With all of the recent rain here in Santa Clarita and throughout the Los Angeles area, I have received many questions about insurance coverage in case of damage. The simple definition of a flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry. This includes unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
Typically, your homeowner's insurance policy does not cover flooding, but may cover loss resulting from wind, rain, hail, wind-driven rain, and lightning. Rain or wind-driven rain, and hail damage are not in the same category as floods. Wind-driven rain damage is generally a covered peril, regardless of the cause. This also applies to wind or lightning which causes an opening in which rain enters the premises and causes water damage to the structure or personal property inside of the structure. If your business or residence is located in a FEMA identified high risk flood zone, a separate flood insurance policy will most likely be required.
This may sound very confusing, so be sure to contact me or your insurance agent if you have further questions or have sustained damage during the recent rains.
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