Insurance Division Responds to Maui Wildfires with Data Collection
Support and Assistance Available at Lahaina Disaster Recovery Center
In response to the devastating Maui wildfires that occurred on August 8, 2023, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division has taken action by issuing Memorandum 2023-4E on September 1. This memorandum requests property and casualty insurers, as well as surplus lines carriers, to provide data related to the wildfires and wind damage for analysis.
The Insurance Division has already received preliminary data from insurers and carriers, which is now accessible to the public.
Data Collection: A Critical Task Following Disasters
Following a catastrophic event like the Maui wildfires, insurance loss data specific to that event is collected periodically from insurance companies operating in the affected state. This data serves multiple purposes, including determining the total number of claims and insured losses. Additionally, it helps monitor the solvency of domestic insurers to ensure they can fulfill claim payments, while also improving the overall experience of policyholders directly affected by the disaster.
It is important to note that data is reported to the Insurance Division in an aggregate form based on the affected lines of insurance, rather than individual properties.
Insurance Commissioner Gordon I. Ito expressed empathy for the impacted individuals and emphasized the Division’s commitment to support the community’s rebuilding efforts.
Preliminary Data: Losses and Claims
As of September 30, 2023, the collected data from over 200 insurers reveals the following:
West Maui Residential Property Claims
Total Losses Paid Through Sept. 30: $660,464,000
- Homeowners’ Insurance: $516,541,000 (1,748 claims reported)
- Dwelling-Fire Landlord Coverage: $109,839,000 (530 claims reported)
- Condominium Unit Owners: $27,870,000 (1,150 claims reported)
- Renters’ Insurance: $6,194,000 (298 claims reported)
- Other Residential Property Coverage: $20,000 (6 claims reported)
Upcountry Maui Residential Property Claims
Total Losses Paid Through Sept. 30: $15,822,000
- Homeowners’ Insurance: $14,211,000 (227 claims reported)
- Dwelling-Fire Landlord Coverage: $1,476,000 (57 claims reported)
- Renters’ Insurance: $135,000 (15 claims reported)
Maui Personal Vehicle Claims
Total Losses Paid Through Sept. 30: $22,182,000
- West Maui: $21,672,000
- Upcountry: $510,000
Estimated Total Loss: $25,906,000
For updated information on the reported data, visit cca.hawaii.gov/ins/2023-wind-and-wildfire-damage-data-call.
Assistance Available for Affected Individuals
In light of the wildfires, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division has been present on Maui since August, providing support and guidance to the community regarding insurance-related concerns. A representative will continue to offer in-person assistance at the Lahaina Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Lahaina Civic Center Gymnasium from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays.
During the recovery process, it is important to:
- Hire a licensed contractor
- Verify the credibility of those offering services
For more information on licensed contractors and business verification, visit cca.hawaii.gov/rico/materials/licensedcontractor/ and cca.hawaii.gov/businesscheck/.
It is worth noting that affected individuals may be approached and offered services to aid in the insurance process. While commendable, it is essential to exercise caution and thoroughly comprehend any associated costs before entering into a contract for assistance.
For inquiries, feel free to contact the Insurance Division toll-free from Maui at (808) 984-2400, extension 6-2790.
For insurance resources and detailed information on navigating the claims process, visit cca.hawaii.gov/fireclaims.