Disaster bill may extend aid
Insurance companies would be required to pay living expenses for two years instead of one for homeowners who lose their houses in fires or other natural disasters in a declared state of emergency under a bill approved last week by the state Senate and moved on to the Assembly.
The bill, by Sen. Jackie Speier (D-Daly City), was prompted by complaints from homeowners following the Southern California wildfires in 2003. After the fires, which destroyed more than 3,600 homes, many victims were unable to have their houses rebuilt within 12 months.
The measure wouldn’t cost insurers more, Speier said, because they would be required to pay out the same amount over 24 months instead of 12.
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