To my fellow San Diegans, if you have lost your home, I am very sorry for your loss. If can be rebuilt and the underinsurance problems of the 2003 Cedar fire should be much less on this one. The CA DOI made some good changes … bottom line … know your actual coverage limits and all the benefits you have coming…
File that claim to get the process started and know your actual coverage limits ……..
Most polices also provide an additional 5% above and beyond the Coverage A (building) for debris removal, 10% for building code upgrade requirements and 5% for trees, shrubs and plants. Ask your insurance company to provide all of these limits in writing with proration for inflation (if applicable.) Also request a certified copy of your policy on day 1. These requests alone will serve to convey the message that you intend to claim all benefits available to you.
For Example, a policy with $500K in Coverage A would actually have $875K after the applying the extented replacement cost coverage now triggered by FEMA. Additional to this would be another $43,750.00 for debris removal, $87,500.00 for code upgrades, and $43,750 for trees, shrubs and plants.
Finally, most policies give a straight 10% for appurtenant structures (detached garages, sheds, barns, fencing, walls, etc.) In this example, it would total $50K.
Total available coverage excluding personal property and additional living expense = $1,100,000.00
