Water Damage Insurance Claims in California

This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy wording decides what is covered, so read it, and ask your agent or adjuster when in doubt.

Sudden vs gradual damage

The biggest question in most water claims is how the water got there.

Mold follows the same logic. The Department of Insurance notes that mold damage caused by a covered peril may be covered. Mold from a long-term leak usually isn't, and many policies cap mold coverage.

Flood insurance vs homeowners insurance

Flooding, meaning water that rises from outside, is excluded from standard homeowners and renters policies. That includes seawater from a king tide, high surf and storm runoff. In Huntington Harbour, Sunset Beach and other low-lying areas, flood insurance is worth reviewing.

• NFIP limits: FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program covers a home up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. Renters can cover contents up to $100,000.
• Waiting period: a new NFIP policy usually takes 30 days to go into effect, so you can't buy it the day before a forecast high tide.
• Private flood policies are also sold in California and may have different limits and terms.
• Rain through a roof damaged by wind is different from rising water. That may be covered by homeowners insurance.

How to document water damage

1. Photos and video first, before anything is moved: wide shots of each room, close-ups of the source and damaged items, and the water line on walls.
2. Keep damaged items until the adjuster sees them, or photograph them with model and serial numbers if they must go.
3. Write a timeline: when you found it, what you did and who you called.
4. Save every receipt for emergency services, equipment, hotels and meals.
5. Get moisture readings in writing from the restoration contractor, day by day.
6. Request a complete copy of your policy. The Department of Insurance notes your insurer must provide it free within 30 days of your request.

Steps to file a water damage claim

1. Stop the water and take reasonable steps to prevent more damage. Policies may not cover damage you could have prevented.
2. Call your insurer or agent to report the loss and get a claim number.
3. Start emergency drying. Keep the invoices.
4. Meet the adjuster and walk them through the damage and your photos.
5. Review the estimate against your contractor's scope. Ask about differences.
6. Keep notes of every call: date, name and what was said.

Renters, condos and HOAs

• Renters: the landlord's policy covers the building. Your renters policy covers your belongings and may cover temporary housing.
• Condo owners: the HOA master policy typically covers the structure and common areas. Your HO-6 policy covers your unit's interior and belongings. Check your CC&Rs to see where the line is.
• Water from a neighbor's unit: report it to the HOA and to your own insurer. The source unit's policy may be involved.