Insurance Commissioner reports insured losses from November 2018 wildfires up to $11.4 billion—a 25 percent increase from initial report
News: 2019 Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Just two months ago, California experienced the most devastating wildfires in the last 100 years, destroying nearly an entire town and leaving 89 people dead and thousands homeless.
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today announced that to date more than $11.4 billion in insured losses have been reported from the November 2018 fires. That number is up more than $2.3 billion from losses the Department reported in December—a 25 percent increase. More than 13,000 insured homes and businesses suffered a total loss out of more than 46,000 claims reported by insurers.
“Today, we have a clearer picture of the loss from the devastating Camp and Woolsey fires,” said Commissioner Lara. “The Department of Insurance is here to help. To date we have assisted more than 5,000 survivors of the November fires. To the residents of Paradise, Butte, Malibu, Los Angeles and the other communities who have lost so much—we stand with you on the long road to recovery.”
Department of Insurance staff have been onsite in all affected areas providing expertise and counsel to wildfire survivors and at Local Assistance and Disaster Recovery Centers in Northern and Southern California.
The Department also has intensive workshops planned in the coming weeks to help the survivors of the November fires with their insurance needs.
The Department deployed its law enforcement personnel to devastated communities in the aftermath of the fires to deter scam artists who might otherwise prey on vulnerable wildfire survivors.
The Department’s enforcement team escorted homeowners and insurance claims adjusters through blocked roads and hazards to allow them to inspect more than 1,200 properties and expedite claims for property and auto losses—so people can get paid faster.
“We have a lot to do to get ready for the next fire season,” said Commissioner Lara. “The Department of Insurance is committed to working tirelessly with our fellow agencies to ensure that we have a system in place that protects wildfire survivors, prevents wildfires, and preserves our state.”
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Media Notes:
- Insured loss data provided by California insurers.
- Department’s wildfire resources page
- Top Ten Tips for Wildfire Claimants
- Tips to avoid being victimized by an insurance scam
- Digitized replay: Scheduled to begin on 1/28/19 at 1:00 PM and end on 2/5/19 at 11:59 PM - Telephone: 800-475-6701 (USA) 320-365-3844 (International) Access code: 463533
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.
