Many High Park Fire Victims Give Up In Fight Vs. Insurance Companies

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - Some people who lost their homes to the High Park Fire say insurance companies are not doing enough to help them rebuild.

Wednesday night in Fort Collins they got to air their frustrations to the state insurance commissioner. Many say the insurance companies are under-valuing their property, making it impossible for them to rebuild.

"You guys might recognize me on the news. I was saying I was going to rebuild. Not the case anymore because I'm about $200,000 short," one victim said.

Another issue is the itemizing of personal items that were lost. Many said it was impossible.

"I can't make the list either. I can't even go shopping to look at anything. I cry just seeing something that reminds me," another victim said.

Carole Walker, Executive Director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, says changes to the industry are tricky because they can often lead to higher rates. As for the itemizing of everything, it's tough, but necessary.

"Proof of loss is something that's part of insurance. It's part of what you deserve as a homeowner to get what you paid for, but at the same time, for us to not have a situation where we are going to have fraud," Walker said.

Many demanded changes from lawmakers and some threatened legal action but others said they just can't fight anymore.

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