Insurance Commissioner Jones reminds Clover Fire evacuees that certain living expenses may be reimbursed from homeowners’ insurance coverage
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REDDING, CA – September 25, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is currently tracking evacuations due to wildfires in the state, including the recovery efforts after the Clover Firenear Redding that left 68 residences destroyed, five damaged and the death of 56-year-old Brian Stanley Henry that remains under investigation. Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is reminding wildfire evacuees that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations.
“The strong winds and dry conditions in Shasta County made the Clover Fire a devastating wildfire,” said Commissioner Jones. “The combined efforts of multiple fire districts and the willingness of residents to follow evacuation orders undoubtedly saved lives. However, many evacuees may be unaware that their homeowners’ insurance policies may help cover the additional living expenses incurred by the mandatory evacuation. I urge evacuees to contact their insurer to see if they qualify for this important benefit.”
Many homeowner insurance policies cover additional living expenses during natural disasters. This permits homeowners to maintain their standard of living by covering increased living expenses incurred as a result of damage caused by the fire or mandatory evacuation. This coverage typically includes extra food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, telephone installation and extra transportation expenses. Policy provisions, including deductibles, vary by company. Check with your insurer regarding any limitations that may apply to your coverage.
Tips and information for consumers for before, during, and after a wildfire are available from CDI. Download a free home inventory guide from the department website at www.insurance.ca.gov, or receive a hard copy by calling the CDI Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP (800-927-4357).
Media Notes:
Residents impacted by the Clover Fire will have multiple agencies, including the Department of Insurance, available to answer questions at the upcoming Shasta County, Local Assistance Center at 1450 Court St, Room 137, Redding, CA on 9/25 and 9/26 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The California Department of Insurance, established in 1868, is the largest consumer protection agency in California, regulating the $123 billion insurance marketplace. In 2012 the California Department of Insurance received more than 160,000 calls from consumers and helped recover over $64 million in claims and premiums. Please visit the Department of Insurance web site at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP. Out-of-state callers, please dial 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.
Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566
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