Actor and producer Tyler Perry has taken aim at insurance companies who have chosen not to renew policies or pulled out of California ahead of the devastating wildfires.
Almost 200,000 people were forced to flee Los Angeles as intense wildfires threatened their homes.
At least 24 people have confirmed to have died as a result of the fires and over 12,000 homes have since been destroyed.
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While this has proven to be one of the most damaging wildfires in US history, people’s attention has turned to insurance companies as many people fear they won’t get any money after losing their homes.
Over the weekend, actor and producer Tyler Perry took to Instagram to attack insurance companies who have chosen not to renew people’s policies.
He wrote: “Watching a daughter use a garden hose to try and protect her 90-year-old parent’s home because their insurance was canceled was just gut-wrenching to me.
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“Does anyone else find it appalling that insurance companies can take billions of dollars out of communities for years and then, all of a sudden, be allowed to cancel millions of policies for the very people they became rich on.
“People who have paid premiums all of their lives are left with nothing because of pure greed.
“As I am in the process of trying to figure out what steps to take to do all I can to help as many as I can, I am keeping everyone in my prayers.”
The largest home insurance business in California, State Farm General, announced in March of last year it would not be renewing thousands of home insurance policies in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and other fire-prone areas in 2024.
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Several other insurers have also stopped writing new policies in the area or pulled out altogether, according to the LA Times.
In a press release on Saturday (January 11), State Farm General wrote: "Our hearts and thoughts go out to the people and communities affected by these fires, as well as the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who are working tirelessly to contain the fires. State Farm is here for our customers and our focus is on helping people. "
They added: "Today, State Farm remains the largest insurer group in California, serving customers in the state since 1928. In LA County, we insure 250,000 homes and 880,000 automobiles.
"As of Friday, January 10, we’ve begun to process approximately 4,400 home and auto claims, already putting millions of dollars back into customers’ hands. We are prepared to address the growing number of claims expected, as residents return and assess damage.
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"California’s insurance market is uniquely complex, but we remain engaged with state officials to improve the availability of insurance for residents."
Government officials have been attempting to encourage insurance companies to remain in California as many pull back amid natural disaster concerns.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has passed a new law barring insurance companies from cancelling or choosing not to renew policies in ares affected by the wildfires for a year.
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Meanwhile, people on social media also made their frustrations heard concerning insurance companies.
One user wrote: “So heartbreaking the state of humanity! I don’t understand how it’s possible and they get nothing that they sowed into for years.”
Another added: “This absolutely sad you pay for insurance for what and can't use it. Pray for all those affected from this. Horrible.”
A third commented: “Yes and a lot of their policies were canceled weeks or days before the fire started. Smh this is crazy I wish it was a way to create an insurance company. My insurance company would never do people like this.”
With another simply writing: “Disgusting! Something needs to be done about these insurance companies!”
UNILAD has contacted State Farm General for a comment.
Topics: Tyler Perry, Wildfires, Los Angeles
Gerrard Kaonga