OSI: Some insurance companies aren’t providing state-ordered wildfire coverage

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – In the aftermath of the devastating South Fork and Salt Fires, homeowners are trying to get back on their feet with help from their insurance companies. However, according to the state, some companies are making it harder for policyholders. “We still can’t drink our water. Half the shops aren’t open. We can’t work. Our place of employments aren’t open,” said Ruidoso resident, Jeremy White.

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Some lost everything to the South Fork and Salt Fires, while others like Jeremy White, are feeling the impact in other ways, even though they didn’t lose their homes. “We can’t do any work. I’m a musician for hire. A lot of my summer got canceled because most of it was playing around here,” said White.

White said while he’s out of work, he has been trying to take advantage of coverage, under an emergency order issued by the Governor and Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI).

One part in the order focuses on Additional Living Expenses (ALEs). The order requires insurers to pay out an advance of $5,000 to cover immediate expenses such as hotel stays, meals, and necessities to anyone displaced by the disaster. Certain paperwork may be required, but the governor’s order calls for those payments to be made promptly.

The OSI said most property insurers have complied with the emergency order, but they are receiving complaints that some insurers, including State Farm, are not making those advanced payments, or creating barriers for policyholders. “I thought that’s what insurance was for. It’s a little angering,” added White.

OSI said if an insurance company is asking policy holders to provide additional steps or receipts that should not be required, policy holders should report it directly to OSI.

“If the superintendent does find any companies have ignored their responsibilities under the order, enforcement actions could be taken,” said Deputy Superintendent of Insurance Colin Baillio.

KRQE asked State Farm about the complaints, they said they cannot discuss details of customer claims due to their privacy policy. In their statement, they said:

Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by the wildfires in Ruidoso. State Farm agents, agents’ staff, and local employees are helping customers with their claims. We have deployed our catastrophe response teams to multiple sites in Ruidoso. State Farm customers can submit a claim through various channels. This includes contacting their State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, submitting through the State Farm mobile app or online at statefarm.com/claims.

State Farm claim teams continue to reach out to customers to assist with immediate needs, schedule inspections, and issue advance payments when appropriate.”

This resource contains more information about our response: State Farm® deploys resources to New Mexico wildfires .

Kim Kaufman, Corporate Communications with State Farm.

OSI has a property insurance complaint form which can be accessed through this link .

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