On Wednesday, Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) joined local leaders, including Placer County Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery, to introduce the Wildfire Safety and Recovery Act, legislation aimed at helping California adapt to the “new normal” of extreme wildfire risk, keeping people and homes safe, and ensuring an ongoing strong market for insurers.
California residents impacted by wildfires have seen a dramatic increase in non-renewals and cancellations, and RCRC, through its participation on the Tree Mortality Task Force, has worked to address this problem through the Insurance Subgroup.
“More Californians are at risk from catastrophic wildfire, and many are taking steps to protect themselves and their property,” said Placer County Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery. “Instead of dropping customers and putting insurance out of reach statewide, the Wildfire Safety and Recovery Act will allow insurers to continue to profitably invest in California and support responsible property owners and local communities who are stepping up to be fire safe.”
Among other actions, the Wildfire Safety and Recovery Act will:
- Prevent insurance companies from dropping or non-renewing customers following a wildfire disaster;
- Require insurance companies to offer mitigation discounts and continued coverage to homeowners who make investments in wildfire safety; and,
- Require approval by the Department of Insurance before insurance companies reduce the volume of policies in high-risk areas, in order to minimize market disruptions for homeowners and communities.
Senator Lara’s press release can be accessed here.