FOX Business’ Cheryl Casone joined ‘FOX & Friends First’ to discuss the insurance crisis in California as wildfires ravage Los Angeles and broader concerns about the industry moving forward.
Residents affected California wildfires they may be inundated with calls from people offering to handle their claims for them, but it’s important to work directly with the insurance company to start the claims process, rather than with third-party adjusters.
Janet Ruiz, spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute, said.
Ruiz told FOX Business that third-party public adjusters are not allowed to file claims immediately under rules set by the California Department of Insurance. Money to pay those individuals would also come from the tenant settlement, Ruiz said.
Once an individual contracts with a public regulator, they will not be able to work directly with them insurance company on the claim procedure.
INSURANCE PROPOSAL IN DEMOCRAT-RUN STATE FAILS WHILE FIRES RAGE
Most insurance companies have a mobile application where you can submit a claim. But affected residents can also call their insurance companies directly or contact them online. Ruiz said some of the insurance companies will have mobile units in the area and some will immediately issue checks for their additional living expenses. Ruiz said they’ve also seen businesses use debit cards instead of checks when they have mobile units on site in a wildfire area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also uses debit cards.
An Altadena, Calif., resident walked away from his burning home in a fire in Eaton on Wednesday. (Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images/Getty Images)
When a person contacts their insurance company, they should make sure they have a copy of their policy or need to understand what it covers. Residents should also try to make an inventory to inspect anything damaged by the regulator.
FIRES IN CALIFORNIA: WHAT TO BRING DURING EVACUATION
If the regulator isn’t helpful, Ruiz said residents should look to someone else higher up in the company to help them. If they still need help, they can contact the California Department of Insurance.
Apartments are seen burning Wednesday in the Eaton fire, which instantly killed five people and burned more than 2,000 structures, forcing more than 100,000 residents to evacuate Altadena, California. (Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Ruiz told residents whose homes were completely destroyed destroyed by fires will be prioritized as they will usually have an immediate claim inspection.
Plumes of smoke are seen as brush fires burn in Pacific Palisades, California on Tuesday. (David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
“Some inspectors will be able to use drones in the area to get an early idea of the damage. This is very helpful to all the people who need help,” she said.
When it’s safe to return to their home, Ruiz said residents should try to keep damaged items until an insurance agent can inspect and assess the damaged item, if possible. It is also very important to photograph and record any damage as soon as possible.
CLICK HERE TO SET FOX BUSINESS IN CRETE
All car losses can be covered under comprehensive coverage on a car policy, according to Ruiz.
While residents wait to return to their homes, their additional living expenses when they have to live elsewhere are covered by insurance. They will also pay for food and temporary repairs, according to Ruiz.
