Consumer Alert: Insurance information for wildfire evacuees

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NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 3, 2018

MEDIA CONTACT

Vincent Plymell
P:  303-894-2261
Vincent.Plymell@state.co.us
dora.colorado.gov/insurance

Consumer Alert: Insurance companies should work with wildfire evacuees

Contact the company to find out about your coverage.

DENVER - With many Coloradans around the state evacuated from their homes due to wildfires, the Division of Insurance, part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies, is reminding people that their insurance companies should work with them on the various problems the wildfires and the evacuations will cause.

Because each company will approach this differently, contact your company directly to discuss the evacuation, get information about your policy and how it can work with you so that nothing gets missed.

  • If you’ve been evacuated, contact your insurance company to let them know where you are and start discussing the situation. Ask questions about your coverage, including coverage for additional living expenses, and the claims process. You want to be prepared should your home be damaged by the fire.
  • If it is time for you to make a premium payment or renew your coverage, ask about grace periods to handle these things. Each company will be different, so find out if your company will offer a 30-day or 60-day grace period, or some other time frame, such as a specific date. Some companies may simply extend due dates or waive late fees.
  • Companies should be flexible with their policyholders regarding premium payments, but you need to be proactive in letting your company know you have been evacuated. This can protect your should the company cancel you for non-payment of your premium.

Interim Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway stressed the availability of the Division of Insurance as a resource for policyholders. “If your insurance company isn’t working with you - is not granting a grace period, has improperly cancelled your coverage, or is just generally unresponsive - please contact the Division of Insurance and our dedicated Consumer Services team so they can look into what’s happening. In these crises, it’s important that everyone work together, and we need to know when that isn’t happening.”

Contact the Division’s Consumer Services team - 800-930-3745 / 303-894-7490 / DORA_Insurance@state.co.us.

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About the Division of Insurance:

The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues.  Visit dora.colorado.gov/insurance for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.

About DORA:

DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 1-800-886-7675.