PACIFIC PALISADES—On June 5, new reports circulated of more and more insurance claims that were not honored by USAA and AAA. Residents who fell victim to the wildfires that struck California in early January have banded together in lawsuits claiming that the insurance companies “overpromised and underdelivered” leaving homeowners in debt when insurance policies did not cover unexpected costs.
Reports indicate that the affected families hired Gregory L. Bentley of the Bentley and More Legal firm who are claiming negligence and restitution on their client’s behalf.
But it’s not only USAA and AAA that are not treating their clients ethically. Reports indicate that State Farm Insurance canceled close to 70 percent of their homeowner policies following the suspension of the first scheduled debris removal leaving their clients in limbo with land that was once premium real estate was now a fire hazard and an eyesore.
As previously reported, the City of Malibu voted unanimously to hire a private security firm to further protect the burn sites from further damage from looters.
The third issue that those who fell victim of California wildfires are dealing with is insurance fraud. Insurance companies have reportedly been inundated with false claims from those who didn’t receive damage and do not deserve compensation.
Some of the Pacific Palisades homeowners have chosen to sell their land at a reduced rate rather than fight the odds on a rebuild.
There are contractors and developers dedicated to rebuilding and restoring Palisades to its former splendor. It is not clear if one of them has chosen to invest in the land from residents who chose to leave rather than rebuild.
By Sharon