By California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara California is facing an unprecedented moment in time battling wildfires throughout the state. I, with the rest of my dedicated staff at the California Department of Insurance, am committed to continuing to serve California consumers during this extraordinary time. In an effort to further assist survivors, displaced residents, and businesses affected by the current and recent wildfires, and in recognition of Governor Gavin Newsom’s declared state of emergency on August 18, 2020, I have directed the California Department of Insurance (CDI or Department) to take a number of actions with more ahead. Following is an update of recent wildfire actions that may be helpful to you and your constituents (with more complete details in the full notices): – Continuation of Additional Living Expense (ALE) Benefits Due to Inaccessible/Uninhabitable Homes or Mandatory Evacuations Still in Effect as a Result of Wildfires: On September 3, 2020, I called on all residential property insurance companies to cease terminating ALE benefits while the policyholder’s property remains uninhabitable due to damage caused by the wildfires. – Expedited Claims Handling & Billing Grace Period Procedures for California Policyholders due to Wildfires: On Aug. 26, 2020, I called on all […]