Wildfire Resources

Our thoughts are with those who suffered a loss as a result of the recent California wildfires. The loss of life and property in the communities hit by these fires is heartbreaking. 

In an effort to assist survivors of these devastating fires, we are continuing to work closely with other federal, state and local agencies to assist in recovery issues related to insurance.

Please work with your insurance agent or broker, claims adjuster, and insurance company with a goal of achieving a settlement that you believe is fair and consistent with your coverage. If you have a question about your insurance or a dispute with your insurance company, please call us at 1-800-927-4357 or use the Consumer Hotline Chat button below. We hope the guides listed below can help you understand some of the key insurance coverage terms that typically apply, prepare you for the process of making and settling a claim, and help you to avoid some of the pitfalls that can occur along the way.

• Evacuation Checklist for Policyholders
• Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants English Spanish  
• Home Inventory Guide
• Don't Get Scammed After a Disaster
• Tips to Avoid Being Victimized by an Insurance Scam
• Residential Property Claims Guide
• Top 10 Tips for Finding Residential Insurance English Spanish  
• Residential Insurance Company Contact List
• Coverage for Flood, Mudflow, Mudslide, Debris Flow, Landslide, or other Similar Event After a Wildfire Fact Sheet

Obtain Assistance from CDI

• Locate a Residential Insurance Policy Post Declared Disaster

Advisories and Commissioner Notices

• Personal Property (Contents) Coverage for Wildfire Claims – October 2, 2020
     -  List of Companies Complying with the October 2 Notice
• Continuation of Additional Living Expense (ALE) Benefits Due to Inaccessible/Uninhabitable Homes or Mandatory Evacuations Still in Effect as a Result of Wildfires – September 3, 2020
• Expedited Claim Handling & Billing Grace Period Procedures Related to the Wildfires - August 26, 2020
• Effective Date of 36 Month Additional Living Expenses Requirement
• Archived Notices

Public Adjuster  

The Department of Insurance urges consumers to begin the claims process by contacting their insurance company or agent. The Department strongly suggests people take their time when considering a contract for public adjuster. If a policyholder is considering hiring a public adjuster, the Department also urges consumers to check the public adjuster's license and make sure they are properly licensed and in good standing. 

• Check Public Adjuster License Status by Name
• Check Public Adjuster License Status by License Number
• Enforcement Actions

Wildfire-Related Reports

• Wildfire Availability and Affordability Report
• Revised Appendix D to Availability and Affordability Report

Wildfire Survivor Stories

• Consumer Success Stories

Additional State Resources

• CalOES Statewide Wildfire Recovery Resources
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Assistance