Review Your Home Owners Insurance Now

With the threat of natural disasters like the LA fires, homeowners should take proactive steps to ensure they have the right insurance coverage and preparedness. Here's what to do:

1. Review Your Home Insurance Policy

• Check Coverage Limits: Confirm that your policy covers the current replacement cost of your home, including rebuilding materials, labor, and any code upgrades.
• Evaluate Fire and Smoke Damage Coverage: Ensure your policy explicitly covers fire and smoke damage.
• Assess Personal Property Coverage: Verify that your belongings are adequately insured. High-value items like jewelry may require additional riders.
• Check Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Confirm your policy includes coverage for temporary living expenses if you're displaced due to a fire.

2. Understand Deductibles and Exclusions

• Know your deductible amount for fire-related claims.
• Be aware of exclusions that could limit your coverage, such as negligence in maintaining defensible space around your property.

3. Update Your Policy as Needed

• If you're underinsured, contact your insurer immediately to increase your coverage limits.
• Consider adding endorsements for debris removal or extended replacement cost.

4. Document Your Belongings

• Create an updated inventory of your personal property, including photos or videos.
• Store this inventory securely in the cloud or a fireproof safe.

5. Mitigate Risks to Your Home

• Clear brush and flammable debris from your property to create defensible space.
• Install ember-resistant vents and Class A fire-rated roofing.
• Ensure access to your property for emergency responders.

6. Know Your Insurer’s Claim Process

• Familiarize yourself with how to file a claim and save your insurer’s contact information.
• Understand your insurer’s deadlines for reporting damage and filing claims.

7. Emergency Planning

• Have an evacuation plan and emergency kit ready.
• Store copies of your insurance policy and other critical documents offsite or digitally.

If you'd like assistance reviewing your policy to ensure you have the proper coverage, and enough coverage don't hesitate to reach out.