USA Herald (Maui, Hawaii) --The Maui fire has left many homeowners without a home and without insurance to cover their losses. In Hawaii, homeowners’ insurance is not required by state or federal law. However, if you have a mortgage on your property, most lenders make insurance a condition of the loan. This means that many of the homeowners affected by the Maui fire may not have had insurance to cover their losses.

It is important for these fire victims to now review their insurance and mortgage policies to determine if their home is insured. A yearly review of your insurance policies gives you the opportunity to explore how changes in your life affect your coverage needs and consider changes you might want to make to accommodate them. Insurance is not just “set it and forget it.” Because insurance needs change, you should review all your insurance policies at least once a year.

It is also important for our readers to keep an eye on the conduct of insurers when it comes to insuring these victims. The wildfire that started near the town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui and ravaged thousands of acres is estimated to have cost insurers about $3.2 billion.

There are also reports that investors and real estate developers have already begun efforts to acquire the victims’ land. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green is accusing real estate investors of trying to “steal land” from people who had their homes destroyed by the Maui wildfires. Some Maui residents are accusing land development companies and real estate agents of cold-calling them with offers to buy their properties after the wildfire.

I urge readers to be aware of these issues and to take steps to protect themselves and their property. It is also important to be aware of the conduct of insurers and other parties who may try to take advantage of those affected by disasters such as the Maui fire.

The Maui blaze has profoundly affected numerous homeowners without insurance coverage. Victims should reassess their insurance and mortgage terms, and our readers should remain vigilant about insurers and entities potentially exploiting those impacted by such calamities.

You can read more about me in my bio here. Stay safe, stay informed, and always be prepared.

By Samuel Lopez | Legal News Contributor for USA Herald