California State Compensation Insurance Fund announced that it will extend credit to policyholders who have suffered a financial loss or business disruption caused by the hundreds of wildfires burning throughout California. Most fires sparked by lightning, in one of the driest springs on record, have burned some 416,272 acres, destroying 29 structures and threatening 8,638 more. President George Bush declared a state of emergency for California, prompting federal aid. State, local and federal firefighters continue to battle the wildfires.
Dedicated customer service lines have been set up to provide assistance to policyholders. State Fund will work with employers who were unable to report payroll figures or submit payments or have been cancelled for credit reasons related to the wildfires. Policyholders are encouraged to contact State Fund’s Customer Service Center at 800-388-0902 to make arrangements. State Fund representatives will review accounts and may grant a 30-day credit extension, a 3-month payment plan or, if necessary, withdraw cancellation and reinstate the policy. This program will be offered to employers through a series of newspaper announcements and mailings to all State Fund policyholders in the affected area.