News: 2009 Press Release

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced today that he will deploy Department of Insurance consumer information experts to help Jesusita Fire survivors with recovery efforts. 

"The last thing fire survivors should have to worry about after losing their homes and belongings is a daunting recovery process," said Commissioner Poizner.  "I am dispatching Department of Insurance consumer information experts to Santa Barbara Local Assistance Centers to aid fire survivors during this difficult time."

The County of Santa Barbara will be establishing a Local Assistance Center (LAC) beginning 9:00 AM, Monday, May 18, 2009.  The LAC is being established by the County and City of Santa Barbara to provide assistance and recovery services for residents who have lost homes or otherwise impacted by the Jesusita Fire. 

Commissioner Poizner is sending CDI staff to the LAC to respond to any insurance-related questions and concerns survivors may have as they work to rebuild their lives in the wake of the destructive wildfires in Santa Barbara.  Consumer information experts will assist survivors with obtaining additional living expense payments, answer insurance questions, help fire survivors understand their coverage, provide advice for filing a claim and assist with filing a complaint if necessary.

The LAC will be open beginning Monday, May 18, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday until further notice, at the County Administration Building Lobby, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 93101.

If any fire survivors have questions or if they suspect any kind of fraudulent activity, they should contact the CDI at 800-927-HELP.