Friday, October 3, 2025

Two-Day Insurance Workshop for Eaton Fire Survivors Starts Friday

Workshop aims to empower disaster survivors to effectively manage recovery claims and access vital resources

United Policyholders, a nonprofit focused on disaster recovery advocacy, has launched a two-day “Road to Recovery” insurance claims workshop to support residents of Altadena and Pasadena affected by the devastating Eaton Fire.

This targeted initiative seeks to equip fire survivors with the tools and guidance necessary to navigate the complex world of insurance claims following substantial property losses.

Organizers say the workshop will provide guidance on filing and managing insurance claims, understanding policy coverage and accessing available resources.

Separate sessions scheduled at the Pasadena Senior Center, located at 85 East Holly Street in Pasadena, will cater to different groups: Friday, Oct. 3, is reserved for older adults, while Saturday’s session is open to all impacted homeowners and renters.

Each session runs from 9 a.m. to noon, combining expert presentations with opportunities for personalized guidance.

Attendees are encouraged to bring laptops or tablets with Wi-Fi capabilities to utilize interactive tools and online resources available during the event.

The workshop covers critical topics such as California’s insurance claim rules, best practices for creating and organizing claims inventories and alternative settlement options.

Participants will learn how state regulations impact their claims, practical methods for itemizing and valuing lost property and strategies for negotiating fair payouts without exhaustive documentation of every possession.

The event also features guidance on correcting mistakes, challenging insurer decisions and connecting with support programs if the process becomes overwhelming.

Sponsorship for the workshop is provided by the Assistance League of Pasadena, which has dedicated more than $95,000 to relief efforts and paired seniors with trained volunteers through a new Navigator Program.

Volunteers assist with claim inventory development and help maintain correspondence with insurance companies and government agencies—including FEMA and the Small Business Administration.

United Policyholders, founded in 1991 and led by Executive Director Amy Bach, has three decades of expertise in fire recovery and insurance advocacy.

Their commitment to unbiased guidance is backed by a policy of not accepting insurance industry funding, reinforced through more than 300 legal amicus briefs and programs such as Roadmap to Recovery and Roadmap to Preparedness.

Attendance is free and registration is suggested but not required.

Participants may register through the Pasadena Senior Center website or by calling (626) 795-4331 (main line), or contact Charmaine Nelson, director of marketing and communications, at (626) 344-4325 or Charmainen@pasadenaseniorcenter.org for additional information.