Commissioner Hosts Fire Recovery Forum

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner hosted a town hall-style Insurance Recovery Forum for Triangle Fire survivors this week in Yorba Linda. Poizner was joined by local, state and federal officials, as well as representatives from the insurance industry who answered specific insurance questions for fire victims.

Since the wildfires broke out in Southern California in November, 5,151 residential and commercial property claims have been filed, and 718 of those claims are known to be total losses, with an estimated exposure for insurers of $637 million. More than $250 million has been paid out by insurers so far.

As a result of the Triangle Fire, 1,965 residential and commercial property claims have been filed, and 134 of those claims are known to be total losses, with an estimated exposure for insurers of $228 million. Nearly $78 million has been paid out by insurers to Triangle Fire survivors. Poizner has ordered his Department to continually monitor these numbers to make certain that insurers are meeting their obligations to pay all valid claims presented to them.

The Department's Consumer Services Division has received 60 consumer complaints from fire survivors. Nine of those complaints are from the Triangle Fire. One of the complaints from the Triangle Fire is related to underinsurance. The remaining complaints include claim denial, claim delay and low settlement offers.