Department of Insurance assists with Russian River flood recovery, urges state homeowners to consider flood insurance
News: 2019 Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In the wake of record rains and recent flooding Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara dispatched Department of Insurance staff to Sonoma County to assist with recovery efforts. With many Californians not aware that traditional homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, he urged homeowners to consider purchasing flood insurance.
Department staff are available to answer questions through Saturday, March 9 at the Local Assistance Center in Guerneville or by phone at 800-927-4357 following the winter storms and Russian River flooding that inundated 2,600 homes and businesses and damaged or destroyed many automobiles.
“Climate change is driving more extreme weather events than ever, including floods,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “We want to make sure people have the coverage they need before the next storm puts their home at risk. Having flood insurance may be the difference between recovering quickly from a catastrophic event or suffering devastating financial losses.”
Flood insurance is available through the Federal Flood Insurance Program and must be in force for 30 days prior to a flood, in most cases.
February was the sixth wettest month on record, and it is not too late for homeowners to assess their risk for flooding and ensure they have the coverage they need to protect their home which is typically a family’s most valuable financial asset.
The department has a number of resources to help consumers with insurance coverage or claim questions. Consumers with questions or needing assistance should call the consumer hotline at 800-927-4357.
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Media Note:
- California Department of Insurance Flood fact sheet.
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
