California Insurance Regulations February Update

February 4th, 2025 — For wildfire-affected areas in Los Angeles County, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara reminded insurers of their obligation to cover damage caused by recent wildfires as winter storms heighten the risk of mudslides.

 

Homeowners’ policies often exclude flood and mudslide coverage unless tied to a recent wildfire. A fact sheet is available to help consumers understand their policies.

Lara urged residents to prepare by conducting a home inventory, securing insurance documents, considering renters and flood insurance and reviewing tips from CalOES.

 

This action follows lessons from the 2018 Montecito mudslide, which claimed 23 lives and caused $421 million in damage.