APCIA Statement on Release of California Smoke Claims & Remediation Task Force Report

SACRAMENTO, CA, - The following statement from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is in response to today's release of the final report from the California Smoke Claims & Remediation Task Force. This statement can be attributed to Karen Collins, APCIA vice president, personal lines & environmental policy. Collins was one of two insurance industry representatives appointed to the task force.

"APCIA appreciates Commissioner Ricardo Lara and the California Department of Insurance for convening the Smoke Claims & Remediation Task Force following the unprecedented Los Angeles-area wildfires. While California's experience underscores the urgency of addressing wildfire smoke damage, jurisdictions nationwide are confronting similar challenges as wildfire events grow in frequency and severity. The Task Force's work captures the complexity of these challenges and reflects a broad range of scientific, technical, public health, consumer, and industry perspectives. APCIA was pleased to contribute industry expertise through my appointment to the Task Force.

"Wildfire survivors deserve clarity, consistency, and confidence as they recover, and insurers support science-based approaches to evaluating smoke damage and guiding remediation. This report offers credible, practical insight for states grappling with similar challenges.

"APCIA and its members recognize the significant hurdles facing wildfire survivors and support efforts to reduce risk, improve resilience, and expand scientific understanding of smoke-related contaminants. Insurers back the use of testing when grounded in credible, relevant science that informs remediation decisions within the scope of insurance coverage.

"The Task Force's work highlights both progress made and areas where standards continue to evolve. Parallel efforts in other states, including Colorado, reinforce the need for policies based on sound peer-reviewed science and practical implementation before prescriptive mandates are adopted.

"APCIA supports the Task Force's recommendation to establish standardized, wildfire-specific training and certification requirements to improve clarity and consistency in claims handling and restoration. Members also see value in tools that help triage claims after largescale events, while emphasizing that individual property assessments remain essential. APCIA is encouraged by the emergence of consensus-based technical guidance from AIHA and IICRC following the 2025 Los Angeles fires.

"As California works through wildfire recovery, it is essential that smoke remediation policies protect consumers, uphold scientific integrity, and support long-term market stability.

"APCIA appreciates Commissioner Lara's leadership on this growing national issue and remains committed to working with policymakers and regulators to support wildfire survivors and a stable insurance market."