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California insurance department forms task force to set smoke damage standards

California insurance department forms task force to set smoke damage standards

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is forming a task force to develop clear rules for insurance coverage and cleanup procedures related to smoke-damaged homes.

The new group, named the Smoke Claims and Remediation Task Force, will review current practices and suggest consistent standards for inspecting, testing, and cleaning smoke-damaged buildings.

It will also set criteria to decide if a home is safe to live in and identify which state and local agencies will carry out the rules.

The task force will include public health officials, environmental health workers, fire safety professionals, smoke cleanup experts, and consumer rights advocates.

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara stated that for over 30 years, California has had no clear process for how insurers handle smoke damage claims. The lack of consistent rules has made it difficult for many residents to get proper support.

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This initiative follows damage caused by the Los Angeles wildfires in January, which spread ash and soot over large areas.

The CDI noted that these effects are worsening as wildfires grow more frequent and intense due to climate change. The damage is not limited to areas directly hit by fires—entire communities downwind are also impacted.

The CDI reported that some insurance companies are rejecting smoke damage claims completely, while others require homeowners to clean visible damage themselves before they can file a claim.

Lara said smoke damage has real effects on people’s health and safety.

Californians shouldn’t have to scrub soot off their walls or breathe unsafe air just to get help from their insurance.

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara

Attempts to contact the Personal Insurance Federation of California for comment were unsuccessful.

In a related development, Lara recently approved a temporary rate increase request from State Farm General Insurance Co. ranging from 15% to 38%, following a decision by an administrative law judge.