Southern California Fire Resources

Below are timely updates and resources to assist individuals and families affected by the ongoing Southern California fires, including information on emergency support, insurance, consumer protection, financial and medical assistance.

Community Mutual Aid: Disaster Relief for Fires & Storms
Collaborative community efforts offering vital resources for wildfire and storm victims.

Commissioner Ricardo Lara Insurance Support Workshop
Workshops offering insurance help for wildfire-affected residents in California.

Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Assistance for Homeowners Affected by Natural Disasters
Financial protection resources for homeowners impacted by California wildfires.

Medi-Cal Prescription Update
Information on accessing Medi-Cal prescriptions during disaster situations.

Important Tips for Filling a Wildfire Insurance Claim

Have you been affected by a wildfire? The following resources will help you navigate the complex insurance process and avoid common pitfalls during this challenging time.

Here are some key tips for managing insurance claims:

Document the date, time, and names of any insurance company employees you speak to regarding your coverage.

Keep all receipts during your evacuation. If you are ordered to evacuate during a wildfire, your insurance may help with evacuation and relocation costs.

Additional Living Expense Coverage helps pay for you to live elsewhere while your home is being repaired and/or rebuilt after a covered loss. This coverage also kicks in if you are under a mandatory evacuation for a wildfire, tornado, hurricane or other natural disaster.

Policy provisions, including deductibles, vary by company, and residents should check with their insurance company or agent as soon as possible to confirm coverage, limits, and any other limitations and documentation requirements.

Download the Department’s Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants (also available in Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese).

Don’t forget copies of insurance policies, important papers, and a photo or video inventory of your possessions. An inventory can be completed quickly and easily on your smartphone and safely stored in the Cloud.

Consumers should make sure any insurance agent or public adjuster offering their services has a valid license by checking online with the Department of Insurance.

Did You Lose Your Homeowner's Insurance?

If you are a California resident who received a non-renewal notice from your insurance company, you have options.

Helpful tips as you navigate next steps:

Contact your insurer and ask if there are any specific actions you could take to mitigate your risk and retain your coverage

File a complaint with the California Department of Insurance if you feel the non-renewal notice is unfair

Shop for a new homeowners' policy by searching the California Department of Insurance home insurance finder tool

Use the homeowner's insurance comparison tool to compare policies from different insurers

Visit the California FAIR Plan for basic fire and smoke coverage

Learn about Difference in Conditions (DIC) policies

In California, an insurer must notify policyholders at minimum 75 days before a policy expires. If your insurer did not provide 75 days' notice, contact the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-HELP or visit insurance.ca.gov.

Small Business Resources for Wildfires

Assistance for small businesses impacted by wildfires, including financial aid is listed below.

If a wildfire occurs in a federally-declared disaster zone, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is authorized to provide assistance to those impacted, including small businesses.

If you have a small business that was impacted, you can apply for FEMA disaster assistance here. You can also check your eligibility for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) here. Other forms of disaster relief can also be found here.

Price Gouging

Below are resources to identify and report price gouging during disaster situations.

In response to the fires in Southern California, authorities have issued warnings against price gouging, which is illegal during declared emergencies. California law prohibits businesses from raising prices of goods and services by more than 10% during such times. Violations can result in fines up to $10,000 or one year in jail, or both.

If you encounter any suspected price gouging, please file a complaint. These measures aim to protect consumers from exploitative pricing practices during the ongoing crisis.