Living in Southern California has its perks—great weather, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking landscapes. But it also comes with risks like earthquakes and wildfires. So, will your homeowners insurance cover these natural disasters? Let’s take a closer look!
Wildfire Coverage
The good news? Wildfires are generally covered under most standard homeowners insurance policies. Here’s what you can expect:
- Dwelling coverage: If a wildfire damages your home, your policy typically covers the cost to repair or rebuild.
- Personal property coverage: Items inside your home, such as furniture and electronics, are also covered up to the limits of your policy.
- Additional living expenses (ALE): If your home becomes uninhabitable due to wildfire damage, your insurance can cover hotel stays, food, and other expenses while your home is being repaired.
Claims Scenario – Wildfire
- Scenario 1: A wildfire sweeps through your neighborhood, and your home sustains significant damage. Your policy’s dwelling coverage kicks in, helping cover the costs of rebuilding, while ALE helps you pay for temporary living arrangements.
Earthquake Coverage
Unfortunately, earthquake damage is not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. Earthquakes are a separate beast, and in California, you’ll need a special earthquake insurance policy to be protected.
Here’s what earthquake insurance can cover:
- Home structure: Helps pay to repair or rebuild your home after earthquake damage.
- Personal belongings: Covers items like furniture, appliances, and electronics that may be damaged during an earthquake.
- Living expenses: Similar to ALE in wildfire scenarios, it helps cover temporary housing and living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.
Claims Scenario – Earthquake
- Scenario 2: A moderate earthquake shakes Southern California, causing cracks in your home’s foundation and damaging your furniture. Without earthquake insurance, these repairs would be out-of-pocket. With earthquake coverage, you’re protected!
While wildfires are covered by most standard policies, earthquakes are not. If you live in Southern California, it’s important to evaluate both wildfire and earthquake risks. Call us at 714-968-8008 to ensure your home is protected from nature’s surprises.
