California water damage insurance basics
This page explains the general pattern in plain terms. It cannot say what your own policy covers. Only your policy and your insurer can.
Tap to call. Say your ZIP code and what happened.
Water that is covered and water that is not
The California Department of Insurance states that homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, but do cover other kinds of water damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy.
Within that, policies draw lines. A sudden, accidental event such as a split supply line is treated differently from a slow leak that went unnoticed or unrepaired. Wording on exclusions and on the cost of reaching a hidden pipe also varies.
Water that backs up through a drain is another category. Some policies add a water backup endorsement and some do not. Look in your declarations pages for it.
Mold
The department says mold damage resulting from a covered cause may be covered. It also advises reporting water or mold damage promptly and having mold tested and cleaned up once detected.
Claim steps the state describes
Protect the property
Make temporary repairs. The department says an insurer may not pay for further damage if you fail to take reasonable steps.
Report the loss
Contact your insurer or agent to begin the claim.
Keep records
Log calls and keep copies of everything sent and received.
Expect an advance
The department notes that the first payment is often an advance, not a final payment.
Read a denial carefully
A denial must be in writing, give the reasons, and say the department may review it.
If you disagree with your insurer
California's Department of Insurance takes complaints and runs a consumer hotline at 1-800-927-4357. Its mediation program for residential property claims is limited to losses after a declared state of emergency.
This site does not handle claims and does not recommend an adjuster, attorney or public adjuster.
Water in the house right now?
Call, give your ZIP code, and say what happened. You will be connected with an independent restoration contractor. Calling early gives you more choices than calling after the damage has spread.
(951) 507-1096