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In early 2025, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (�����о����ٷ�) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the nation’s disaster resilience by prioritizing catastrophe preparedness as a cornerstone of its key initiatives. Central to this effort is the advancement of the �����о����ٷ� National Resilience Strategy, adopted by state insurance regulators in 2024, which aims to equip communities with the tools and support needed to withstand and recover from increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters.  

In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and a series of catastrophic wildfires across multiple states, the �����о����ٷ� will create a Disaster Preparedness Guide to collate best practices for disaster readiness and recovery. This initiative builds on a growing wave of state-level consumer protection laws and proactive regulatory measures designed to ensure that individuals and families are not only protected but empowered in the face of climate-driven emergencies.

States across the nation have implemented forward-looking consumer protection laws, regulations, and services in recent years to safeguard consumers. Among these impactful measures are:

Immediate in-person help for consumers in filing claims and navigating the recovery process: During the March 2025 Climate and Resiliency Task Force Meeting, state insurance experts shared their experiences from having deployed staff to engage with stakeholders and the public in the aftermath of wildfires and hurricanes, helping people file and receive insurance payouts. After wildfires in Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon, Colorado, and California, insurance departments participated alongside local and federal agencies at local assistance and disaster recovery centers.  

The has implemented a range of resources in response to recent disasters, particularly the statewide flooding events that began in February and April 2025. Its website features a comprehensive page of consumer guidance, insurance claim tips, fraud prevention advice, and updates on emergency executive actions, all aimed at helping Kentuckians navigate recovery safely and effectively.

The organized intensive workshops in Los Angeles within weeks of the outbreak of wildfires on January 7, 2025, and has helped more than 10,000 wildfire survivors directly. These outreach efforts answer questions, put people on a path to recovery, and help regulators identify any issues in the claims process to expedite payments and reduce confusion that can contribute to legal issues or delayed recovery.

In October 2024, the hosted insurance villages, offering consumers assistance and remote claims services along with major insurance carriers in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. SC DOI launched a dedicated Helene Response and Recovery portal offering step-by-step guidance on documenting losses, making temporary repairs, and avoiding fraud. They also provided direct contact information for their Office of Consumer Services, which handled complaints and answered insurance-related questions.

Insurance discount laws and regulations that help pay for home-hardening against windstorms and wildfires: The provides grants to homeowners to retrofit properties based on the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) standard. Last year, the state of Minnesota passed a similar law requiring incentives for homes that meet the Fortified standard, demonstrating the regional diversity of such approaches.  

Other states are considering similar legislation. California lawmakers have introduced the , creating a grant program within the Department of Insurance to support qualifying residents in obtaining new or replacement fire-safe roofs, and other fire-safe actions within five feet of the structure, covering part or all of the costs without state taxes. State regulators are supporting the Disaster Resilience and Coverage Act proposed in Congress to create a similar grant program that would support home-hardening work nationwide tax-free.  

Laws expanding advance insurance payments after a wildfire disaster: California and Colorado have passed laws requiring up-front payments of personal contents and living expenses, putting money back into people’s pockets to help them replace destroyed items and cover the costs of rent and food.  

Consumer protections from insurance fraud following natural disasters: States have formed partnerships to educate the public and crack down on suspected fraud by public adjusters, contractors, or attorneys. Additionally, many departments, including the , operate dedicated fraud hotlines and online portals where consumers can report suspected fraud. These tools were heavily promoted following Hurricane Helene to encourage early detection and intervention.  

Transparency in data following disasters to show progress and hold insurance companies accountable for paying claims fairly, fully, and quickly: The California Department of Insurance announced a “claims tracker” within weeks of the Southern California wildfires to post real-time data on claims filed and in progress. Sharing of data increases confidence that claims are being paid while helping state regulators stay ahead of possible issues.  

Dedication to advancing knowledge and resilience in the insurance sector: The Global Sustainable Insurance Summit in Long Beach on May 19 and 20 included multiple panels focused on risk mitigation, with a presentation by IBHS on the lessons learned from the wildfire losses in Lahaina, Hawaii and Los Angeles. Panels led by Oklahoma Commissioner Glen Mulready, Minnesota Commissioner Grace Arnold, and Oregon Commissioner Andrew Stolfi brought together Universities and insurance sector stakeholders in discussion on the available data, innovative programs, and measures of performance that can accelerate risk mitigation at the local and regional level. As U.S. state regulators apply lessons learned to shape future strategies, insights gained through scientific research can guide and prioritize funding for future risk mitigation efforts.

Providing early assistance to consumers helps identify key questions and potential insurance issues before they escalate, while also offering regulators valuable insights directly from affected policyholders. With these insights in mind, �����о����ٷ� Members continue efforts to bring timely, consumer-focused solutions and strengthen regulatory responses across the insurance landscape.