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The Effects of the California Wildfires Continue

1/7/19

By: Matthew Jones
The California Insurance Commissioner recently issued a press release regarding the extensive insured losses from the numerous California wildfires. Those losses total over $9 billion, and are even expected to rise. The losses span across various lines of insurance coverage, including commercial, residential, personal and commercial vehicles, and agricultural, to name a few. In light of the substantial losses and long process toward recovery, the Commissioner issued a notice to all insurers asking them to expedite claims and issuing checks immediately for four months of out-of-pocket costs. This notice also requested that the insurers help out the policyholders as much as possible in being lenient regarding document production, which will likely be difficult for policyholders given the damages sustained. The Commissioner also issued a “declaration of emergency” to allow insurers to obtain help from out-of-state claims adjusters in order to deal with the high volume of claims. However, these out-of-state adjusters must be educated and versed in California consumer protection laws, which are much more stringent than other states.
So in a time of heartbreak and sorrow, the Commissioner is coming to the rescue to help ease the insurance claim process and help the thousands of victims get back on their feet. However, despite these efforts, extensive litigation is likely to come from these tragic events as homeowners try to make themselves whole again.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Matthew Jones at mjones@fmglaw.com.