Open houses to offer guidance on wildfire insurance in Oregon

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation announced Wednesday it will host a series of open houses across wildfire-impacted regions of the state.

The events are designed to assist homeowners facing challenges with securing or keeping homeowners insurance following recent wildfire seasons.

Wildfires have affected Oregon communities with increasing frequency, leaving many residents facing nonrenewals and limited market choices in high-risk areas. The open houses will provide resources on how to find coverage, respond to nonrenewals and work effectively with insurance agents and companies, along with one-on-one guidance from state regulators.

The open house series begins in Medford on Oct. 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Medford Armory, located at 1701 S. Pacific Highway. The state will hold an event in Klamath Falls on Oct. 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Oregon Institute of Technology Student Union Auditorium at 3201 Campus Drive, followed by a session in Redmond on Oct. 30 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Redmond Library Community Room 2 at 827 SW Deschutes Ave.

In November, the division will host three additional open houses. The Dalles Armory at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center, 402 E. Scenic Drive, will host a session on Nov. 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. State regulators will then visit the La Pine Library Community Room at 16425 First St. on Nov. 18 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and the Sisters Public Library Community Room at 110 N. Cedar St. on Nov. 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Homeowners seeking assistance can also contact consumer advocates by calling toll-free at 888-877-4894 or by emailing dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. Insurance complaints and additional resources are available online at dfr.oregon.gov.

The open houses are scheduled to take place between Oct. 28 and Nov. 19 across the six host communities.