People who are mandatorily evacuated due to wildfire or other disasters may have homeowners' or renters' insurance coverage to help with evacuation and relocation costs, even if their homes are not damaged or destroyed.

Additional Living Expense coverage, known as ALE, typically includes:

• Food and housing costs
• Furniture rental, relocation and storage
• And extra transportation expenses

Who to Contact:
Residents who have been evacuated should contact their insurance agent and/or the California Department of Insurance to find out what their renter's or homeowners' policy covers and other resources that may be available to them while the mandatory evacuation orders are in place. Evacuees are urged to contact their insurance company to verify their ALE coverage provision and limits and learn about requirements to use the coverage.

Receipts and Documentation:
It is critical to keep all receipts and document the date, time, and names of any insurance company employees you speak to regarding your coverage and details of the conversation.

If you have any questions or need assistance, the California Department of Insurance is available to help you. Call 1-800-927-4357 or visit www.insurance.ca.gov. 

Web pages

• Home - California Department of Insurance - www.insurance.ca.gov
• CDI - Wildfire evacuees may be eligible for cost reimbursement from their insurance company (2020 Press Release) - http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/2020/release074-2020.cfm
• Contact Us - http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0500-about-us/05-Contact/index.cfm