Apparently, but not surprisingly, insurance companies are now fighting with northern Californians over paying flood claims out of this month’s flood. The complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears, although our esteemed insurance comissioner is now drafting regulations requiring insurers to tell you “how they’re going to screw you when you file a claim.” However, Mr. Garamendi admits that the insurers are adept at getting around his regulations.
There are a few things about this that bother me.
First, the insurance companies should be paying flood claims. It is not their own money, as this is all reinsured. If there was a flood, pay the dang claim. It is not like the adjusters are writing checks out of their own pockets.
Second, why isn’t the commissioner doing more? Oh wait, that’s right, it is an election year. He wouldn’t want to actually do something that might be beneficial when he is running for a new office. How about you stop writing some regulation that you know has no enforcement and you start enforcing the current regulations? That would be a welcome change.
Third, homeowners need to know where to go to get help. If the Department of Insurance will not help you, you should either retain an attorney or a public adjuster. There is help out there.