Debris Removal and Insurance
Los Angeles County is dedicated to restoring our communities swiftly and safely after the recent wildfires. The debris removal process is divided into two main phases, each managed by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers. Residents have the option to opt-in to the government- sponsored program at no direct cost or manage the cleanup independently by opting out by April 15, 2025. Whether you are insured, uninsured, or underinsured, the program comes at no direct cost to eligible homeowners.
Property Owners With Insurance
- All upfront costs of Phase 2 debris removal will be paid by government agencies.
- If you have homeowners, secondary, or automobile insurance covering debris removal and opt-in to the sponsored program, you must inform the County of your insurance coverage on your Right of Entry form. The County has been assigned the responsibility to collect insurance proceeds and will work with insurance providers to ensure any proceeds specifically for debris removal are assigned to the government. Only unused portions of debris related insurance proceeds will be collected by the County.
Property Owners Without Insurance
If you don’t have any debris removal insurance benefits, you are still eligible for debris removal from the Army Corps of Engineers and you will not receive a bill for these services.
What if I also need to use my debris removal benefits? You can!
If you have a specific amount of money earmarked for debris removal in your insurance policy…
You may use your insurance proceeds to remove fire related debris that is not eligible for removal under the sponsored program (for example, swimming pools, patios, trees, etc.). The County will only collect remaining insurance proceeds, if any, after you have removed fire-related debris not included as part of the government sponsored program.
If your insurance policy includes the costs of debris removal in the total coverage…
You may use these proceeds to pay for the removal of fire-related debris that is not included as part of the government-sponsored program. The County will only collect remaining insurance proceeds, if any, after your residence is rebuilt.
The benefits of this program would apply even if you decide not to rebuild in the same location, but rebuild or purchase a replacement home in another location.
For specific inquiries related to claims, consumer protections, or regulatory matters, contact the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov.