Media Advisory: Triple-I Can Brief Reporters on Hawaii Wildfires

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For immediate release
West Coast Press Office: Janet Ruiz, 707-490-9365, janetr@iii.org 

 

 

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 9, 2023—Reporters covering Hawaii’s wildfires can contact the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) for interviews and analysis.

 

Maui and Big Island residents were among those impacted this week by wildfires which accelerated because of the strong winds associated with Hurricane Dora.

 

The Triple-I subject matter experts listed below can discuss auto, business, business income (interruption), homeowners, and renters coverage issues while also providing claims-filing tips.  

 

California:

  • Janet Ruiz, Director, Strategic Communications, 707-490-9365, janetr@iii.org

 

New York:

 

Triple-I offers the following insights on what’s typically covered under the policies most Hawaiians have:

 

Homeowners and Renters Policies Cover Fire and Smoke-Caused Damage

 

Damage caused by fire and smoke is covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies.  

 

A standard homeowners insurance policy covers wildfire-caused property damage to a home’s structure and its outbuildings (e.g., garage) as well as the personal belongings housed on the premises. 

A standard renters insurance policy covers the renter’s personal belongings.

 

Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies also provide additional living expenses (ALE), sometimes referred to as Loss of Use, to policyholders who either relocated because of a mandatory evacuation order or had their residence rendered uninhabitable due to wildfire-caused property damage.

 

Water damage caused by firefighters extinguishing a fire is covered under both homeowners and renters insurance policies.

 

Auto Policies Cover Fire and Wind-Caused Damage If Driver Opted for Comprehensive

 

The optional comprehensive portion of a standard auto insurance policy covers vehicles against damage caused by fire, falling objects, and other hazards. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers opt to purchase comprehensive coverage.

 

 

RELATED LINKS:

Articles:                     Wildfires: Insurance and Recovery Resources, Facts About Wildfires

Facts & Statistics:       Wildfires

                                   

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