California's public consumer claims tracker continues to show progress in wildfire claim amounts, payments, and auto claims
News: 2025 Press Release
LOS ANGELES — Commissioner Ricardo Lara has announced the latest update of his public consumer claims tracking system, which aims to provide vital data for consumers and the public. The update shows that over $6.9 billion has been paid to wildfire survivors, thanks to advance payment laws he advocated for following previous disasters. These insurance payouts are helping individuals secure housing and replace personal belongings immediately. The total amount will increase as people initiate the claims process, which includes rebuilding and debris removal. Additionally, $73 million has been paid to policyholders for auto insurance claims related to the fires.
“With so much misinformation and speculation surrounding our insurance market after the Southern California wildfires, it is crucial for the public to track claims and monitor payouts. I want consumers to know that we are closely overseeing the entire claims process to ensure their protection,” said Commissioner Lara. “I expect insurance companies, including the FAIR Plan, to continue providing essential advance payments to help survivors recover as quickly as possible.”
By the numbers (As of February 5, 2025):
- 33,717 insurance claims filed for home, business, living expenses, and other disaster-related needs.
- 19,854 claims partially paid under laws requiring advance payments to speed recovery. Commissioner Lara issued a Bulletin on January 23 ordering insurance companies to provide advance funds for replacing personal property or contents in an amount that is 30 percent of the policy’s dwelling limit, up to $250,000, without requiring the policyholder to file an itemized claim (AB 3012, 2020), and an advance payment of no less than four months of living expenses (SB 872, 2020). The bulk of unpaid claims include property damage and debris removal, which will be paid when people begin the process of rebuilding and debris removal.
- $6.94 Billion paid out to insurance policyholders for residential and commercial claims, as of February 5, 2025.
- Over 5,000 people directly assisted by Department experts — including 2,300 in-person at Department-run workshops in Santa Monica and Altadena as well as disaster recovery centers, and more than 1,100 through the Department’s 800-927-4357 hotline.
- 5,597 auto insurance claims filed.
- $73 million paid out to insurance policyholders for auto insurance claims, as of February 5, 2025.
The Department has extended its hotline hours to Monday through Friday, 9AM to 7PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9AM to 1PM.
The data is from insurance companies, including the FAIR Plan, representing most admitted residential and commercial property insurers and surplus lines writers.
The Department also issued a guide to avoid scams after a disaster as there are often unscrupulous individuals who try and take advantage of disaster survivors who can be vulnerable during these challenging times. Consumers who have questions on their insurance or wish to file a complaint against a public adjuster, insurance company, or contractor can do so on the Department’s website or by calling 800-927-4357.
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Media Notes:
- Los Angeles Wildfire Claims Tracker
- California law requires upfront payments if requested, including:
- Payment of Contents Without Inventory: Existing law requires insurance companies to advance funds for replacing personal property or contents in an amount that is 30 percent of the policy’s dwelling limit, up to $250,000, without requiring the policyholder to file an itemized claim. After receiving the advance payment for contents, the policyholder can recover the full value of their destroyed personal property, up to their policy limits, by complying with documentation requirements.
- Additional Living Expense (ALE) Advance Payment: Existing law requires insurers to provide their policyholders with an advance payment of no less than four months of living expenses. This also applies to California FAIR Plan policies, which use the term “FAIR Rental Value” instead of ALE.
- Don't Get Scammed After a Disaster Information Guide - English
- Evite Las Estafas Después de un Desastre Information Guide – Spanish
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.
