Last weekend, Southern California experienced the effects of Tropical Storm Hilary, which surpassed the region’s daily rainfall records. The aftermath of the storm led to various challenges, including flooding, mudflows, road and highway closures, inaccessibility, temporary shutdowns of schools, and power outages affecting specific areas.
In response to the situation caused by Tropical Storm Hilary, California’s Insurance Commissioner Lara has taken steps to offer relevant information about insurance coverage for individuals directly impacted.
For individuals whose properties have suffered damage due to the storm, the Department of Insurance recommends initiating a claim through your respective insurance provider. If you are unsure about the extent of coverage, it’s advised to reach out to your insurance company, agent, or broker for clarification.
The majority of homeowner and commercial insurance policies typically include provisions for damages stemming from wind and storm-related incidents. Even damages arising from fallen trees are commonly covered within standard homeowner policies. To provide further clarity on coverage-related inquiries, the Department of Insurance has compiled a fact sheet.
Furthermore, the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) has provided a list of resources tailored to disaster-related situations. The list includes links and contact numbers for accessing emergency funds and housing assistance, medical support, strategies for recovery and reconstruction, legal and financial guidance, matters pertaining to insurance, prevention and planning.
Additionally, the Disaster Relief Fund established by C.A.R. remains available to extend financial assistance through grants to REALTORS®, REALTOR® employees, and association staff members adversely affected by natural disasters. For those interested, the application process can be accessed through this link.