As Santa Ana winds roared across Southern California, fueling blazes from the Palisades to the San Fernando Valley, more than 80,000 residents were forced to evacuate. Flames closed freeways, scorched neighborhoods, and even shut down Universal Studios Hollywood.
For thousands of Californians, this wasn't just another fire season — it was a reminder of how vulnerable the state has become to climate-driven catastrophes.
Insurance expert Karl Susman, speaking live from evacuation zones during Insurance Hour, described what he saw as "unprecedented." Multiple active fires were burning simultaneously — the Palisades Fire (3,000 acres), the Hearst Fire (500 acres), and the East Eaton and Woodley Fires, all stretching emergency resources to their limits. "People are being evacuated left and right," he said, capturing both the urgency and human toll of the disaster.
But even amid chaos, Susman's message was clear: understanding how your insurance works before disaster strikes can make the difference between fast recovery and long-term hardship.
One of the biggest misconceptions Susman addressed is the idea that homeowners must "add" fire coverage. In truth, fire is the core peril of nearly every homeowners, condo, and renters policy in the country.
"It would be very unusual," he explained, "to have any standard property policy without fire coverage as part of it."
However, the critical detail lies in timing. Once a wildfire begins, insurance companies immediately issue what's known as a "moratorium." During this period — which can last days or weeks — insurers freeze all new business and coverage changes in affected ZIP codes.
That means you cannot add or modify coverage while a fire is active nearby. No increasing limits, no switching carriers, no purchasing new policies.
"If you don't have sufficient coverage right now," Susman cautioned, "it's probably too late to make changes while the fire's in progress."
The takeaway is simple but vital: review your coverage before wildfire season. Waiting until smoke is visible means waiting too long.
When a loss occurs — whether confirmed or suspected — Susman advises homeowners to file a claim immediately. ...
