California Reminds Fire Evacuees of Additional Living Expenses Coverage

October 16, 2008

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is reminding residents who have been evacuated from fire zones in Southern California that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations. Commissioner Poizner also encouraged all Californians to make sure their insurance policies are updated and to conduct a home inventory.

“Evacuating your home for a wildfire is terrifying,” Poizner said. “The last thing evacuees should have to worry about is how to pay for their hotel stays, extra food and other additional living expenses. Many homeowners insurance policies cover some additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations. Evacuees should check their policies as soon as possible, and if they have any insurance questions, they should call my Department at 800-927-HELP.”

Meanwhile, the Department is offering a free home inventory guide at www.insurance.ca.gov, or by calling the CDI Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP.

Source: CDI