April 2025 Newsletter

Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council Thanks United Policyholders for Championing Wildfire
Survivors’ Rights

Dear Neighbors,
The Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council is proud to recognize and thank our longtime partner,
United Policyholders (UP), for their tireless advocacy on behalf of wildfire survivors across
California.
UP is currently leading efforts to support Senate Bill 495 (SB 495), introduced by Senator Ben
Allen—a bill that would make a life-changing difference for families who lose their homes and
possessions in wildfires.

Why it matters:

Today, wildfire survivors are often required to submit itemized lists of every single item they
lost—from toothbrushes to kitchen tools—in order to receive their full insurance benefits. It’s an
overwhelming and painful task, especially for those already traumatized and displaced.
SB 495 will change that. It requires insurance companies to pay 100% of personal property
coverage after a total loss during a declared emergency—without requiring an itemized
inventory. Survivors can focus on rebuilding their lives instead of re-living their loss.
The bill also includes important reforms that:
● Extend deadlines for submitting insurance paperwork
● Allow for further extensions during recovery
● Require transparency on how insurers assess wildfire risk
For over 30 years, United Policyholders has been a powerful advocate for disaster-impacted
families. Their Roadmap to Recovery® program has helped thousands of California
homeowners—offering tools, guidance, and support during the long road to rebuilding.
We at the Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council deeply appreciate UP’s work and proudly support
their efforts to pass SB 495 and make insurance work better for all Californians affected by
wildfire.

Together, we can help ensure that survivors are treated fairly—and given the dignity and support
they deserve.

With gratitude,
Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council
www.srfiresafe.org
Facebook: @ScrippsRanchFireSafeCouncil