Contact: Yeraldin Deavila, Public Information
Officer
Phone: (775) 687-0772
E-mail: ydeavila@doi.nv.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE– September 8, 2021
Steps
Nevada consumers can take during a wildfire
(Carson City, NV) – Even though many residents have been
able to return home after mandatory evacuations orders were lifted in the South
Lake Tahoe area, both on the Nevada and California side, firefighters are still
working to combat the Caldor Fire. The Nevada Division of Insurance is sharing
the following steps Nevada consumers can take immediately to protect their home
in the event of any fire damages or loss.
Residents
in evacuation warning zones should consider the following:
Contact their insurance company to check their policy. Confirm coverage limits and deductible and ask about
auto coverage. Comprehensive auto coverage on a vehicle is needed to cover
damages from wind, falling objects, fire, flood, or vandalism.
Make a quick home inventory. Take photos of each room in their home. Do not forget storage
areas, such as the attic, shed, and garage. Use the National Association of
Insurance Commissioner’s home inventory
smartphone app
available to download on App Store and Google Play.
Build a financial backpack. Gather important legal and financial documents (Social Security
cards, insurance policies, financial accounts, titles) and make copies or scan
them to their phone or computer.
Be aware of smoke
removing companies. Residents returning home after being evacuated,
should be vigilant of companies claiming they can remove smoke caused by
wildfire. Before doing business with such companies, residents should make sure
their insurance policy covers smoke removal losses, how much their deductible
is, and then verify the legitimacy of any company claiming to provide smoke
removal services.
Be sure to place the home inventory and copies of
documents with their go-bag of emergency supplies, so they have it when it is
time to evacuate.
If mandatory
evacuations are ordered, residents in these zones should consider the
following:
Contact their insurance company as soon as they can. Disclose they have been ordered to evacuate and
confirm their policy coverage and deductible.
Save all receipts. Many insurance companies will help cover vital expenses, such
as lodging, food, and pet boarding, also known as additional living expenses
coverage.
Work on a home inventory list. Start building a list of personal possessions. Organize list
by rooms, looking through photos to help jog their memory, and take their time.
“Completing these tasks can help save Nevadan’s
time, money, and stress during a wildfire,” said Insurance Commissioner Barbara
Richardson. “As Nevadans go back home after being evacuated, they should take
these and other important steps to be prepared as fires can be unpredictable.”
If consumers have questions about insurance
coverage, they should speak to their insurance company or agent. If they still
have questions or concerns, the Division’s Consumer Services may be able to
help.
Call
(888) 872-3234 (toll-free)
Email
cscc@doi.nv.gov
Visit
doi.nv.gov
Nevada residents are also encouraged to visit Douglas
County’s website to view
up-to-date information about any changes in evacuation orders and warnings.
About the Nevada Division of Insurance
The State of Nevada Division of Insurance, a
Division of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, protects the rights
of Nevada consumers and regulates Nevada’s $18 billion insurance industry. The
Division of Insurance has offices in Carson City and Las Vegas. In 2020, the
Division investigated more than 2,300 consumer complaints, answered over 10,000
inquiries, and recovered over $4.5 million on behalf of consumers. For more
information about the Division of Insurance, visit DOI.NV.GOV.
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