Oregon homeowners in wildfire-prone areas are facing a second emergency beyond the fires themselves: trouble getting or keeping home insurance.
Here's what to know
Citing the agency's announcement, MyCentralOregon reported that the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is responding with open houses in fire-affected parts of the state where residents can get one-on-one help with coverage issues, including nonrenewals.
Residents can use the open houses to learn where to look for homeowners insurance, what steps to take after a nonrenewal, and how to work with insurance agents and insurers. The agency said attendees can also ask questions about their own situations.
The DFR said wildfire impacts are reaching Oregon communities more often, making fire risk a repeated part of homeownership in some areas and leaving residents concerned about both property damage and keeping insurance coverage.
DFR says homeowners with questions or concerns — including those who have already received a nonrenewal — should attend a nearby event.
More background
In wildfire country, insurance is still supposed to be a basic safeguard for a home, but high-risk locations can limit availability and make renewals less certain. In Oregon, that challenge is directly tied to communities impacted by wildfires.
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For homeowners, a nonrenewal can set off a cascade of problems. People may have to search for unfamiliar carriers, compare a smaller pool of available policies, and respond to insurer notices while trying to protect one of their biggest financial assets.
DFR is part of Oregon's Department of Consumer and Business Services and has a broad consumer protection role that includes oversight of insurance, banking and other deposit-taking institutions, trust operations, securities, and consumer finance products and services.
The open houses are focused on practical consumer assistance rather than general wildfire education.
The focus is on navigating the insurance market, understanding rights and options, and getting help from a regulator that already handles consumer complaints and oversight.
What can be done?
DFR is also directing residents to its wildfire resources webpage for more information. The webpage offers details before an event and a place to review options afterward.
Consumers who need individual help can reach a consumer advocate by phone at 888-877-4894 or by emailing dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
These contact points are for people with questions about their own coverage.
Homeowners can also submit a complaint through dfr.oregon.gov.
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