Southern California Firestorm – 2003
Frequently Asked Questions

The Homestead is one of several bed-and-breakfast inns destroyed by the Cedar Fire. Photo by Darrel Kinney

Q: My home has been destroyed, what should I do?

A: There are Red Cross shelters in your area. Call 866-438-4636 for more information. There are also Disaster Assistance Centers that are staffed by numerous agencies such as the California Department of Insurance (CDI) the Office of Emergency Services (OES), Con-tractors License Board, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Franchise Tax Board, Red Cross, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Q: I don’t know the name of my insurance company.
What should I do?

A: Contact your insurance agent, who should have a copy of your policy with all pertinent information. If you do not have an agent or you cannot reach your agent, check with your mortgage lender. Your bank may also have records of pertinent insurance information.

Often people will insure their auto and home with the same company. Check with your auto insurer or your agent to see if
your home is insured by the same company as your auto.

If none of these suggestions help, check your bank records
for canceled checks or records of electronic payments. If you used your credit card or check card to pay your premium check those records.

CDI will be working with the insurance industry to assist in identifying policyholders who
cannot identify their insurer. More information about this program will be made available in the near future.

Q: I’ve heard that there will
be funds available from the
government. I was not insured. Do I qualify for funds? And if so, who do I call?

A: You may qualify. You need to check with the various agencies to find out what may be available to you. When the Disaster Assistance Centers are established, representatives from relief organizations will be present to assist you in finding the right information. Some of it may be available on this Website: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/LGL/ Fairregs.htm. or by phone at the numbers listed below:

FEMA 1-800-621-3362

RED CROSS 1-866-438-4636

SBA 1-800-827-5722

Q: Insurance companies have

placed a moratorium on writing coverage in certain areas. How long will it last?

A: It is not uncommon for insurance companies to institute
a temporary moratorium on writings following a natural disaster. The length of a moratorium will depend on the facts and circumstances. Nevertheless, a moratorium that is unduly prolonged may be subject to investigation. The CDI is monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action as
necessary, reporting relevant information on this Website: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/
LGL/Fairregs.htm, as it becomes available.

Q: I was required to evacuate my home. I’ve had no damage. Will my insurance company pay for the cost of my temporary housing? Should I file a claim?

A: That depends on the type of coverage you have. Most policies provide relief for policyholders required to leave their homes due to disaster, but you need to check the type of coverage you have under your specific policy. If you do not have a copy of your policy, contact your agent or company to see if you are covered.

Q: I did not have renter’s insurance. Will my landlord’s policy cover my personal
property?

A: Unfortunately, the answer is no, unless the landlord specifically named you in his policy as a
covered insured. You may wish to seek assistance from one of the agencies that provide funds for uninsured/underinsured losses.

Q: My policy was up for renewal when this disaster occurred. Will my insurer allow additional time to pay my
renewal?

A: Contact your insurance company and ask for special
consideration. If you receive a negative response, please call us back at 800-927-HELP (4357) and we will assist you.

Q: Are there laws that are applicable to the processing of claims by insurance companies?

A: Yes. Insurance companies are required to follow all insurance laws and regulations. The Department of Insurance has established a very specific set of Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations that must be adhered to. You can view these regulations on this Website: http://www.
insurance.ca.gov/LGL/Fairregs.htm.

Q: Are insurance companies

required to advise me of what my policy covers?

A: Yes. The Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations require insurance companies to disclose all coverage that may be available under your policy. You can view these regulations on this Website: http://www.insurance.ca. gov/LGL/Fairregs.htm.

Source: California Department
of Insurance Website.