The Southland Firestorm: A Special Report : The Recovery : Directory : INSURANCE

Several insurance companies have established toll-free, emergency phone lines to handle claims from fire victims. Insurance officials suggest that consumers try to contact their own agents first and use the emergency numbers only if they are unable to reach their agents. Officials also caution that the lines are meant only for consumers with fire claims, not for vendors offering services or other non-emergency calls.

* Auto Club of Southern California:

(800) 67 CLAIM

* Allstate: (800) 755-4126

* Chubb Group: (800) 446-6618

* Farmer’s Group: (800) 543-5736

* Fireman’s Fund: (800) 548-HELP

* Liberty Mutual regional claims offices:

Orange: (800) 303-9801

Westlake Village: (800) 345-4584

Ontario: (800) 526-7994

* SAFECO (800) 452-7117

* State Farm: (800) SF CLAIM

* USAA: (800) 531-8222

* California Department of Insurance

Consumer hot line: (800) 927-HELP

* Western Insurance

Information Service

(industry-sponsored educational organization):

(800) 397-1679

PET ASSISTANCE

* L.A. County Animal Care and Control

(310) 940-8888, staffed 24 hours a day, makes referrals for six county shelters and takes requests for help in moving large animals, such as horses. In addition, food is available at these shelters for pets of fire victims, even if they are not being boarded.

* Agoura Animal Shelter

29525 Agoura Road

Agoura Hills

(818) 991-0071

* Los Angeles SPCA/Southern California Humane Society

(800) 730-4226. A referral line for animal shelters, including paying expenses for veterinary care if needed. Staffed 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.