Oregon Regulators Extend Wildfire Emergency Orders to Pause Insurance Cancellations

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is extending its order for insurers to suspend cancellations and nonrenewals for residents impacted by wildfires.

The DFR issued a wildfire emergency order and bulletin in late July that was to expire. However, DFR extended it for another 30 days to Sept. 29. The ZIP codes listed in the bulletin remain covered.

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The order requires all property/casualty insurers to take proactive measures to protect people in wildfire affected areas, including giving a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies in affected areas, extending deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other claims-related communications, requiring insurers to take all steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claims.

Several of the massive blazes that gripped the state in July and earlier this month have been brought under control, but dozens of smaller fires are still burning throughout the state.

Gov. Tina Kotek surveyed the fires and damage last week describing the wildfire season as “massive,” Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.