California wildfires: What you need to know when filing an insurance claim
FOX Business’ Cheryl Casone joined ‘Fox & Friends First’ to discuss the insurance crisis in California as wildfires ravage Los Angeles and broader concerns about the industry going forward.
Residents affected by the California wildfires may be inundated with calls from people willing to handle their claims, but it’s important to work with the insurance company directly to begin the claim process, rather than with third-party adjusters.
This was stated by Janet Ruiz, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute.
Ruiz told FOX Business that third-party adjusters are not allowed to request claims immediately under rules established by the California Department of Insurance. The money to pay these people will also come from the payment of the citizen’s requests, said Ruiz.
Once a person contracts with a public adjuster, they cannot work directly with their insurance company in the claim process.
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Most insurance companies have a mobile app where you can file a claim. But affected residents can call their insurance companies directly or contact them online. Ruiz said some of the insurance companies will have mobile units in the area, while others will issue checks to cover their additional living expenses. Ruiz said that they have also seen companies using debit cards instead of checking if they have mobile phones on site in the area where the fire burned. FEMA also uses debit cards.
An Altadena resident walks from his burning house in the Eaton fire on Jan. 8, 2025. (Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images/Getty Images)
When a person contacts their insurance company, they should make sure they have a copy of their policy or understand what it covers. Residents should also try to make a list to go through everything that is wrong with the adjuster.
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If a repairman can help, Ruiz said residents should ask someone higher up in the company to help them. If they still need help, they can contact the California Department of Insurance.
Apartments caught fire in the Eaton Fire, which has now claimed five lives and burned more than 2,000 buildings, forcing more than 100,000 residents to evacuate Altadena, California, on Jan. 8. 2025. (Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Ruiz said that residents whose homes were destroyed by fire will be prioritized as they will be assessed immediately.
A plume of smoke is seen as a brush fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California, on January 7, 2025. (DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
“Some inspectors will be able to use drones in the area to get an idea of the damage early. That is very helpful for all the people who need help,” he said.
If it is safe to return home, Ruiz said residents should try to keep damaged items until an insurance adjuster can inspect and inspect the damaged item, if possible. It is also very important to take photos and videos of all damage as soon as possible.
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Any auto loss may be insured under a comprehensive auto policy, according to Ruiz.
While residents wait to return to their homes, their additional living expenses if they have to relocate are covered by insurance. It will also pay for food and temporary repairs, according to Ruiz.
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