As wildfires continue to plague rural Northern California, many homeowners find themselves grappling with insurance coverage uncertainties, turning to the insurer of last resort, known as the FAIR Plan. Designed to serve those deemed too high-risk to secure insurance elsewhere, the program has become a lifeline for residents facing escalating wildfire threats.
In response to the mounting challenges, a virtual town hall focusing on home insurance is scheduled for February 22nd in Humboldt County. The event aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the “homeowner insurance crisis” plaguing the region.
According to CalMatters, some homeowners have experienced staggering premium increases of up to 145% under the FAIR Plan since 2017. Thursday’s town hall seeks to confront the dual issues of skyrocketing costs and dwindling insurance options head-on.
Yana Valachovik, the University of California Cooperative Extension Forest Advisor for Humboldt and Del Norte counties, expressed the frustration felt by both consumers and insurance companies amid the ongoing challenges. Valachovik noted the Department of Insurance’s efforts to navigate the complex landscape.
Michelle Bushnell, Second District Supervisor, highlighted the worsening situation in Humboldt County in recent years, citing instances where constituents struggled to obtain fire insurance, even in downtown Fortuna. Bushnell echoed calls for support from the insurance commissioner and other elected officials, emphasizing the need for assistance in navigating the crisis.
Attendees of the town hall will have the opportunity to pose questions regarding the state’s response to the insurance crisis and gain insights into emergency preparedness measures in their area. The online event will feature representatives from the California Department of Insurance, United Policyholders, and CAL FIRE, providing valuable resources and guidance to affected residents.
