Following its announcement that it would pause non-renewals for policyholders to ensure coverage for Los Angeles County residents impacted by wildfires, State Farm on Thursday, Jan. 16, reported receiving 7,850 home and auto claims with numbers expected to rise as damages are assessed.
According to the insurance company, as of Thursday, it has put over $50 million back into customers’ hands, and encourages all policyholders impacted by the wildfires to file a claim.
Filing claims can be made through a local State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SF-CLAIM or using the company’s mobile app or by visiting statefarm.com.
Agents are also available to provide premium payment extensions for those facing financial strain.
State Farm opened catastrophe customer care sites in Southern California for customers to walk-up for claim assistance and help with general questions at the following locations:
— Home Depot parking lot, 12975 2800 W. Jefferson Blvd. in Los Angeles which is open at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and
— Former Volvo parking lot, 1999 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena also open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additionally, the insurance company has committed $2 million to support relief efforts in the areas most impacted by the wildfires. Funds will be provided to the American Red Cross, Feeding America, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and Hollywood Food Coalition.
Money is expected to cover shelter, food pantry supplies and other resources to help communities recover.
On Wednesday, State Farm announced it was expanding an offer to renew residential policies that it had intended to drop — a decision covering homeowners, rental dwelling and residential community association policies that faced non-renewal notices that had not gone into effect as of Jan. 7.
“This decision reflects our commitment to supporting our customers and goes beyond the (California) Department of Insurance’s request,” according to a statement from State Farm. “Our focus is on continuing to meet our customers’ needs and working closely with the state of California to create a sustainable insurance market.”
State Farm insures more than 250,000 homes and 880,000 automobiles in Los Angeles County.
Previously, the insurance company has come under heavy criticism for its decision made last year that it would not renew thousands of policies for small and large apartment owners to home and condominium associations.