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For immediate release

West Coast Press Office: Janet Ruiz, 707-490-9365, janetr@iii.org��

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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 12, 2023—Homeowners, renters, businesses, and vehicle owners impacted by California’s severe weather need to know what’s covered under standard insurance policies and how the insurance claim filing process works, according to the  (Triple-I).��
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“Insurers are the nation’s financial first responders and will be there to help their policyholders recover,” said Sean Kevelighan, CEO, Triple-I.�� “The high winds and sustained rainfall millions of Californians are facing this week highlight the importance of being financially protected from catastrophic losses and that includes having the right types, and amounts, of property insurance and flood coverage.”

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There are four keys to economic recovery after severe weather events, the Triple-I says.��

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�� 1. Start the claims process as soon as possible��
Be prepared to give your insurance professional—either an agent or an insurance company representative—a description of the damage to your property and a copy of your home inventory if you have one. Your insurance professional will report the loss immediately to your insurer or to a qualified adjuster. They also will want your cellphone number to update you on the claim’s status.

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�� 2. Understand what’s covered��
Property damage caused by windstorms, hail, and lightning is covered under standard ,  a�Ի�  p�DZ����������.

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Property damage to a home, a renter’s possessions, or a business – resulting from either a flood or mudflow – is covered under a , which is typically separate from a property insurance policy for a home, rental unit, or a business. Flood policies are underwritten through FEMA’s National Flood �������� Program (NFIP) and private insurers.

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Property damage to businesses caused by windstorms, hail, and lightning is typically covered under a Business Owners Policy (BOP) or through a Commercial Multiple Peril (CMP) policy.  is an optional coverage that can be included in either a BOP or CMP policy. It provides coverage if the business’ structure was directly damaged by wind, hail, or lightning for:

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• Revenue lost due to the closure of the business
• Fixed expenses, such as rent and utility costs
• Expenses of operating the business from a temporary location

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�� 3. Review Your Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage��
ALE, also known as Loss of Use, pays the additional costs of living away from home if you cannot live there either due to a mandatory evacuation or because of damage to your home from an insured catastrophe. It is a standard coverage in homeowners and renters insurance policies but ALE is not incorporated into FEMA NFIP policies.

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�� 4. Make Sure You Have Comprehensive Coverage for Your Vehicle��
Vehicles damaged by either floodwaters or debris, such as falling trees, are covered under the optional . Nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers have purchased comprehensive coverage. ��

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