California Wildfires Cause $1B In Losses, Says Insurance Commissioner

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA --The wildfires that scorched across four counties have caused more than $1 billion in damages, according to a preliminary report released by the state insurance commissioner.

California Insurance Commissioner said that number is expected to climb as more claims are filed and processed.

"These numbers are just the beginning of the story as one of the deadliest and costliest wildfire catastrophes in California's history," Jones said. "The tragic death of 42 people and over a billion in property losses are numbers—behind these numbers are thousands of people who've been traumatized by unfathomable loss. We must do all we can to ease their pain and help them recover and rebuild."

The wildfires that killed at least 42 people damaged or destroyed more than 7,000 structures. The $1 billion figure represents the losses in commercial and residential structures, personal and commercial vehicles, and agricultural equipment.

Last week Jones issued a notice to insurers asking them to expedite claims, by cutting through red tape and doing all they can do to help policyholders who are likely to have little or no documentation that insurers normally require.

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 will find the department's consumer services team stands ready to assist at 800-927-4357.

--California's insurance commissioner Dave Jones talks during a news conference in Los Angeles on Oct. 19, 2017. Photo by Richard Vogel/AP