CA Fair Plan – damage vs cleaning for Insulation Doris Schwartz asked 3 weeks ago
CA Fair Plan – damage vs cleaning for Insulation

Thank you so much for everything you are doing to support those of us impacted by the LA Wildfires. I have a few questions related to the CA FAIR Plan coverage, separating into individual questions so others can find if it pertains to them.

While we have yet to receive a copy of our complete policy (5 attempts thus far), we’ve been told verbally by the adjustor and claims manager that our policy only covers “damage” not “cleaning.” When the adjustor came and looked at the attic, I asked how he was testing the insulation since we know from neighbors that many are reporting high levels of lead, asbestos and arsenic from the smoke. He said that he was only looking for visible damage (burns, ash, etc) and anything else would be considered cleaning and they suggest using deodorizer!

Wondering if you have any experience or advice with this, specifically with CA FAIR Plan? We did not hire an Industrial Hygienist but did take our own soot and residue samples and sent to a lab and have the report.

Thank you!

1 Answers
Amy Bach Amy Bach Staff answered 1 week ago

Hi Doris,

With regards to damage versus cleaning, we would suggest that you maintain a strong position with your carrier on the insulation damage. Smoke infiltrating insulation is almost impossible to clean and may break down the insulation fibers over time. Additionally, the insulation may ‘hold’ that smoke smell, which may become very apparent during warmer weather.

This is an ever-changing landscape with the carriers and how they (including FAIR Plan) are addressing smoke.

The carriers’ argument is that there must be permanent damages (but no time length provided for this ‘damage’).  Here is a great resource on our website for smoke damage: https://uphelp.org/claim-guidance-publications/smoke-and-ash-damage-from-a-wildfire/

If you cannot get the answers you are searching for with the carrier, you may want to consider hiring professional help…

https://uphelp.org/claim-guidance-publications/hiring-professional-help-for-an-insurance-claim/