FAQ Topic: Debris Insurance Collection

12. I received a letter from CalOES/FEMA saying the government would not collect debris removal insurance funds used to address unresolved debris removal issues. Does that mean I won’t get a bill for the Government Debris Removal Program?

Your insurance company will receive an invoice for CalOES/FEMA’s debris removal costs, with a copy to you. If you received such a letter from CalOES/FEMA and incurred expenses to resolve debris removal issue(s), you my be reimbursed by your insurance company or the County out of your debris removal insurance proceeds. If there are unused … Continued

13. I have received all available insurance money from my policy, and I haven’t started rebuilding so I don’t know what other debris removal expenses I may incur. When I get the invoice, when will payment be expected?

Once you receive a copy of the invoice, you should submit an Insured Statement acknowledging these facts, and stating that you will contact the County upon confirmation that you have no additional debris removal work necessary nor any repairs necessary as a result of the debris removal process and reconcile any possible unused debris removal … Continued

14. My insurance company won’t release debris removal designated insurance funds until they get an invoice. If they pay the County directly and I have offsetting debris removal expenses, how will that be handled? Will the County write me a check?

You will be notified when the County receives debris removal designated insurance funds from your insurance company. At that time, you will have the opportunity to submit a Request for Reimbursement form, documentation and receipts for privately incurred debris removal work and/or repair costs for property damaged during the debris removal, at which time the … Continued

15. If I receive debris removal designated insurance funds from my insurance company after the County sends out invoices, what should I do?

If the check is made payable to you and the County of Sonoma, you should endorse the check and submit it to the County at the below address, and the County will pass on funds to CalOES/FEMA. If you incurred eligible offsetting expenses to resolve debris removal issues, submit all supporting documentation and receipts with … Continued

1. What is the County’s role in the debris removal insurance collection process?

In exchange for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assisting the City of Santa Rosa and County of Sonoma (County) with debris removal following the October 2017 wildfires through the Government-Sponsored Debris Removal Program, the County is responsible for collecting information from participating property owners to determine whether any insurance proceeds designated for debris removal … Continued