Palisades, Eaton fire victims’ homeowners insurance protected through 2026
by: Lily Dallow
Posted: Jan 10, 2025 / 12:43 AM PST
Updated: Jan 10, 2025 / 12:43 AM PST
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On Thursday night, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a mandatory one-year moratorium, protecting homeowners’ insurance coverage in areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The moratorium will prohibit insurance companies from enacting non-renewals and cancellations until Jan. 7, 2026.
In a statement, Lara said this rule applies to all homeowners within the perimeters or adjoining ZIP codes of the two fires in Los Angeles County, regardless of whether they suffered a loss.
“Losing your insurance should be the last thing on someone’s mind after surviving a devastating fire,” said Lara. “This law gives millions of Californians breathing room and hits the pause button on insurance non-renewals while people recover.”
Officials said residents can go to the Department of Insurance website to see if their ZIP code is included in the moratorium.
In addition, if homeowners believe their insurance company is in violation of this law, they are encouraged to contact the department at 800-927-4357 or via chat or email at insurance.ca.gov.
“As firefighters continue to battle wildfires across the region,” the statement noted, “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.”
The department also provided the following list of tips for consumers during this time:
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.
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/palisades-eaton-fire-victims-homeowners-insurance-protected-through-2026/
