California’s storm season (typically October through March) brings heavy rains, high winds, and in some areas, flooding. Is your home prepared, and does your insurance actually cover storm damage?
Understanding What’s Covered (and What’s Not)
Typically Covered by Homeowners Insurance:
- Wind and hail damage to your home’s structure
- Rain damage that enters through wind-damaged openings
- Fallen trees that damage your home
- Interior water damage from roof leaks caused by storms
Typically NOT Covered:
- Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
- Earth movement/mudslides (often excluded, though fire-related mudslides may be covered)
- Damage from lack of maintenance or pre-existing conditions
- Sewer backup (unless you have this endorsement)
The Critical Distinction: Water damage from a storm is covered only if it enters through storm-created openings. If rain enters through old, deteriorated roofing or windows, your claim will likely be denied as a maintenance issue.
Pre-Storm Home Preparation Checklist
Roof and Gutters:
- Inspect for missing, loose, or damaged shingles
- Clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly
- Ensure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet from your foundation
- Trim tree branches within 10 feet of your roof
- Check and repair flashing around chimneys and vents
Windows and Doors:
- Check window and door seals; replace worn weatherstripping
- Consider storm shutters in high-wind areas
- Test garage door operation and automatic safety sensors
- Reinforce garage doors if in wind-prone areas
Drainage and Grading:
- Ensure your property slopes away from your foundation
- Clear storm drains near your property
- Check that sump pumps are functioning (test before storm season)
- Consider installing French drains if you have drainage issues
Trees and Landscaping:
- Remove dead branches and weak trees
- Trim branches away from power lines, your home, and structures
- Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment
- Clean leaves and debris from around your property
Emergency Supplies:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Battery-powered radio
- First aid kit
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Important documents in waterproof container
- List of emergency contacts and insurance information
During a Storm: Protecting Your Home and Coverage
If You Experience Damage:
- Document everything with photos and videos immediately
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (save receipts)
- Do NOT make permanent repairs until an adjuster inspects
- Contact your insurance company as soon as it’s safe
If Flooding Occurs:
- Do not enter standing water (electrical hazards exist)
- Turn off electricity if you can do so safely
- Document water levels with photos
- Remember: flood damage requires flood insurance; homeowners policies won’t cover it
Wind Damage Protocol:
- If wind creates an opening in your roof or walls, cover it immediately with tarps
- Document the wind damage and any rain entering through those openings
- This secondary water damage should be covered if you acted quickly
California Storm Season Specifics
Northern California: Faces atmospheric rivers bringing extreme rainfall, potential for flooding, and high winds. Coastal areas risk storm surge.
Central Coast: Vulnerable to coastal flooding, erosion, and high winds. Hillside homes face mudslide risk after fires.
Southern California: Less frequent but can experience intense storms. Fire-scarred areas face significant mudslide risk with heavy rains.
Inland Valleys: Flash flooding from heavy rain, especially in areas with poor drainage.
Mountain Areas: Heavy snow, ice dams, and frozen pipes become concerns at higher elevations.
Insurance Preparation Steps
1. Review Your Coverage NOW:
- Confirm your dwelling coverage reflects current replacement costs
- Check your deductibles (wind damage often has separate, higher deductibles)
- Verify you have contents coverage for belongings
- Ensure loss of use coverage for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable
2. Document Your Property:
- Create a home inventory with photos or video of every room
- Pay special attention to valuables, electronics, and expensive items
- Store documentation off-site (cloud storage or email to yourself)
- Photograph your home’s exterior from multiple angles
3. Consider Additional Coverage:
- Flood Insurance: If you’re in a flood zone (or even moderate-risk area), don’t skip this. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage.
- Sewer Backup Coverage: This endorsement covers damage when sewers overflow during heavy rains, often not included in standard policies.
- Equipment Breakdown: Covers damage to HVAC, water heaters, and appliances from power surges during storms.
4. Know Your Deductible Structure:
- Many California policies have separate wind/hurricane deductibles (1 to 5% of dwelling coverage instead of flat amounts)
- This means on a $500,000 home with 2% wind deductible, you pay $10,000 before insurance kicks in
- Factor this into your emergency fund planning
After the Storm: Filing Claims
Immediate Actions:
- Contact your insurance company within 24 to 48 hours
- Don’t wait for the adjuster to make temporary repairs, but document everything first
- Keep all receipts for emergency repairs, temporary housing, meals, etc.
- Separate damaged items but don’t discard until after adjuster inspection
Document Thoroughly:
- Take extensive photos and videos before cleanup
- Make lists of all damaged items with estimated values
- Get contractor estimates for repairs
- Keep a log of all conversations with your insurance company
Understand the Process:
- Adjusters may be backlogged after major storms (be patient but persistent)
- You may receive an initial payment for immediate repairs and a final settlement later
- If you disagree with the adjuster’s assessment, you can get independent estimates
- Know your policy coverage limits and deductibles
Common Storm Damage Claim Mistakes
Mistake 1: Waiting too long to report damage. Some policies require prompt notification.
Mistake 2: Making permanent repairs before adjuster inspection. This can result in claim denial.
Mistake 3: Not documenting temporary repairs. You may not get reimbursed without receipts.
Mistake 4: Assuming all water damage is covered. Only storm-related damage through new openings is typically covered.
Mistake 5: Discarding damaged items too quickly. Adjusters need to verify losses.
Your Storm Season Action Plan
60 Days Before Storm Season (August/September):
- Schedule roof inspection
- Clean gutters and drains
- Review insurance policy
- Create home inventory
- Purchase any needed supplies
30 Days Before (September/October):
- Complete outdoor preparations
- Test sump pumps and generators
- Confirm emergency contacts
- Review evacuation routes
During Storm Season:
- Monitor weather forecasts
- Respond quickly to warnings
- Document any damage immediately
- File claims promptly
Don’t wait for the first storm warning to prepare. California’s storm season is predictable. Your response shouldn’t be reactive. Take these steps now to protect your home, your belongings, and your financial security.