Insurance Companies Use of Wildfire Risk Maps Will Soon Be Restricted by Oregon’s Governor

On Tuesday(April 25), the Oregon House of Representatives advanced a measure toΒ strengthen safeguards for insurance policyholders and update the state’s wildfire risk map. The bill is goingΒ to Governor Kotek’s office to be signed into law.

Insurance firms’ use of wildfire risk maps would be limited under Senate Bill 82. It’s partlyΒ a reaction to a contentious graphic from last summer that showed wildfire danger throughout the state by individual property.

According to Representative Pam Marsh (D-Ashland), wildfires in Oregon have caused $3 billion in damage over the last decade.

Insurance Companies' Use of Wildfire Risk Maps Will Soon Be Restricted

β€œWhat that means is that insurance companies are increasingly looking at their portfolios and evaluating risk. And consumers are increasingly getting notifications that their canceled policies won’t be renewed, or that the policy price has gone up, or that they’re not insurable,” she said.

β€œSo we want to protect consumers during this period, recognizing that insurance companies are going to make the decisions that they’re going to make based on their financial needs.”

Insurance firms cannot increase premiums, terminate policies, or refuse to renew policies based on any state wildfire risk map, per SB82. The wildfire risk map for OregonΒ issued last year was received with strong opposition from residents concerned about rising premiums. Marsh said that the new legislation aimsΒ to address that criticism.

Last summer, the topic came up often. We must stress how strictly that is forbidden. Insurance firms aren’t likely to engage in this practice. Now it’s written into law that they can’t,” she said. In addition, the measure mandates that insurers provide written notice to policyholders when they refuse to renew or cancel coverage for a residence due to increased wildfire risk.

Marsh said this law section would increase insurance firms’ openness to their customers. They should also let you know whether there is anything you can do to your property to lower your premiums, such as clearing away defensible areas around your house.

Here is the latest buzz on what’s been occurring at Oregon State-

She emphasized the significance of making sense of the insurance company’s communications. Insurance firms mustΒ factorΒ fire risk reduction measures into theΒ premium pricing and policy underwriting under the proposed legislation.

In addition, SB82 amends state law to provide those whose homes were destroyed in wildfires with up to 36 months to rebuild without needing a state of emergency to be declared. Marsh expressed aΒ “quite confident” expectation that Kotek will approve SB82.

Senate Bill 80, which would modernize and improve the state’s wildfire risk map, is now being reviewed by a parliamentary committee.

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Sophia
Sophia

Sophia Willmer is a skilled content editor who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role at Focushillsboro.com. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for crafting compelling content, Sophia ensures that every piece of content on the site is polished, accurate, and engaging.Sophia's love for writing and editing began at a young age, and she pursued a degree in journalism and communications to further her knowledge and skills. She has worked in a variety of roles in the media industry, from writing and editing for magazines to producing digital content for websites.

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