CA, US & World
Palisades Fire Victims Face Insurance Battles as State Lawmakers Push for Reform
Families devastated by the Palisades Fire are facing a new challenge—this time, with their insurance providers. Many homeowners say they’re only receiving a fraction of what their policies promised, compounding the pain of losing their homes.
NBC’s Nick Watt spoke with victims like the Spivaks, who say State Farm—California’s largest insurer—has only paid out half of what they were insured for. “They’ll only give us 30% of personal property and 50% of dwelling,” the couple shared. While the payout limits are technically legal, fire survivors describe the experience as emotionally and financially draining.
“You have to deal with your insurance company—we call it the disaster after the disaster,” said attorney Michael Childress, who represents homeowners filing lawsuits against their carriers. Stories of uneven treatment are common: some homeowners with insurers like AIG or Chubb reported smoother payouts, while others are left fighting tooth and nail for every dollar.
Many homeowners also say they’re receiving inaccurate reports stating they worked with building consultants—despite never having done so. The goal, some allege, is to wear policyholders down. “Their whole goal is to exhaust you and deplete you and have you give up,” one homeowner said.
Adding to the burden, victims are often asked to submit an exhaustive list of everything lost—right down to green plastic strainers and hot plates—with only 60 days to complete it. “You miss a ton of things,” said one homeowner who lived in her house for 25 years. “There was pressure to get through it quickly.”
In response, California legislators are drafting a bill that would eliminate the need for these detailed inventories and require insurers to pay interest on delayed payouts once funds are sent to mortgage providers.
While the proposed reforms may offer relief in the future, they come too late for many families affected by the Palisades Fire. As one homeowner put it: “We paid insurance every month for 25 years for the rainy day. And the rainy day came. Please pay us what we're owed.”
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 25, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃
Labor Day traffic is picking up in Palm Springs. If you’re heading out, our Maria Noble Valdez has what you can expect on the roads here. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs and nbcpalmsprings.com for more Labor Day coverage #LaborDay #LaborDayTraffic #PalmSprings #TrafficUpdate #i10