Purpose
A catastrophe notice is sent in the immediate aftermath of a declared catastrophe event — wildfire, hurricane, tornado, flood, or other widespread loss. It informs the insured that the carrier is aware of the event, outlines the claims process, and communicates any temporary modifications to normal deadlines or procedures.
When to Send
Catastrophe notices should be sent as quickly as possible after the event, often before individual claims are filed. Many states require proactive outreach to policyholders in affected areas.
Required Components
Event Acknowledgment
Identify the catastrophe event (by name, date, and declaration number if applicable) and acknowledge that the insured may have been affected.
How to File a Claim
Provide clear instructions for filing a claim, including phone numbers, online portals, and field-office locations if CAT teams have been deployed.
Modified Procedures
Explain any temporary changes to normal claims procedures:
- Extended filing deadlines
- Expedited payment processes
- Temporary housing / additional living expense procedures
- Proof-of-loss modifications
- Emergency repair authorizations
Consumer Rights
Notify the insured of their rights under applicable state regulations, including complaint processes and any catastrophe-specific consumer protections.
Resources
Provide links to relevant state resources: Department of Insurance consumer hotlines, FEMA resources, emergency management contacts.
Jurisdiction Notes
California — SB 876 planning
The new emergency-claim primary-contact, status-report, and written ALE provisions operate January 1, 2028. Keep these dates distinct from the AB 1795 smoke framework. See the 2028 correspondence requirements.
Georgia — 2027 framework
HB 1344 authorizes catastrophe processing directives for applicable policies from January 1, 2027. Check an actual commissioner directive before using the special deadlines; a disaster declaration alone does not activate them. See the directive-dependent deadlines.
California
Insurance Code §14046(b) requires the latest CDI notice of significant property-insurance laws within 15 calendar days after claim notice for residential claims arising from a declared state of emergency or another emergency declared by a public official. Identify the specific authority for any deadline extension; a declaration does not automatically extend every insurer deadline.
Use the California smoke-damage guidance for Bulletin 2025-7 investigation/testing expectations, which address residential and commercial wildfire-area claims, and the separately dated AB 1795/AB 1642 residential framework. Do not describe the 2027 provisions or the later technical standards as existing 2026 duties.
Texas
Texas storm and catastrophe-related claims are subject to the same prompt-payment timelines, though the TDI may issue temporary bulletins extending certain deadlines. Carriers must be prepared to adjust operations and maintain communication during events.
Adjuster Guidance
- Deploy CAT notices proactively, not just in response to filed claims
- Coordinate with state DOI guidance and any temporary bulletins
- Track extended deadlines carefully — they revert to normal timelines after the emergency period
- Document all communications during the catastrophe response period
- For wildfire claims, be prepared for both fire-damage and smoke-damage claims
