[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6647257,"mediaKeyId","2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8","parentId",2523292,"title","Department of Insurance to host walk‑in and appointment workshops after Topanga FAIR Plan meeting","audioSeconds",255,"startMs",3420000,"endMs",3675000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8&start=3420&end=3675","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8/thumbnail_3420000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6647257/Topanga/Ventura-County/California/Department-of-Insurance-to-host-walkin-and-appointment-workshops-after-Topanga-FAIR-Plan-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647257-cd8b79bb7596303b01b0b49ba53c73e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205222&Signature=my8kUovVnKWZTsWvYLbX96QgzTgLgDznaAPsPL~CdVT6oHxXLUljgRrBMHywwkCEx7-I-gLtagxsl3XKhDhSNLBDvm7fyMjekjqC4-Hl5Od8Z3z5gh5bYgz4dXiVxCCysuG8w3Ff1piA3sC2DCpORkV1ZF5vCn5eIFHqbm8ZBxhp~DGFN3bJc7hSdhL~Ti3JCGcCYD2HqP1ih5acnCO1KZCKwvHue2DYMT6AxbnXk0CL0iPMIaVitxX7F5t7hWDjn8JcM4NN9KhK9siquzj9aBNvEuJwWCp2V5YQyLOmNnrdA3w~SbwvySCoIFZIM1Ee8znXqg21qvihDIfJYmH5ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-06T23:54:40Z","article","Rob, a representative of the California Department of Insurance, told the Topanga workshop that the department will hold in‑person events to help residents with FAIR Plan and other insurance issues.

Rob said the first event will be on March 8 at the Skirball Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and a second session will follow around March 15 at John Muir High School in Pasadena. Residents may make appointments by calling the department’s number provided at the meeting (+1 809‑274‑357) or attend as walk‑ins; Rob said DOI staff and FAIR Plan personnel are likely to be present at the Skirball event.

Rob also noted DOI representatives are available at the disaster recovery center at UCLA Pico for ongoing one‑on‑one assistance. He urged attendees to bring copies of policies and any documentation when they come for help.

Why this matters: One‑on‑one meetings with DOI staff and FAIR Plan representatives can help residents file claims properly, follow appeals procedures and obtain clarity on coverage and living‑expense reimbursement policies.

Practical information: call the DOI number provided at the meeting to make an appointment or bring documentation to the disaster recovery center at UCLA Pico for assistance; FAIR Plan staff also offered to remain after the Topanga session for individual consultations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Topanga Town Council Meeting 3-1-25 - California Fair Plan","oneSentenceSummary","A California Department of Insurance representative said the department will host workshops, including March 8 at the Skirball Center and a March 15 session in Pasadena, offering one‑on‑one assistance with claims and policies; the DOI also directs residents to the disaster recovery center at UCLA Pico.","taxTitle","Topanga, Ventura County, California","taxId",79253,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6647261,"FAIR Plan advises homeowners to insure to value; local rebuild costs vary widely",180,1780000,1960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8&start=1780&end=1960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8/thumbnail_1780000.jpg","/articles/6647261/Topanga/Ventura-County/California/FAIR-Plan-advises-homeowners-to-insure-to-value-local-rebuild-costs-vary-widely","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647261-b070002d81cc8d153fa1b051e16513ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205222&Signature=JsYP7UC0zdQkvXE5YrBb3JyfKxQ-wBeQBTG0rgENLnBGNIsyXiopD37iLonHeu5q5ZFMsjH5Y2Nfncew3h-diitiDJv6vANSFyQfvUZ-9hxyxTbBtkmPpdgHKca-NRZ711DnTDLoOgVQ5zye5wQ4zfnxL2-ne7QvnhYYhZp~jVODkoK-pE3-IDToY7OtafU-EvTv7Q3~VZ~sMVsDAaLKkExKmYGddq45seqWLBmzAmpb0QU2DLYIjaQqmZytP6P6PqzIQQOFK3NyweFkyRpf1mv6SkwRiOf1QQIZW0l6UvFLeIKmlSq-xqGefsak3EiBlQoccyj6FoqetztRbn~E-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Homeowners at the Topanga FAIR Plan meeting pressed the broker liaison on how much coverage they should buy to rebuild after fire and whether insurance proceeds can be used to change the type or quality of a rebuilt home.

Peter Irwin said policyholders should seek to “insure your home to value” by selecting replacement‑cost coverage and verifying the dwelling limit equals the amount required to rebuild with their intended quality of materials. He described a replacement‑cost estimator tool used by insurers and recommended comparing its output with local contractors.

Speakers discussed typical rebuild cost ranges and emphasized local variability. Irwin gave a general range for standard builds and said local coastal, foundation, permitting and hazardous‑material removal needs can raise costs significantly. Attendees and contractors at the meeting cited figures ranging from roughly $300 to $900 per square foot for basic to more complex local builds; some speakers said topography, demolition, hazmat removal and permitting often push costs substantially higher in Topanga.

On settlement options, Irwin explained that policyholders who select replacement‑cost coverage have broader claim settlement options, and that after a total loss owners can choose to rebuild, sell the land, or accept a settlement consistent with the policy terms and limits. He advised homeowners to review coverage annually and confirm the mortgagee and billing information is current to avoid administrative problems at renewal.

Why this matters: Underinsurance can leave homeowners unable to fully rebuild or replace finished materials after total loss; conversely, overinsuring raises premium costs. Accurate replacement‑cost estimates and periodic reviews with brokers can reduce that risk.

Practical takeaways: check whether the replacement‑cost option is selected on your policy, ask brokers for a replacement‑cost estimate and supporting contractor quotes, and document improvements and changes in square footage with your broker before renewing.","At a Topanga workshop FAIR Plan staff urged homeowners to confirm replacement‑cost coverage and advised that rebuild costs depend on local factors and build quality, citing wide per‑square‑foot variation.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6647266,"Topanga Firewise community discounts and home‑hardening options explained at FAIR Plan meeting",1628,722000,2350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8&start=722&end=2350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8/thumbnail_722000.jpg","/articles/6647266/Topanga/Ventura-County/California/Topanga-Firewise-community-discounts-and-homehardening-options-explained-at-FAIR-Plan-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647266-04b9f4a3fd8cdc98ae5010d333b4ecf2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205222&Signature=PFOEubS36fCl-ybzbkbw0GTcCwcSvUxIUNqwn9v6eAb0-ClGoPORMQ4FWP~605nHU0Ms9YNd66MNrAOopeFD2q~y2eK5C8IvpY717KC~om1y-C7~gSbCdf8R~lx5xH-71NMqH1KNNPExn5eFIbpM21CuCTRCJnWDhzmtuqQiaseHN7oBLyvmE~86eEodIM90DdFbrm5mmiZ1WFGXdnmAhY4jloR1I4EC9CtXFpF0AlWCQLDjnt1gBrykRILrRS13H2MNIb~78CHyiK48wjQe94qMCLbQAl7oAFz~awj77NDAftZ6gAPrIjf3p0XtewEsU4PnMFUg9auOpq7t6fBUNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Topanga workshop, FAIR Plan staff and local volunteers outlined several discounts and programs that can reduce FAIR Plan premiums for wildfire risk mitigation.

Peter Irwin said the FAIR Plan offers a 10 percent home‑hardening discount and a separate 5 percent discount for immediate defensible space. He also said communities that maintain a Firewise designation can qualify for a communitywide discount; local participants said Firewise communities receive a 10 percent reduction.

Topanga volunteers encouraged homeowners to pursue a home ignition zone evaluation from the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains and to maintain annual reporting that preserves Firewise status. Nancy (meeting participant) and others said those measures helped the community qualify and that combined discounts could materially lower premiums — one participant said she receives about a 25 percent reduction through combined measures.

Why this matters: Risk‑reduction discounts can lower out‑of‑pocket premiums for homeowners in high wildfire‑risk areas, and they may improve a property’s attractiveness to insurers if the voluntary market returns.

Practical steps given at the meeting: check Firewise community status and submit annual reports; contact local Resource Conservation Districts for a home ignition evaluation; discuss eligibility and documentation with your broker so the FAIR Plan can verify discounts; and keep receipts and inspection results to support discount applications.","FAIR Plan staff and local volunteers described discounts for Firewise communities, home hardening and defensible space, and gave contacts for home ignition evaluations and local resources.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6647271,"Topanga residents report delays and denials; FAIR Plan and callers dispute smoke‑damage coverage",991,1529000,2520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8&start=1529&end=2520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8/thumbnail_1529000.jpg","/articles/6647271/Topanga/Ventura-County/California/Topanga-residents-report-delays-and-denials-FAIR-Plan-and-callers-dispute-smokedamage-coverage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647271-3788ea969cfc8706322490ba00b2248e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205222&Signature=Z2ZUWZQjcy8a4S9ZFs3oQ7D-Q2njgTp9WFrAKutDQvb6TXcfrDYzUKlL~c7eLXIkIwxIPOXbrfiSeGSxFP9BEYFiZuZX4O-XtK1GVQYrzxUTbSuzE~BqxoDbDxV~rdhYUCX~8rLLFibRYbMZ~riRg30A7dTdKbCl-GLleP9cjtHN3a~LV3P68D-LimrSDCNDbJHlnEuMAZ6D22fGfk~XjRALZjMevYGtxj2k7CP5XUNDXMtYv9CVmB6rkL0Hky64f-DfjeikvsGHb-YjYOI2Mmfc4vcTbDz0nCv0XJS6~N-uvO~xJApdeA1~mtstVheqtYVRWJHwzjSNiDyDDxRJoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Topanga residents at a Saturday FAIR Plan workshop reported long delays in claim responses, disputed denials for smoke remediation and raised health concerns about ash that may contain lead or asbestos.

Peter Irwin, broker liaison for the California FAIR Plan, said claimants receive an acknowledgement when a claim is filed online or by phone and that adjusters and a team are available to handle high‑priority cases. He said policyholders should expect “some progress” within roughly three to five days for urgent claims and that FAIR Plan staff could push long‑delayed claims to the front of the queue when residents meet with staff one‑on‑one.

Several residents said they had waited weeks without a clear acceptance or denial. One attendee said remediation quotes they had received ranged from $17,000 to $50,000. Irwin said the FAIR Plan’s policy language requires “physical damage” from smoke in order to trigger coverage for remediation, and he said the plan evaluates whether smoke has caused physical, demonstrable harm such as discoloration.

A caller identified as Adam said he and others have a different reading of policy language and told the meeting there is an active class action suit alleging the FAIR Plan is improperly refusing to pay for smoke remediation. “The box is checked that says that smoke damage is ... part of the coverage,” Adam said. “We have a very smoky, unlivable house right now that needs to be cleaned.” Irwin acknowledged disputes over interpretation and recommended individual appeals where denials have occurred.

Irwin said the FAIR Plan’s website lists the formal claim and appeals procedures and that claimants should work with their broker to appeal denials. He also said the FAIR Plan pays fair rental value — living expenses for mandatory evacuations — from the date of evacuation through the date residents are permitted to return; one attendee noted a reimbursement example of roughly $3,500 for a nine‑day displacement.

Why this matters: Smoke remediation affects habitability, health and the cost of recovery for many homeowners in fire‑impacted neighborhoods. Disputes over whether smoke constitutes “physical damage” determine whether insurers pay for expensive cleanup and replacement of contaminated materials.

Practical notes from the meeting: file claims at www.cfpnet.com; include current contact information; confirm mortgagee and billing details 60 days before renewal to avoid administrative cancellations; and request an adjuster or appeals information through the FAIR Plan claims page if you believe a denial is incorrect.

Residents who said they were offered little response were advised to take part in upcoming Department of Insurance workshops for one‑on‑one help with claims and appeals.","Residents at a Topanga FAIR Plan workshop said smoke remediation claims have been delayed or denied; the FAIR Plan representative described typical claim timelines and the appeal process, while a caller said a class action is challenging denials for smoke cleanup.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6647275,"FAIR Plan calls itself insurer of last resort as Topanga residents press solvency and coverage questions",1920,290000,2210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8&start=290&end=2210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2523292-b0f4dba7c72bca2000221154f51e86f8/thumbnail_290000.jpg","/articles/6647275/Topanga/Ventura-County/California/FAIR-Plan-calls-itself-insurer-of-last-resort-as-Topanga-residents-press-solvency-and-coverage-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647275-cc7e5247949bb1d744859b713277f067/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205222&Signature=OIyx78xcA1N7mdDdNTU7azw6NyWg0WSjf7nWvlkcwfSor324yZWJIYS1cqsgq1fvWBYN0IyKewk5i4rQW2OPt3-G8PqiJHUQpCDX5pWSg89kXKqmbafukGr-LYupCJTLctTYXeX~vy5qYgO-NDI5dyFPhQC5KR6W4BbywMr9w1J3Tm2TJFKzOAXvW-Ojsrg~m6KtvF0kiaDn2ZWAVK3ftPpry6GIF5QZhsvzMCFEyJqiLUzmof7HSxUeQ1Bbv1Pzl7VF3fzVa~uZxEYUJaEYapiElylTd5avFERCZhB45Y1gxWzDXFA7ReT1na5JdHor6ixfyp9jCjxHEQ3~Vu2Bjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Saturday workshop in Topanga, Peter Irwin, broker liaison for the California FAIR Plan, told residents the FAIR Plan exists as “the insurer of last resort” for property owners who cannot obtain coverage in the voluntary market.

Irwin said the FAIR Plan is a private, not‑for‑profit residual market created by statute in 1968 and backed by California property and casualty insurers. “Our goal is to not be needed,” he said, adding that the plan is intended as a temporary safety net until the voluntary market returns.

The FAIR Plan currently sets the total insured value (TIV) for a dwelling policy at $3 million and recently expanded commercial coverage to $20 million per location. Irwin said those limits were raised in response to market demand, particularly from homeowners associations and condo associations with few private options.

Residents pressed Irwin on whether the FAIR Plan has the funds to pay claims from the recent fires. Irwin said the plan collects premiums and uses actuarially based rates, reinsurance and other mechanisms to meet obligations. He told the group the FAIR Plan has exercised mechanisms in the past “to continue to pay claims,” and that private insurers and other statutory mechanisms are designed to backstop large losses.

Attendees and other speakers described additional pathways that can be used if losses exceed the plan’s reserves, including assessments on private insurers, reinsurance and a recent legislative change that allows the FAIR Plan to access capital markets in some circumstances. Irwin said those mechanisms make the FAIR Plan a viable option “because nothing else is available right now.”

Irwin encouraged homeowners in high‑risk areas to pursue risk‑reduction measures and to review coverage amounts with a broker. He provided the FAIR Plan website (www.cfpnet.com) and a contact number and email for follow‑up.

Why this matters: Thousands of homeowners in wildfire‑affected parts of California rely on the FAIR Plan when other insurers will not write policies. The program’s coverage limits and funding mechanisms determine whether policyholders can obtain full rebuild payouts or face gaps in settlement amounts.

Irwin's remarks reflect the FAIR Plan’s stated role as a stopgap for homeowners who cannot obtain private coverage. He repeatedly emphasized that the plan is not intended to be a long‑term replacement for a competitive private market and that restoring the private market is the preferred long‑term outcome.

For homeowners considering coverage changes, Irwin recommended an annual review with a broker, checking that the policy’s replacement‑cost options are selected where appropriate, and verifying mortgagee and billing information well ahead of renewal dates to avoid inadvertent cancellations.

Contact and resources: FAIR Plan materials and claims guidance are available at www.cfpnet.com. Irwin left a contact phone number (213‑529‑8128) and an email (perwin@cfpnet.com) for follow‑up questions.","At a Saturday workshop in Topanga, a broker liaison for the California FAIR Plan outlined how the program operates as an insurer of last resort, described coverage limits and the plan's financial backstops, and fielded residents' questions about whether the plan can meet claims after recent fires.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Department of Insurance to host walk‑in and appointment workshops after Topanga FAIR Plan meeting

FAIR Plan advises homeowners to insure to value; local rebuild costs vary widely

Topanga Firewise community discounts and home‑hardening options explained at FAIR Plan meeting

Topanga residents report delays and denials; FAIR Plan and callers dispute smoke‑damage coverage

FAIR Plan calls itself insurer of last resort as Topanga residents press solvency and coverage questions