009

Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566

Commissioner Poizner Assists Jesusita Fire Evacuees and Victims in Contacting Their Insurance Companies for Assistance

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today provided a comprehensive directory of contact information for Santa Barbara residents who have been impacted by the Jesusita Fire. Commissioner Poizner also reminded evacuees that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations.

"Losing your home and belongings to a wildfire is absolutely devastating," said Commissioner Poizner. "I want to make sure that every single Jesusita Fire evacuee has access to their insurance company and is receiving the kind of immediate response they deserve. If any wildfire victims or evacuees have questions or are being given the run-around from their insurer, they should call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-HELP."

The Jesusita Fire, which started on May 5, has burned 3,500 acres and 75 homes. The fire is 10 percent contained, with 2,300 firefighters working to fight the blaze. Commissioner Poizner has offered to dispatch CDI enforcement officers to assist local authorities.

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, after the deductible is reached.

Commissioner Poizner provided the insurance company contact information below to Santa Barbara residents impacted by the wildfire. If anyone has difficulty getting in contact with their insurance company, they can call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-HELP.

Insurance Company	Contact Information
Allstate Insurance Group (Allstate Insurance Company, Encompass Insurance Company)	(800) 54 Storm or (800) 547-8676 www.allstate.com
AIG	(866) 342-2045 or (877) 244-0304 www.aig.com
American National Property & Casualty Company	(800) 333-2860 www.anpac.com

American Security Insurance Company	(866) 324-6516 www.assurant.com
Amica Mutual Insurance Company	(800) 242-6422 or (877) 972-6422 www.amica.com
Auto Club of So Ca - AAA	(800) 672-5246 www.aaa.com
Balboa Insurance Group	(888) 768-2096 www.balboainsurance.com
Chubb Group of Insurance Companies (Federal Insurance Co., Vigilant Insurance Co., Pacific Indemnity Co., Great Northern Insurance Co., Chubb Custom Insurance Co.	(800) 252-4670 www.chubb.com
California Capital Insurance Company	(800) 682-9255 or (800) 986-9974 www.ciginsurance.com
California Casualty Ins. Exchange	(800) 800-9410 or (866) 680-5143 www.calcas.com
California Earthquake Authority	EQ only - call insurer who holds policy www.earthquakeauthority.com
California Fair Plan	(800) 339-4099 www.cfpnet.com
Century National Insurance Company	(800) 733-1980 www.centurynational.com
Civil Service Employees Insurance Company	(800) 282-6848 www.cseinsurance.com
CNA Insurance Group	(877) 262-2727 www.cna.com
CSAA	(877) 422-2100 or (800) 922-8228 www.csaa.com
Electric Insurance Company	(800) 227-2757 www.electricinsurance.com
Farmers Insurance Group (Fire Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company)	(800) help point or (800) 435-7764 www.farmers.com
Fidelity National Insurance Company	(800) 220-1351 www.fidelityonline.com
Fireman's Fund	(888) Fire Hat or (888) 347-3428 www.firemansfund.com
First American Specialty Insurance Company	(800) 346-3782 www.firstam.com
Foremost Insurance Company	(800) 527-3907 www.foremost.com/claims
Hartford Fire & Casualty Group (Hartford Underwriters, Hartford Casualty)	(800) 243-5860 www.thehartford.com
IDS Property and Casualty Ins. Co	(800) 872-5246 www.ameriprise.com
Kemper Independence Ins. Company	(888) 252-2799 or (888) 227-5004 or (877) 252-7878 www.ekemper.com
Lexington National Insurance Corporation	(800) 931-9546 FAX to report a claim: (866) 603-5519
Liberty Mutual	(800) 2 Claims or (800) 225-2467or (800) 713-7379 www.libertymutual.com
Lincoln General Insurance Company	(866) 367-3424 www.lincolngeneral.com
Merastar Insurance Company	(800) MERASTER or (800) 637-2782 www.merastar.com
MetLife Auto & Home	Phone: (800) 854-6011FAX: (866) 743-1546 Web: www.metlife.com
Mercury	(888) 313-6372 www.mercuryinsurance.com
National Interstate Insurance Company	(800) 929-0870 http://www.nationalinterstate.com/
Nationwide Group (AMCO Insurance Company, Allied Property and Casualty Insurance Company)	(800) 282-9445 or (800) 282-1446 www.nationwide.com
Oregon Mutual Insurance Company	(800) 888-2141
Pacific Specialty	(800) 962-1172 www.pacificspecialty.com
Progressive Insurance Company	(800) PROGRESSIVE or (800) 776-4737 www.progressive.com
Residence Mutual Insurance Company	(800) 927-2142 or (800) 234-2103 www.residencemutual.com
Safeco Insurance Group (Safeco Insurance Company of America, Safeco Insurance Company of Illinois, First National Insurance Company of America)	(800) 332-3226 www.safeco.com
State Farm	(800) SF Claim or (800) 732-5246 www.statefarm.com
Travelers	(800) Claim33 or (800) 252-4633 www.travelers.com
Unitrin Auto and Home Insurance Company	(888) 252-2799 or (888) 227-5004 or (877) 252-7878 www.ekemper.com
USAA	(800) 531-8222 www.usaa.com
Wawanesa General Insurance Company	(800) 57 Claim or (800) 572-5246 www.WawanesaUS.com
Zurich American Insurance Company	(800) 987-3373 www.zurichna.com Online claims: Web: webclaims.zurichna.com/mainpage.aspx

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Please visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP. Callers from out of state, please dial 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.

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