Nevada insurance regulators urge wildfire-affected residents to review coverage

Editor's note: Este artículo está traducido al español.

As multiple wildfires continue to burn across Northern Nevada near the California border, the state’s insurance regulator is urging residents to review their coverage and prepare for the possibility of filing a claim.

The Bug Fire and the Fred Mountain Fire, both burning in Washoe County north of Reno, have merged into a single blaze that has grown to more than 44,000 acres and was about 4% contained as of Tuesday, according to fire officials. The Bug Fire ignited Saturday about 3 miles south of Hallelujah Junction in Lassen County, Calif., near the Nevada border, and spread rapidly through dry brush, grass and timber into northern Washoe County.

Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency Monday for areas of Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony affected by the fires. More than 6,000 people have been evacuated, with thousands more under evacuation warnings, according to the governor’s office.

The Nevada Division of Insurance on Tuesday issued guidance reminding residents to check their homeowners, renters or condominium policies to determine what is covered by the fires. Many policies cover physical fire damage, smoke damage and additional living expenses, the division said.

The Nevada Division of Insurance regulates the state’s $30 billion insurance industry, including providing consumer assistance, education and outreach to help residents make insurance decisions.

“The Division is monitoring the wildfires across the state, and we are grateful to all of the first responders out there day and night fighting to protect us,” Insurance Commissioner Ned Gaines said in a statement. “Remember that safety is of the utmost importance. The Division is ready to support consumers if the need arises, and there is information available on our website to help.”

Gaines also urged insurance companies to work proactively with policyholders affected by the fires by supporting the claims process and offering flexibility on premium payments, the division said.

Residents who evacuate their homes because of the fires may be entitled to reimbursement from their insurance company for loss of use and additional living expenses, the division said.

Some insurers place displaced customers in temporary housing or hotels with a food allowance. Coverage terms vary by policy and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, according to the division.

Residents planning to file a claim for evacuation-related expenses are encouraged to save receipts and records of their transactions.

The division advised residents to review their policy and contact their insurance agent or company before filing a claim. Those who run into problems during the claims process are encouraged first to try to resolve the issue directly with their agent or insurer — file a formal complaint with the division if needed.

The division also pointed residents to several resources: the Nevada Consumer’s Guide to Home Insurance, a guide on how to read an insurance policy and information on preparing a home inventory, all available on the division’s website, doi.nv.gov.

Southern Nevada has not faced the same level of fire activity.

The Epan Fire, which burned near Potosi Mountain in Clark County southwest of Las Vegas, was estimated around 77 acres and is no longer listed as active.

The region’s main connection to wildfires this month has been smoke drifting in from Southern California, prompting Clark County last week to issue an air quality alert. Officials described that smoke as a public health concern rather than a direct property or fire-insurance risk.

The Nevada Division of Insurance can be reached at 888-872-3234 or [email protected].