Scam Alert: CA Insurance Commission warns wildfire victims

As fires continue to burn on the Central Coast and across the state, fire victims are now being warned about another potential threat – scam artists who prey on people who have lost their homes and valuables.

Insurance companies have set up booths at several fire sites across the state to ensure those who’ve lost everything can file claims easily. But the state is warning people not todo business with “public adjusters” who are looking to make a buck off of the fires’ destruction.

“There’s a group of people called public adjusters. They’ll offer to help you negotiate your claim with the insurance company, but they don’t work for free, they work for a percentage of your insurance claim,” said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Chris Schultz.

Schultz said the safest way to avoid scams is to work directly with your insurance company.

“Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones issued a regulation that requires insurance companies to walk people through(with) a calculator to try to make sure they’re properly insured to rebuild their home,” said Schultz.

The state also requires insurance companies to update the value of your home yearly.This means most people affected by the wildfires this year will be able to rebuild.

Still, firefighters say the wildfire season isn’t over.

“We’re not done yet this year, we have a long ways to go and people need to be prepared,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief McLean.

If you have insurance questions or concerns, call the California Department of Insurance Hotline at 1-800-927-HELP (4357).