Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a mandatory one-year moratorium Thursday on insurance non-renewals and cancellations for homeowners affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles County.
The protection order, announced January 9, follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s January 7 emergency declaration and applies to residents within or adjacent to the fire perimeters regardless of property damage. Residents can verify their ZIP code eligibility through the Department of Insurance website.
“My heart goes out to my fellow Angelenos. Our top priority is protecting Californians during this crisis and helping us recover,” Lara said.
The Commissioner’s office will provide two-day insurance support workshops on January 18 and 19 to assist wildfire survivors with policy comprehension and claims processing, with an additional workshop planned specifically for Eaton Fire victims in Northeast Los Angeles County.
Additional protections enacted by Lara’s office include directives requiring insurance companies to maintain access to medical care services, increased enforcement against potential fraud targeting wildfire victims, and new reforms ensuring insurers accurately assess risk and set premiums fairly.
Residents under evacuation orders may be eligible for Additional Living Expenses coverage through their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, which can help with costs including food, housing, furniture rental, relocation, storage and transportation.
The Department of Insurance encourages affected residents to maintain detailed records of evacuation expenses and verify insurance agent credentials through their online database. Residents can report violations or ask questions by calling (800)927-4357.
The Department may extend supplemental protections to additional ZIP codes if more areas fall within or adjacent to fire perimeters in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The workshops are open to all wildfire-impacted residents, who can schedule one-on-one appointments with Department experts.
