California Issues Emergency Declaration to Allow Out-of-State Adjusters to Help with Fire Claims

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has declared an emergency situation, which allows insurance companies to use out-of-state adjusters to help handle the large volume of claims resulting from the Camp and Woolsey Fires.

The Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive fire in state history, has burned 140,000 acres and is 40 percent contained, according to CalFire. The Woolsey Fire has burned 98,362 acres and is 57 percent contained.

Jones directed the California Department of Insurance to issue a formal notice to insurers, licensed public adjusters and admitted carriers to make sure all claims adjusters assigned to wildfire claims, including those not licensed in California but working under a California licensed adjuster, are properly trained on the California Unfair Practices Act, Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, and all laws relating to property and casualty insurance claims handling.

“Wildfire survivors need all the help we can provide, as they begin the long road to recovery,” Jones said in a statement.

Related:

• PG&E’s Camp Wildfire Liabilities Could Exceed Renewed Insurance
• How Insurance Industry Might React to ‘New Normal’ of California’s Historic Wildfires
• Will California See More Laws and Regulations in Wake of Wildfires?