Law meant to ease way for insured fire survivors

After the January fires that destroyed thousands of residences, victims who lost their clothing, furniture and other possessions faced a daunting task: creating a list of itemized losses to submit to their insurers — typically without records to rely on.

- BY LAURENCE DARMIENTO

CHRISTINA HOUSE Los Angeles Times

A WORKER places barriers around burned Pacific Palisades homes in January before expected rain.

While existing law paid policyholders who suffered total losses as much as $250,000 up front using a formula based on 30% of their dwelling coverage, getting additional money could be overwhelming for victims already dealing with one of the most catastrophic events anyone can suffer.

Now, under a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, fire victims whose residences burned down can get 60% of their personal property coverage up to $350,000 without first submitting what is euphemistically called “The List.” The law also extends the time for filing itemized claims to at least 100 days, up from just two months.