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2007 Grass Valley & Slide Wildfires - Disaster Relief and Long Term Recovery Information
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Attn:  If you have coverage under AIG please note the attached Press Release from Insurance Commission Setve Poizner fclick below:

 

Press Release.doc

 

nA Preparedness Workshop Sponsored by: Hearts and Lives
 RMHL Preparedness Power Point 9-13-08.ppt
Protecting Your Legal Rights at One Year Anniversary
Individual, one-on-one policy review appointments are available.
/Documents/Individual.doc
 
Survey: Hundreds Underinsured in Last Year's California Wildfires
 
Zoomerang Survey Results
2007 Wildfires Insurance Claim Status Survey 
 /Documents/United Policyholders-Results 1 .xls
 
Renter Insurance Information
 
Information for the underinsured.
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PROPERTY DAMAGE INSURANCE CLAIMS
 
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
CLAIMS HANDLING REFORMS FOR WILDFIRE DISASTERS
 /Documents/Claims Handling Reforms 12-17-07 (2).pdf 
 
Getting Help From The California Department of Insurance
/Documents/Getting Help from the CA DOI.doc 

Read this Information to Help You Through These Difficult Times
 
After a Disaster
 
1. Don't Rush:  You will be presented with life changing decisions you never thought about before.  Even most lawyers don't know insurance law, nor do most insurance agents know about large homeowner's claims. Insurance companies may put pressure on you to make quick settlements.  There is no required time frame for you to make decisions.  Take your time.  Do not let anyone rush you.  Stop and learn.
 
2.Know your insurance policy. Read your insurance policy until you get an understanding as to how you are covered.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  A lawyer familiar with homeowner's policies may be considered.
 
3. Get Organized: Get a notebook and start writing everything down.  This is especially helpful for your insurance claims.  After a disaster most people have so many things to remember, it's hard to remember them all.  Forgetfulness is normal.  Notebooks and other information will be helpful when going through the process.  Document every contact you make including the date, time, person's name, phone number and what was discuss.  
 
4. Look for independent expert advise:  Right after a disaster, everyone wants to "help".  Many of them also want to get paid.  First look for non-profit organizations who are truly there to help before resorting to paying someone.  There are even non-profit insurance education organizations who can help.
 
5. In an insurance claim, hire your own experts:  Anyone hired by the insurance company is being paid by them to back up their point of view.  Find your own experts to give you an unbiased opinion.  This includes getting a Scope of Loss by someone who is independent of you and your insurance company.
 
6. Trust, but verify:  For example, just because someone tells you they're licensed, doesn't mean they are.  All licensing agencies have ways to check the status of a license.  Use these and other sources.
 
7. Know your limits:  For example, starting a large construction project without knowing your budget or signing an open ended contract instead of a fixed price contract, or giving your contractor too much money up front are all open ended deals that can prove disastrous.
 
8. Know your expert:  Do not take advise of someone who is an expert in a different field than the advice you are seeking.  For example, don't ask a business attorney about a homeowner's insurance claim.
 
9. Do not sign a release:  You are not required to sign a release for money that is rightfully yours under an insurance policy.  If you are being asked to sign a release, ask an attorney who is familar with insurance claims to review it.
 
10. Take the money:  If anyone wants to give you money with no release attached, take it!  Put large sums of money in an interest bearing account. The interest will add up quickly.
 
11. Grieve for your loss:  It might not be the loss of a loved one but don't let that stop you from realizing that a big part of your life is gone.  Your life will never be the same.  Pick up the pieces and begin to move on. 
Checklist for Survivors
 
 
1. Get all the insurance settlement money you can on your own before hiring someone to work on your claim for a fee. Most of the time you will receive 100% of the funds you are entitled to if you work with your insurance company, educate yourself on the do's and don't's about filing an insurance claim (insurance seminars will be held so look for announcements on this website), and doing the necessary work. This is a process so stay calm and determined. If you get frustrated and need help, contact us.
 
2. Stay in a quality hotel, rent an apartment or house, until you find a comfortable place to live as your temporary house.  Most policies have adequate funds for living expenses for the next two years.  You do not need the aggravation of staying in less than nice living space or moving several times before your home is rebuilt.
 
3. If living temporarily with friends or relatives, have them charge you a reasonable fee and pay them.  Almost all policies have adequate living expense coverage. 
 
 
The items listed below are steps people should take in the first month of their recovery.  Initiating and completing the interviews and paper work suggested in the checklist are essential to begin the transition to normalcy.
 
Checklist
 
___File insurance claim_______________________________________
___Move to a comfortable living location at least equal to your home.
___Photograph, protect, sort and save any debris necessary to
       prove your insurance claim.
___Photograph and measure your EXACT  foundation to prove your
       insurance claim.  Or have your insurance representative do this
       with you.
___Change address with Insurance Company____________________
___Change address with Post Office____________________________
___Photocopy every insurance check, both sides. 
            *Above signature write "Partial Payment, total loss yet to be
             determined"
___Declaration Page
___Insurance Policy
___Policy Endorcements
___FEMA___________________________________________________
___SBA____________________________________________________
___American Red Cross______________________________________
___Salvation Army___________________________________________
___Three-ring notebook
___Receipt and file saver container
___Yellow highliter
___Access to a fax. Number:__________
___Access to email. Number:__________
___Access to telephone: Number__________
___Passport replacement_____________________________________
___Professional license replacement____________________________
___County Tax Assessor's Parcel Description____________________
___Lower property tax assessment_____________________________
___Real Estate sales description of the property__________________
___Mortgage Papers_________________________________________
            *Ask Mortgage Company for "FORBEARANCE" while you
              recover.
            *Obtain written protocol and agreement BEFORE signing over
              insurance checks
___Begin Scope of Loss
___Begin Personal property inventory