California Commissioner Announces Action to Protect Residents from Non-Renewals

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Tuesday sent out a message to residents in Mariposa County who have been ordered to evacuate due to the Oak Fire that they may have homeowners or renters insurance to help with evacuation and relocation costs.

Additional Living Expenses coverage, known as ALE coverage, typically includes food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, and extra transportation expenses, among other costs. An estimated 6,000 Mariposa residents are under evacuation orders, representing roughly one-third of the county’s population.

Lara also announced an impending action following Governor Newsom’s emergency declaration on July 23. Under state law, once a wildfire’s perimeter is determined by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in consultation with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Lara will issue a bulletin identifying ZIP codes subject to a one-year protection from homeowners insurance non-renewal or cancellation due to wildfire risk.

“I want evacuees to know additional living expenses coverage can be available to help with the stress and financial burden of mandatory evacuations,” Lara said in statement. “Once the Oak Fire is brought under control, my Department of Insurance will enforce state laws that protect insurance coverage for residents and help them recover.”

Topics California