Insurance Commissioner Implements Protections for California Homeowners Affected by Wildfires

As of August 8, 2024, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has enacted a critical one-year moratorium aimed at protecting over 185,000 California homeowners from insurance cancellations and non-renewals due to recent wildfire emergencies. This order is a significant step in safeguarding those impacted by the Park, Borel, and Gold Complex fires, which have devastated large areas in Northern and Central California.

Overview of the Moratorium

The new moratorium applies to residents within the designated ZIP Codes affected by the fires. This protection ensures that homeowners in these areas are not at risk of losing their insurance coverage for one year from the date of the Governor’s emergency declarations. Importantly, this moratorium applies regardless of whether the homeowner suffered a direct loss from the wildfires.

Commissioner Lara’s initiative is part of a broader effort to address the escalating impacts of climate change on California’s communities. “Homeowners plagued by devastating wildfires deserve the peace of mind that their home and future will remain covered by insurance as they recover and rebuild,” Lara said.

The Department of Insurance will also have staff on the ground in wildfire-affected areas, assisting survivors with claims and providing protection against potential fraud and abuse.

Affected ZIP Codes

The moratorium is in effect for the following areas:

Gold Complex Fire (Effective July 26, 2024):

– 95983, 96103, 96105, 96106, 96109, 96114, 96118, 96122, 96124, 96126, 96129, 96135

Park Fire (Effective July 26, 2024):

– 95915, 95926, 95928, 95929, 95938, 95942, 95943, 95951, 95954, 95963, 95969, 95973, 95978, 96007, 96020, 96021, 96022, 96035, 96055, 96059, 96061, 96063, 96071, 96075, 96076, 96080, 96088, 96090, 96092

Borel Fire (Effective July 30, 2024):

– 93203, 93205, 93220, 93226, 93238, 93240, 93241, 93260, 93283, 93285, 93306, 93307, 93308, 93501, 93518, 93519, 93531, 93561

These ZIP Codes represent areas either directly within or adjacent to the fire perimeters, highlighting the extensive reach of these protections.

Looking Forward

Commissioner Lara’s actions reflect a commitment to finding proactive solutions in response to the growing threat of wildfires in California. Since taking office in 2019, Lara has worked to protect nearly 4 million homeowners through similar initiatives. This latest moratorium is part of a series of reforms designed to improve the sustainability and availability of insurance for all Californians, particularly those facing increasing climate-related risks.

Residents in the affected ZIP Codes are encouraged to stay informed about their rights and protections under this moratorium. The Department of Insurance remains committed to supporting homeowners as they navigate this challenging time.

For more information on this and other protections, visit the California Department of Insurance website.

Navigating the complexities of property management, especially with ever-changing regulations and protections, can be overwhelming. At Real Property Management Select, we take the stress out of managing your property by keeping you informed and ensuring your investments are safeguarded. Stay ahead of the curve with our expert team by your side, delivering seamless, stress-free property management that gives you peace of mind.