Insurance protections for Oregon wildfire regions extended for 30 days

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has extended its wildfire emergency order and bulletin for a second 30-day period, maintaining insurance protections for affected residents through October 29th.

The extension mandates that property and casualty insurance companies take proactive steps to safeguard policyholders in designated wildfire regions across the state.

Regulators initially issued the emergency protections in late July in response to statewide wildfire activity and extended them for 30 days in late August.

The order was set to expire Tuesday before the latest 30-day extension was granted. All ZIP codes listed in the division's original bulletin remain covered under the directive.

Under the emergency order, all property and casualty insurance companies operating in designated areas are prohibited from issuing policy cancellations or nonrenewals.

Insurers must also establish a grace period for premium payments on policies issued, delivered or covering risks within the covered ZIP codes.

The measure extends deadlines for policyholders to report damage claims or submit required claims documentation. Insurance providers are also required to take all practicable steps to ensure policyholders have adequate opportunities to submit claims.

Regulators urge property owners with wildfire damage to contact their insurance carriers as soon as possible to discuss their claims and next steps.

For residents with ongoing concerns, consumer advocates with the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation can be reached toll-free at 888-877-4894 or by email at dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

The emergency order remains in effect through October 29th. Policyholders can review the complete order, bulletin, and related insurance information on the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation wildfire resource page.