Media Advisory: In The Wake of Erskine, Sand, Soberanes Fires In California, An Overview Of Wildfire Insurance Coverage

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New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org
California Press Office: (707) 490-9365; janetr@iii.org

 

 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, July 28, 2016 — Reporters covering the wildfires in Central/Southern California can contact the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) for facts, statistics and information on the claims process by insurance industry experts.

 

The Erskine, Sand, and Soberanes Fires, which have been raging through Central and Southern California in July, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses, are now in various stages of containment and the recovery process has begun. Janet Ruiz, the I.I.I.’s Northern California-based representative, is available to conduct interviews in person or via Skype. She can also arrange interviews with other I.I.I. subject matter experts, including a Spanish-speaking spokesperson.

 

Damage caused by fire and smoke is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business owners insurance policies and under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Water losses, or damage caused by fire fighters while extinguishing a fire, is also covered under these policies. The California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan Association, the state’s property insurer of last resort, covers residential and commercial properties located in brush and wildfire areas.

 

Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies also provide coverage for additional living expenses (ALE) when there is an insured disaster. This includes the expense of living away from your home if there is a mandatory evacuation or if your home is damaged and made unlivable. Hotel bills, restaurant meals and other expenses over and above customary living costs are all covered by ALE.

 

In California a home inventory is required when submitting a claim. The I.I.I. website has consumer tips, articles and videos on how to conduct a home inventory as well as a free home inventory app, Know Your Stuff.

 

For detailed information on how to protect your home against wildfires, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) provides a Wildfire Checklist.

 

RELATED LINKS

 

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.

 

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

 

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org

 

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