The Pacific Palisades area ravaged by wildfires is one of the most expensive neighborhoods, home to Hollywood A-Listers and multimillion dollar mansions. And ahead of this week's disaster, its insurance costs were among the most affordable in the country.

The wind-driven wildfires burning out of control in the Los Angeles area couldn't have emerged at a more perilous moment for California's homeowners, as officials try to rehab what they concede is a deepening "insurance crisis.

This week's fires will only worsen the situation, insurance and real estate experts told Business Insider. "It's like we took two steps forward, then we just took five back," Cali