Calif. Commissioner Urges Homeowners to Prepare for Next Flood

California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi cautioned Los Angels residents on Wednesday to take strong, proactive steps to prepare for the next inevitable disaster by looking at flood insurance and updating their home and auto policies.

“In California you can lose it all in the blink of an eye,” Garamendi said. “You need to be prepared. But even after you’ve taken steps to ensure your safety during the disaster, follow up and make sure you don’t end up in financial ruin because your insurance policies weren’t up to date. You must prevent what is commonly called, ‘the disaster after the disaster.’ ”

Using a video camera at the home of a Burbank homeowner and her children, the Commissioner demonstrated how a visual record of possessions can be used to support insurance claims. “When a fire strikes, or when a flood washes away your belongings, it’s essential that you have evidence to support your claim with insurance companies,” he said. “It is vital that you document all of your possessions before disaster strikes. Dealing with a disaster at home can be a tremendously stressful time – relying solely on your memory to inventory your assets is a mistake you can avoid. There is very little room to contest a claim when there’s visual evidence to support it.”

Each year thousands of Californians suffer losses from natural disasters, fires, and thefts. The devastation can be compounded when the losses aren’t covered by insurance. That’s an important message during the winter, when rains often cause flooding. Not all homes in the state are required to purchase flood insurance, which can result in financial ruin for survivors.

“Even if you don’t live in a flood plain, consider getting flood insurance,” said Commissioner Garamendi. “The alternative could be the loss of everything you own, financial hardship, and even bankruptcy. It’s far better to be prepared.”

During the news event, the Commissioner displayed a completed Home Inventory Guide and urged Californians to get a free property inventory booklet from the Department of Insurance. For more information, go to www.insurance.ca.gov.

Topics California Flood Homeowners