Michael Copley

An aerial view shows empty lots and new homes under construction in Altadena, California on January 5, 2026. Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images Nine months had passed since a wildfire destroyed ... See more

Nine months had passed since a wildfire destroyed Mark Johnson's southern California home, and he was still waiting for State Farm to pay his claim. Desperate for a resolution, Johnson asked the insurer in October to negotiate a settlement so his family c... See more

California fire victims say they're struggling to rebuild because insurance payouts have been slow or insufficient. Some lawmakers say home insurance is failing those facing climate change. Sponsor Message MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: A year after wildfires began... See more

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: A year after wildfires began sweeping across Los Angeles County, many homeowners are just starting to recover. Here's NPR's Michael Copley on their battles with insurance companies. MICHAEL COPLEY, BYLINE: Mark Johnson's family home i... See more

California fire victims say they're struggling to rebuild because insurance payouts have been slow or insufficient. Some lawmakers say home insurance is failing those facing climate change. Copyright 2026 NPR California fire victims say they're struggling... See more