SAN DIEGO (BestWire) — More than a dozen California insurers have agreed with Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner to adopt new measures meant to speed the state's recovery from devastating late October wildfires blamed for more than $1.6 billion in losses.

Meanwhile, Allstate said it could see up to $335 million in wildfire-related losses in the fourth quarter. Allstate has received more than 7,000 claims.

At a "first of its kind roundtable meeting" with top executive from many of the state's insurers, agreements were signed to reform the claims handling process, Poizner said in a statement.

"I applaud the efforts of many insurance companies that have stepped up to the plate to provide exemplary service for policyholders impacted by the recent wildfires," Poizner said.

"In times of disaster, it is critical that everyone comes together to help victims recover quickly. Many insurance companies have done a great job serving fire survivors, and I'm going to make sure that continues."

Reforms include speeding payment processing for living expenses, automobiles and debris removal from total loss claims. Billing leniency and inventory process simplification are also parts of the agreement with insurers, Poizner said.

Insurers to sign the agreement include California's top three insurers — State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. Also signing were American International Group, Nationwide, Automobile Club of Southern California, Chubb Group, Fireman's Fund Insurance Group, Progressive Group, Safeco Insurance Cos. and Travelers Insurance Cos.

The companies represent about 70 percent of the state's homeowners multi-peril market share.

For Allstate, total catastrophe losses in the fourth quarter will likely land between $360 million to $400 million due to 10 declared catastrophes in October and November - notably wind and hail in the Northwest and ice storm in the Midwest - as well as expected events in December, the company said.

Allstate plans to release fourth-quarter results on January 29.

Earlier this month, Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corporation announced a pre-tax loss of about $7.5 million due to the wildfires. In November, Safeco said it estimated pre-tax catastrophe losses from the wildfires would total about $35 million.

More than 33,000 claims have been submitted to California insurance companies for the wildfires that destroyed more than 500,000 acres and 2,000 homes, according to Poizner.

The commissioner has said that at least 1,500 of the claims reported are known to be total losses, with an estimated insurance industry exposure of more than $1.6 billion.

About $330 million has been paid out by insurers thus far, he added.