(Airdate: 2024-02-07) NBC - KNBC - How To File A Claim For Storm Damage To Home Or Car

Published Date: 02/07/2024

How to File a Storm Damage Claim in California: Expert Tips from Karl Susman

California’s recent series of powerful winter storms has left homeowners and drivers across the state dealing with flooded properties, fallen trees, and mudslides. As the rain keeps coming, many residents are now asking the same urgent question: “How do I file a claim — and what’s actually covered?”

In a February 2024 NBC4 Los Angeles I-Team segment, investigative reporter Lolita Lopez spoke with insurance expert Karl Susman, president of the Susman Insurance Agency, to help Californians navigate this stressful process. With three decades of industry experience, Susman offered clear, practical advice on what steps to take, what to expect from your insurer, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

His guidance comes at a time when California’s insurance system is under enormous strain — with record-breaking weather events colliding with a shrinking pool of insurers and rising premiums.

Let’s break down the key lessons from this timely report.

1. Before the Storm: Prepare — and Stay Present

Even before damage occurs, Susman emphasized the importance of proactive preparation. Simple steps can prevent major losses when storms strike.

“If you haven’t done so already,” Susman advised, “turn off all sprinklers, park your car in your garage or under a carport, and keep your cell phone charged at all times.”

It sounds basic, but these measures can make a world of difference. Sprinklers left running can worsen flooding. Vehicles parked outside risk damage from hail, falling branches, or debris. And a charged phone is your lifeline — not just for emergency alerts, but also for documenting damage if it occurs.

Susman also urged homeowners to check their insurance policies before disaster hits. Make sure your coverage is current, and review what perils are — and are not — included.

“What I’m telling everyone to do,” he said, “is stay present, stay safe, and prepare as much as they can.”

2. After the Damage: File Promptly and Be Patient

If your home or vehicle sustains storm damage, the first step is to contact your insurance company immediately.

Susman warned that with so many claims flooding in after major weather events, homeowners should expect longer-than-usual response times.

“What I would expect is people to potentially be on hold if you’re filing a claim on the phone,” he explained. “Try to file it online if you can. Be sure you get a claim number — and be prepared to wait a little bit because, again, there’s a lot of claims coming in.”

Having that claim number is crucial — it’s your proof that you’ve officially reported the loss and your reference point for all future communication.

3. Don’t Worry About “Small Claims” — This Is a Catastrophe Event

Many homeowners hesitate to file claims for fear that doing so will raise premiums or lead to nonrenewal. Susman addressed that head-on, explaining the industry’s distinction between individual claims and “CAT events.”

“You’ve probably heard me say, ‘Don’t put in the small claims,’” Susman told NBC4. “But when you have an event like this, the insurance industry looks at it as what they call a CAT event, which stands for catastrophe.”

That means widespread disaster-related claims — like those following a major storm — are treated differently.

“When a catastrophe event happens,” Susman said, “they don’t tend to take that and consider it a claim against your record.”

While each carrier defines “catastrophe” differently, Susman said it’s safe to assume most will treat these February storms as CAT events. Homeowners shouldn’t avoid filing legitimate claims out of fear of policy consequences.

4. Know What’s Covered — and What’s Not

Storms cause a wide range of damage — from leaky roofs and flooded basements to mudslides and debris flows. But not all of it is covered under standard homeowners insurance.

According to the California Department of Insurance (CDI):

• Covered: Wind damage, rain entering through wind-damaged areas, and water damage from above (like a roof leak).
• Not Covered: Damage caused by flooding, mudslides, or debris flows.

Susman explained that most homeowner policies exclude “earth movement” events — including landslides, mudslides, and similar ground failures.

“Homeowner policies generally exclude damages caused by mudflow, mudslide, debris flow, landslide, or other similar events,” NBC’s report noted.

If your home is damaged by one of these perils, Susman recommends checking for state or local financial assistance programs. These emergency funds are sometimes available for homeowners ineligible for traditional insurance coverage.

5. Flood vs. Water Damage: Know the Difference

One of the biggest sources of confusion for policyholders is the distinction between water damage and flood damage.

“For flooding, for example, water damage and flooding — they are not the same thing,” Susman explained. “How the water comes into your home is a big part of this.”

Here’s the rule of thumb:

• Water coming from above (like rain entering through a roof leak) = covered.
• Water coming from below (like groundwater or overland flooding) = not covered unless you have separate flood insurance.

Flood insurance must be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer, usually 30 days before coverage takes effect.

6. Auto Damage: Comprehensive Coverage Is Key

Storms don’t just affect homes — vehicles often take a beating, too.

If your car is damaged by flooding, falling branches, or debris, it’s likely covered — but only if you have comprehensive auto coverage.

“You again want to file a claim with your insurance company,” Susman said. “This would fall under what’s called a comprehensive claim.”

Comprehensive coverage applies to “non-collision” events such as weather, theft, and vandalism. Susman added that insurers will either repair or replace the vehicle depending on the policy terms and the cost of damage.

“They’re going to either repair the vehicle based on the damage,” he explained, “or give you the value of the vehicle, more likely, depending on your policy.”

7. Document Everything — Before and After

Proper documentation is the cornerstone of a smooth claim. Susman advised homeowners to use their smartphones to take photos and videos both before and after the damage.

“Walk around with your phone and take pictures and videos so that you have them,” he said. “Even if you don’t have any issues, take those pictures and videos anyway — that way, if you ever have to file a claim, you can have a before and after look.”

This “before-and-after” visual record helps prove the extent of the damage and can speed up claim approval.

8. Mitigate — But Don’t Repair Yet

While it’s important to prevent further damage, homeowners should resist the urge to begin full repairs before an insurance adjuster inspects the property.

“If you do have damage, be proactive until an adjuster comes out,” Susman said. “Do not start fixing things, but do what is practical to avoid any additional damage.”

That means:

• Cover broken windows or holes in the roof with tarps or plastic sheeting.
• Shut off water if pipes have burst.
• Remove valuables from standing water.

These temporary measures are part of your responsibility under the “duty to mitigate” clause in most policies — but they shouldn’t interfere with the adjuster’s ability to document original damage.

9. Food Spoilage and Power Outages — Sometimes Covered

Many Californians affected by the storm also lost power for hours or days, raising questions about food spoilage or related losses.

The NBC report addressed this, noting that coverage depends on the cause of the outage.

“It has to be a covered loss,” Susman explained, “not simply that you lose power.”

For example, if your refrigerator stopped working because a roof leak or storm damage caused a power failure inside your home, that could be covered. But general grid outages without direct property damage usually aren’t.

Again, the key is understanding the cause of the loss — not just the outcome.

10. Talk to Your Broker or Agent

Given the complexity of California’s insurance market, Susman encouraged homeowners to maintain an active relationship with their insurance professionals.

“Having a discussion with your broker and your agent is really important in this case,” he said.

Agents can help clarify coverage, assist with documentation, and provide updates on any state relief programs or temporary coverage options if you’ve been dropped by your carrier.

Conclusion: Control What You Can

As NBC’s I-Team noted, California’s “insurance climate” is tougher than ever — with consumers facing fewer carriers, higher costs, and longer claim times. But Susman’s advice centers on what homeowners can control: preparation, documentation, and communication.

“Stay present, stay safe,” he said. “Do what’s practical to avoid additional damage — and let your insurance carrier do what they can to help.”

Whether you’re dealing with a soaked ceiling or a flooded car, these steps can make the difference between a frustrating delay and a fair, timely settlement.

Storms may be unpredictable — but with the right knowledge, your response doesn’t have to be.