Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that California is preventing insurance companies from canceling or not renewing policies of Southern California wildfire victims (Graham Dickie/The New York Times/File)
- California halts insurance cancellations for Southern California wildfire victims under a one-year moratorium by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.
- Workshops in Santa Monica and Pasadena aim to help wildfire survivors understand insurance claims and coverage options this January.
- Residents can confirm ZIP Code eligibility for moratorium protection via the Department of Insurance website or call hotline 1-800-927-4357.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on social media that California is preventing insurance companies from being able to cancel or not renew the policies of Southern California wildfire victims on Friday.
On Thursday, the California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has issued a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance cancellations and non-renewals for Southern California homeowners affected by wildfires.
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The measure, stemming from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Tuesday emergency declaration, shields properties within or near the perimeters of the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County.
The moratorium ensures homeowners won’t face the additional burden of seeking new insurance policies during the crisis, regardless of whether they experienced property damage.
“I am using my moratorium powers to prevent insurance companies from canceling or non-renewing policies in wildfire-impacted areas, so people don’t face the added stress of finding new insurance during this horrific event.,” Lara said.
Lara also issued a notice urging insurers to halt non-renewals or cancellations for properties near wildfire zones not covered by the moratorium.
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This includes policies set to expire within 90 days of the emergency declaration, with a six-month pause to aid community recovery.
Department of Insurance to Host Free Insurance Workshops
The Department of Insurance will host free insurance workshops on January 18-19 in Santa Monica and January 25-26 in Pasadena. The sessions will help wildfire survivors navigate claims and understand their coverage options.
Lara has also directed insurers to submit emergency plans to maintain access to health care during the declared emergency, deployed enforcement teams to prevent fraud, and alerted residents about potential evacuation benefits under homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies.
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Affected residents can visit the Department of Insurance website to confirm their ZIP Code’s eligibility under the moratorium or call 1-800-927-4357 for assistance.
Lara urged homeowners to document insurance interactions and keep receipts for any evacuation-related expenses.
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