Insurance Claims Top $421 Million

Earlier this week, California Insurance commissioner Dave Jones announced that insurers have received 2,000+ insurance claims totaling more than $421 million in losses from the Montecito mudslide. 

“Over $421 million in insured losses represents more than property lost – behind these numbers are the tragic deaths of 21 people and thousands of residents traumatized by unfathomable loss,” said Commissioner Jones in a formal statement. 

Commissioner Jones is credited with taking extraordinary actions under his authority to protect survivors and make sure insurers delivered and continue to deliver on their promises to policyholders. One of Jones’s actions included issuing a formal notice to all property and casualty insurance companies reminding them of their duty to cover damages from the recent mudslides and debris flows, citing substantial evidence that the Thomas Fire was the efficient proximate cause of the mudslides.

Jones’s department is encouraging residents and business owners in Santa Barbara and Montecito areas affected by the recent disasters to file a claim with their insurance companies. If consumers have issues navigating the claims process, or they think their claim was wrongfully denied, they are encouraged to contact the Department of Insurance: (800) 927-4357 or online at www.insurance.ca.gov for assistance.