MEDIA ADVISORY: As California Governor Declares State of Emergency, I.I.I. Experts Are Available to Discuss Insurance Implications of Wildfires

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kim Kirchner, Coburn Communication: (212) 536-9837; Kim.Kirchner@coburnww.com  
Janet Ruiz, Insurance Information Institute (707) 490-9365

 
LAKE COUNTY, CA, June 27, 2018 — Reporters covering the northern California wildfires are encouraged to contact the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) for information on insurance coverage and evacuation tips.

Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in Lake County due to the Pawnee Fire on Monday, June 25. The Pawnee Fire broke out on Saturday, June 23. The blaze has forced thousands of residents from their homes and destroyed 22 structures.  Meanwhile, Shasta County’s Creek Fire has destroyed four structures since it began on Sunday, June 24, according to CAL FIRE.

Janet Ruiz, the I.I.I.’s California representative, and additional spokespeople, are available to brief media representatives interested in understanding the coverages provided by standard property insurance policies to businesses, homeowners and renters impacted by wildfires. I.I.I. spokespeople can also offer consumer tips, such as the following:

• If you evacuated your home due to a wildfire, let your insurer know as you may have coverage through your homeowners insurance policy for additional living expenses (ALE).
• If you are a business, homeowner, or renter—and incurred property damage due to a wildfire—file a claim with your insurer as soon as possible to get the recovery process started. Most property insurers have online and mobile claims options.
• As soon as local assistance centers are set up, expect insurers to be on the ground to help policyholders file insurance claims.

The following Insurance Information Institute resources are also available to the media:

• Facts about wildfires
• Facts + Statistics: Wildfires  
• Background on: Wildfires

• Insurance for wildfires
• Insuring Your Business: Small Business Owner’s Guide to Insurance
   

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its YouTube Channel.

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org