Carmen Balber of Consumer Watchdog explains how people who evacuated from the lightning-sparked wildfires in the Bay Area may qualify for fire insurance payouts even if their homes escaped damage, and the best ways to go about filing claims. 

Consumer Watchdog president Jamie Court criticizes PG&E for its failure to update its equipment, which he says is a reason so many wildfires have sparked in California.

Californians living in high fire danger areas are facing an insurance crisis as companies are drastically increasing their rates or dropping their policies completely. 

Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court says Insurance Commissioner Lara can do more to prevent discrimination against people and protect Californians in high fire risk areas with his regulatory powers. 

Homeowners in high fire risk areas are experiencing insurance premium increases of up to 4 times more expensive, some not being renewed at all. 

Consumer Watchdog, wrote an open letter to Lara on Tuesday.

“As Insurance Commissioner, you have broad power that you are not using to prevent insurance companies from unfairly penalizing homeowners,” Consumer Watchdog Executive Director Carmen Balber wrote. “There is a way, now it is up to you to demonstrate the will.”