California - Wildfire data call

Recent severe wildfires in California have tragically caused loss of life and destruction of thousands of homes.  The California Department of Insurance (“CDI”) has contacted Lloyd’s America requesting claims data on losses relating to these fires.  The first return of data is due to Lloyd’s as soon as possible.

Lloyd’s will be providing aggregate figures at market level. A communication has been issued to all Heads of Claims detailing the specific information that is required.

Background

It has been reported that the Valley Fire which occurred northwest of San Francisco was the third-most damaging wildfire in California history, killing four people and destroying approximately 2,000 homes and other structures. The Butte Fire, which occurred southeast of Sacramento, was the seventh-most damaging wildfire in state history. Preliminary insured losses from both fires are estimated at over $1 billion.

It is clear that the extent of the loss and the insurance industry response to the situation will receive significant scrutiny both political and regulatory in nature. US wildfires have already caused more damage and financial loss in the US in 2015 than in any year since 2007.

The CDI has requested that underwriters report the number of losses related to the Valley Fire in Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties and the Butte Fire in Calaveras and Amador counties. This information has been requested from all major California property insurers.