January 10, 2025 - LOS ANGELES — On Thursday, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara protected Southern California homeowners by issuing a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance non-renewals and cancellations. The Commissioner’s Bulletin shields those within the perimeters or adjoining ZIP Codes of the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County for one year from the Governor’s January 7 emergency declaration regardless of whether they suffered a loss.

As firefighters continue to battle wildfires across the region, the Department may issue a supplemental bulletin if additional ZIP Codes are determined to be within or adjacent to a fire perimeter subject to this declared state of emergency for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.  

“My heart goes out to my fellow Angelenos. Our top priority is protecting Californians during this crisis and helping us recover,” said Commissioner Lara. “I am using my moratorium powers to prevent insurance companies from canceling or non-renewing policies in wildfire-impacted areas, so people don’t face the added stress of finding new insurance during this horrific event. I am working on all fronts to make sure wildfire victims get the benefits they are entitled to, and they get it as soon as possible.”

Residents can go to the Department of Insurance website to see if their ZIP Code is included in the moratorium. Consumers should contact the Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357 or via chat or email at insurance.ca.gov if they believe their insurance company is in violation of this law, or have additional claims-related questions.

Commissioner Lara also announced a free two-day insurance support workshop on January 18 and 19 to help survivors understand their insurance policies and the claims process, while also providing information about available resources for rebuilding and recovery. This workshop is open to all those impacted by the recent wildfires. Additionally, the Department is planning another insurance support workshop for those affected by the Eaton Fire and others in Northeast Los Angeles County. Call 800-927-4357 to schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Department of Insurance expert.

Commissioner Lara has taken several other actions to protect Angelenos:

• Protecting Access to Health Care and Medication: Issued a Notice directing companies to submit emergency plans detailing how they will ensure continued access to medically necessary health care services for the duration of the declared State of Emergency due to the Palisades, Eaton, and other fires.
• Cracking Down on Fraud: Commissioner Lara is sending the Department’s enforcement team to safeguard Angelenos from fraudsters who are targeting wildfire survivors.
• Ensuring Fair Risk Assessment: Newly enacted reforms are now in effect to ensure insurance companies accurately assess risk and set premiums fairly for consumers.
• Alerting Residents to Evacuation Benefits: Many consumers are unaware that they may have coverage under their homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies to help them with evacuation and recovery expenses.

Commissioner Lara reminds residents in Los Angeles County who have been ordered to evacuate due to the wildfires that their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may help with evacuation and relocation costs under Additional Living Expenses coverage, known as ALE. ALE coverage typically includes food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, and extra transportation expenses, among other costs.

If you have any questions or need assistance, the California Department of Insurance is here to help. Please call: 1-800-927-4357 or visit www.insurance.ca.gov. 

Here are some additional tips for consumers:

• Keep all receipts during your evacuation.
• Policy provisions, including deductibles, vary by company, and residents should check with their insurance company or agent as soon as possible to confirm coverage, limits, and any other limitations and documentation requirements. Most renter’s policies also typically include ALE coverage.
• Document the date, time, and names of any insurance company employees you speak to regarding your coverage.
• Consumers should make sure any insurance agent or public adjuster offering their services has a valid license by checking online with the Department of Insurance.
• Download the Department’s Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants (also available in Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese), which includes information about claiming ALE benefits.
• Under existing law, public adjusters cannot solicit business for seven calendar days after a disaster.
• Don’t forget copies of insurance policies, important papers, and a photo or video inventory of your possessions. An inventory can be completed quickly and easily on your smart phone and safely stored in the Cloud.

Notes: 

• Additional resources and information for consumers on wildfires are available from the Department of Insurance. Download a free home inventory guide from the Department website, or receive a hardcopy by calling the Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357.
• If you have any questions or need assistance, the Department of Insurance is here to help. Please call: 1-800-927-4357 or visit www.insurance.ca.gov.
• Additional contact information:
  • California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): (916) 657-9494 or www.caloes.ca.gov
  • California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE): www.fire.ca.gov
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or www.fema.gov
  • Contractors State License Board: 1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or www.cslb.ca.gov
  • National Insurance Crime Bureau 1-888-815-9064 or www.nicb.org
    Source: CA. Dept. of Ins.