Deadline Nears on Quake Claims

Homeowners with damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake have less than a week to file claims.

A law enacted last January extended the deadline to Dec. 31 for those who settled claims without legal representation or who discovered new damage after settling, said Nanci Kramer, deputy press secretary for the Insurance Department. Before the bill passed, most homeowner policies allowed one year to file suit.

Even with the yearlong extension, only 76 homeowners contacted the Insurance Department seeking to reopen claims, Kramer said. Only 16 of those cases remain open.

Kramer said those wanting to file a claim should contact their insurance company immediately and seek legal counsel but should not call the Insurance Department.