The California Insurance Commissioner published a bulletin reminding insurers of the protections provided by California insurance law designed to aid policyholders in situations like the current wildfires.

Under California insurance law, insureds who suffered a total loss should receive advance payments on their claim. If a property loss is determined to be a total loss, the law requires an additional living expense (ALE) advance payment and a payment of contents without inventory.

The ALE advance payment should be for a minimum of four months of living expenses, and additional payments after proper proof is provided after the advance period. The contents payment should be for a minimum of 30 percent of the policy limit, with a max of $250,000, without the requirement for an itemized inventory. The insured can file an itemized claim at a later date for additional payments.