consumer

Homeowners Could Be Reimbursed for Sand Fire Evacuations Costs

Evacuees may be eligible to file a claim for financial help if they were forced to leave

Twenty thousand people were evacuated over the weekend when fire threatened homes in Los Angeles County.

The so-called Sand Fire in Santa Clarita has scorched nearly 60 square miles since it started on Friday, July 22. Eighteen homes were destroyed and one person was killed.

As of Wednesday, firefighters say they have the fire 40 percent contained.

On Monday, Los Angeles fire officials said residents could return to their homes after spending the weekend elsewhere.

NBCLA reports those evacuated may be eligible to file a claim for financial help if they were forced to stay in a hotel because of a mandatory evacuation.

In fact, according to this report, many people are paying for what’s called additional living expense (ALE) coverage and aren’t aware.

See the NBCLA report here.

For more information on ALE coverage, see the Department of Insurance's earthquake insurance and Residential Property Claims Guide at insurance.ca.gov.

Contact Us