A valid claim must include:

•  Claimant’s name and address
• The location, date and time of the incident
• Brief description of occurred and why you believe the district is responsible for the damage(s)
• The extent of the damages
• A total estimated amount of damage

You may choose to file a claim with your insurance company to reimburse you for your loss. Your insurer may then choose to present a claim to IID to recover compensation paid to you. Your insurer may be able to reimburse you for your losses without investigation, but please note: If you decide to go through your own insurance carrier and you are reimbursed by your carrier, you cannot seek reimbursement from IID.

IID is NOT responsible for power outages/surges due to:

• Act of nature, such as earthquakes and weather-related conditions including wind, rain, fog, lightning or extreme heat
• Animal contact with equipment
• Mylar balloons in lines
• Trees in lines
• Vehicle accidents

IID will evaluate food spoilage complaints based on recommended guidelines and Regulation 14. 

An itemized list of the cost and type of spoiled perishable food, with receipts and supporting documentation is required.

For more information, please refer to Regulation 6.

How does the claim process work? 

Once IID receives a valid and complete claim, an investigation will begin. The claim will be evaluated based on the findings and presented for a recommendation.

• If the claim is approved, IID will contact the claimant to complete a release form and provide required tax information before payment is issued.
• If the claim is denied, the decision will be communicated in writing by mail.

How long do I have to file?

Under the California Government Code, most claims must be submitted within six (6) months from the date of the incident. For more information, see Government Code Section 911.2.

Do I wait to make repairs for the completion of the investigation?

No. Claimants are encouraged to make necessary repairs as soon as possible to prevent further loss, damage, or injury. However, payment is not guaranteed and will depend on the outcome of IID’s claim review.

Can my power account be credited for the losses?

No. If a claim is approved, reimbursement will be issued by payment to the claimant after a release form is signed.

What claims are usually not approved?

Claims often denied include losses caused by factors outside IID’s control, such as:

• Acts of nature
• Equipment failure due to third-party damage (e.g., vehicle accidents)
• Animal contact with equipment
• Mylar balloons in lines
• Trees in lines
• Power surges or outages affecting unprotected appliances (See IID Regulation 6 for more information.)

What proceeds after/if a claim is denied? 

A written notice will be presented to the claimant giving the following instructions: 

"If you wish to file a court action on this matter, you must first petition the appropriate court for an order relieving you from the provisions of Government Code Section 945.4 (claims presentation requirement). See Government Code Section 946.6. Such petition must be filed with the court within six (6) months from the date your application for leave to present a late claim was denied."

"You may seek the advice of an attorney of your choice in connection with this matter. If you desire to consult an attorney, you should do so immediately."

May I file a claim past the six-month statute of limitation?

In some cases, you may apply to IID for permission to submit a late claim. Approval is not guaranteed and is granted only under certain circumstances. IID’s action on the late claim application will be provided in writing as required by Government Code Section 915.4.