Fifteen major insurers reported updated claims loss data to the California Department of Insurance revealing the new total of insured losses from the state's October wildfires now tops $3 billion.

That is expected to climb still higher, according to department officials.

“As shocking as $3 billion in insured losses are, the number is sure to grow, as more claims are coming,” said Commissioner Dave Jones. “The insured losses only tell part of the tragic story of the October fires. We must remember that 43 people lost their lives and behind every insurance claim is someone who has lost their home, their business, and their precious memories. It will take years for these communities to recover and rebuild.”