APCIA responds to CA wildfire claims data, calls $4.2bn payout "just a start"

By Mia MacGregor

Jan 30 - (The Insurer) - The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) has issued a statement in response to southern California wildfire claims payment data released by the California Department of Insurance, emphasising that the $4.2bn paid out and 31,210 claims filed so far are "just a start."

The data, which includes claims handled by admitted carriers, the California Fair Plan, and surplus lines insurers, reveals 31,210 claims filed, 14,417 claims partially paid, and $4.2bn in payouts to date.

“From the onset of the wildfires, insurers have been on the frontlines assisting customers with disaster recovery – proactively reaching out to impacted customers, setting up help centers, and deploying Catastrophe Teams to help residents get claims started and secure emergency housing, food, clothing and other resources in their time of need,” said Denni Ritter, APCIA department vice president for state government relations.

Ritter stressed that the released figures represent only the beginning.

“We understand the road to recovery will be long and insurers will work alongside residents and businesses every step of the way to help southern Californians rebuild,” she added.

Last week, the APCIA issued a statement urging the California state legislature to issue catastrophe bonds to recapitalise and stabilise the California Fair Plan.

Earlier this month, the APCIA and other insurance trade organisations sent a letter to House and Senate leadership, urging action on legislative solutions in line with the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission’s policy recommendations.

The letter called for swift passage of the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, reintroduced by House Natural Resources chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Representative Scott Peters (D-CA).