Losses From CA Wildfires Tops $3B

HEALDSBURG, CA -- The total number of insured losses recently topped $3 billion, according to a report released this week by the California Department of Insurance.

Fifteen major insurers updated claims loss data, although the number of losses is expected to increase further, said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones.

Among the losses reported to insurers include:

• 10,016 residential properties that are partial losses
• 4,712 residential properties that are total losses
• 728 commercial property losses, which includes commercial businesses and multi-family (apartments) with four or more units
• Over 3,200 personal auto losses
• 91 commercial vehicle losses
• 153 farm or agriculture equipment losses
• 111 watercraft

"As shocking as $3 billion in insured losses are, the number is sure to grow, as more claims are coming," Jones said . "The insured losses only tell part of the tragic story of the October fires. We must remember that 43 people lost their lives and behind every insurance claim is someone who has lost their home, their business, and their precious memories. It will take years for these communities to recover and rebuild."

Earlier this month, Jones also issued a notice to insurers asking them to expedite claims. He also signed a declaration of an emergency, which allows the insurers to tap out-of-state claims adjusters from their other offices, which effectively expands their claims adjuster workforce.

Consumers that have any difficulty with their insurer are asked to call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357.

--Photo by Jae C. Hong/Associated Press