Powerhouse wildfire evacuees may have certain living expenses reimbursed from homeowners’ insurance coverage during evacuation and recovery

Powerhouse wildfire evacuees may have certain living expenses reimbursed from homeowners’ insurance coverage during evacuation and recovery

LOS ANGELES, CA – June 4, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is currently tracking evacuations due to wildfires in the state, including the Powerhouse fire near Palmdale. Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is reminding wildfire evacuees that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations.

“Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable, but Californians are resilient and ready for anything that Mother Nature brings,” said Commissioner Jones. “Many evacuees may be unaware that their homeowners’ insurance policies may cover the additional living expenses incurred by a 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.

Commissioner Jones reminds all Californians to prepare for wildfires today. Lean about quick and easy tips for home hardening, which may protect your home and assist firefighting efforts.

1. Don’t leave sprinklers running; you may compromise precious water pressure needed by the firefighters. Use this time to duct tape soffit vents to prevent embers from entering your attic.
2. Remove sheer draped inside of windows; they may combust just from indirect radiant heat.
3. Leave interior and exterior lights on to help firefighters see your home through thick smoke.

Additional 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 Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov, or receive a hard copy by calling the CDI Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP (800-927-4357).