Ask An Expert

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We have identified a replacement property for our Eaton Fire loss that the insurer has approved as being of ‘like kind and quality.’ However, we are still negotiating the final Replacement Cost Value (RCV) of our original home. Can we proceed with purchasing this replacement…

We lost our home in the Eaton Fire last year. A family member owns a property that we would like to purchase as our replacement home. This property is similar to what we lost. Is it allowed to purchase a replacement home from a family…

I lost my homeowners insurance about two and a half months before the Palisades fire. At the time, I was insured through State Farm and then transitioned to the California FAIR Plan. Since the fire, State Farm has declined to continue providing the wrap policy…

After the total loss of my home in the Eaton wildfire in January, I have retained a design-build firm, and our plans for the rebuild are with the permitting dept. now. But–this far into the game– I’m considering cancelling the rebuild plans. Can you point…

Is anyone advocating for the hundreds of fire victims who are being denied their full coverage from their insurance company and are unable to rebuild?

My elderly parents recently lost their home in the Palisades Fire, and I have helped manage the insurance claim for them. As a result, I am now scrutinizing my own policies more carefully. My husband and I live in the Bay Area (Oakland, CA) and…

Our detached garage burned down in the Palisades Fire disaster. It’s location was grandfathered at the corner of the property on the property line. After the debris removal it is not clear exactly where the garage was located. Does my homeowners insurance policy cover the…

Hello I lost my house in the Palisades fire, and I have been asking my State Farm agent to reduce my policy. He keeps referring me to my mortgage company and saying they will tell me what my minumum need is… however I have spoken…

I requested State Farm claims adjuster approval for carpet removal & replacement, ductwork removal & replacement, sofa replacement, along with crawl space insulation removal & replacement. It’s been over a month and I just heard back from the insurance company: “It’s still under review.” In…

I lead Firewise efforts for our community. Insurers require documentation of Firewise recognition for discounts, but lately the Firewise Certificate is often not enough. The incremental requests are inconsistent and vague. For instance, my own policy was placed in February and the California Fair Plan…

I have homeowner’s insurance through an Allstate subsidiary (North Light Specialty Insurance Co.). Our insurance renewal is now higher than our property taxes and has doubled in the past 5 years. I asked our agent what our wildfire risk score was and was told 76…

I have a CA Fair Plan Wildfire Risk Level 2 score of 7, while both of my neighbors on the same road have Level 2 scores of 3. Consequently, my calculated premium is nearly twice theirs. Property characteristics are identical to my neighbors’ as far…

I was living in a house owned by family when the Eaton Fire displaced me. I have a lease that lists a rent, but I wasn’t actually paying anything due to financial hardship. My insurance wants to base ALE on my lease. Can I say…

Palisades fire victim here again. I have additional coverage in the amount of 10% of my Coverage A limit for, “Trees, Shrubs and other Plants.” Is there a checklist, template or other guideline document showing how to create and calculate a loss statement for such…