CAMARILLO, Calif. (KABC) — Eyewitness News is committed to providing you with the information you need to prepare for disasters like the devastating wildfire in Ventura County.

ABC7 has reported on insurance companies canceling policies in wildfire-prone areas in Southern California, so what is the state doing about it now? Here’s what you need to know.

Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency in Ventura County, allowing the Insurance Commissioner to impose a moratorium on cancellations in those areas.

“The purpose is simply to give consumers and homeowners a breathing space to recover and make sure they have peace of mind that their insurance policies are still in effect,” explained Gabriel Sánchez of the California Department of Insurance.

However, that would be No apply to anyone trying to get new safe in these areas. Companies have already stopped issuing new policies.

“Right now, we’re getting moratoriums. Obviously, insurance companies are closing those ZIP codes, so we can’t do any new business there,” said Rick Dinger of Crescenta Valley Insurance. “So if someone buys a new house, that will cause them a lot of pain.”

How does the moratorium work?

Following Newsom’s state of emergency, the Department of Insurance is partnering with CAL-FIRE and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to identify wildfire perimeters and adjacent ZIP codes within mandatory moratorium areas.

Protection against cancellation or non-renewal lasts a year from the date of the governor’s emergency declaration, according to the Department of Insurance website.

“Even if no property damage occurs, wildfires take a high emotional and financial toll,” he said. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, in a press release issued on Friday.. “As we continue to implement long-term reforms over the coming months, it is critical that people have the coverage they need after a wildfire. Insurance benefits can help survivors recover quickly and cover additional expenses, such as cost of evacuations. Once the fires are contained, we will be on the ground, helping those affected and enforcing California’s strong consumer protections to help them rebuild and recover.”

How do I know if I am protected?

The Department of Insurance has an online service that allows you to find out if your ZIP code was included under any mandatory moratorium.

You can find that website. here.

Lara reminds Ventura County residents who have been ordered to evacuate that their homeowners or renters insurance can help with evacuation and relocation costs under Additional Living Expenses coverage, known as ALE.

ALE generally includes food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, and additional transportation expenses, among other costs.

If you have any questions or need help, the California Department of Insurance is here to help. Call: 1-800-927-4357 or visit www.insurance.ca.gov.

What can homeowners do to prepare?

The Department of Insurance advises homeowners to prepare in advance in case they have to evacuate their home and file a claim later.

“Take an inventory of the things that you have in your house, things like different possessions, whether it’s furniture, jewelry, other types of things, and even if possible, if you can record this on video,” Sánchez explained.

Here are some tips from the Department of Insurance website.

• Save all receipts during your evacuation.

• Policy provisions, including deductibles, vary by company, and residents should check with their insurance company or agent as soon as possible to confirm coverage, limits, and any other limitations and documentation requirements. Most renters policies also typically include ALE coverage.

• Document the date, time, and names of insurance company employees with whom you discuss your coverage.

• Make sure any insurance agent or public adjuster offering services has a valid license by checking online with the Department of Insurance.

• Under existing law, public adjusters cannot solicit business for seven calendar days after a disaster.

• Don’t forget copies of insurance policies, important documents, and a photo or video inventory of your possessions. An inventory can be completed quickly and easily on your smartphone and stored securely in the cloud.

In the past two years, several insurers have left the state. Californians are already dealing with high premiums and now they could go higher.

“Insurance companies are suffering these losses, these natural disaster losses, and they are in business to make money, so they have no choice but to raise rates,” Dinger said.