California Wildfire Survivors Protected from Insurance Cancellations by New Moratorium

In response to the devastating Park, Borel, and Gold Complex wildfires, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has mandated a one-year moratorium on insurance cancellations and non-renewals for over 185,000 homeowners. This protection applies to residents within or adjacent to the wildfire perimeters in Northern and Central California, effective from the dates of the Governor’s emergency declarations. The moratorium, backed by a 2018 California law, is designed to provide peace of mind to wildfire survivors, ensuring their homes and futures remain insured as they recover.

The Department of Insurance has deployed staff to assist affected communities, offering in-person support at Local Assistance Centers and coordinating with local law enforcement to prevent fraud. Commissioner Lara’s proactive stance on protecting homeowners aligns with his broader efforts to enhance insurance options and strengthen resilience against climate change. Since taking office, his initiatives have safeguarded nearly 4 million Californians from losing insurance coverage due to wildfires, reinforcing his commitment to sustainable and fair insurance practices in the state.