At the Lake: Angora fire victims have concerns and some praise regarding insurance companies

Some of the frustrations property owners have been experiencing during the Angora fire rebuilding process were aired at a public meeting on Thursday night, hosted by California Insurance Commissioner, Steve Poizner.

Just getting a copy of an insurance policy contained in a roll-top desk destroyed in the blaze was one of the many challenges relayed by those filling Lake Tahoe Community College's Duke Theater to near capacity on Thursday, but other issues were far less unique.

"We are underinsured like a lot of other people in this area," Vance Marshall, the owner of two homes destroyed during the blaze, said to the commissioner.

Without the proper coverage, many at the meeting were concerned about their ability to rebuild homes to previous comfort levels, if at all.

A 2004 survey by Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, a Los Angeles-based building cost information company, found 61 percent of U.S. homes were at least 25 percent underinsured.

More complaints than praise for insurance companies were heard from the crowd, but grievances were not universal, as one woman whole-heartedly complimented her insurance company about the way she had been treated in the wake of the Angora fire.

"Some insurance companies don't do the right thing, some insurance companies do the right thing," Poizner said. "I've come across more than just a few examples of insurance companies stepping up to the plate."

Out of 577 insurance claims resulting from the fire, 12 complaints were received by the California Department of Insurance before the start of Thursday's meeting.

Poizner encouraged property owners to try to work with their insurance companies, but also told many of the people who felt they had been treated unfairly to file a formal complaint with the department for further investigation.

"Your level of patience should only be so much," he said. "Let us know when you're getting the runaround."

One attendee proposed keeping a small team from the insurance department in the area as the rebuilding process continues.

"I think that's an excellent idea," Poizner said, "Consider that a commitment."