When It Hits Close to Home 💛🖤

Long Beach is our home. We live here, alongside so many of the friends, family, and clients we’ve known for years. That’s why the past several weeks have been so hard to watch.
High surf from two tropical storms, one in September and another this past weekend, damaged the seawall and boardwalk on the Peninsula and affected homes along the shore. For us, this loss feels deeply personal. One of our own VB families is suffering a heavy loss, as their home was among the many severely damaged in the storm, and our hearts are with them during this incredibly difficult time, as well as everyone else who has been impacted.
These storms have raised a lot of questions about insurance, and with a strong El Niño expected this winter, it’s a good time to understand your coverage. In general, homeowners insurance covers fire, theft, and wind damage, like a roof blown off or a fallen tree. Damage from ocean water, such as waves and storm surge, is typically handled through a separate flood policy, which usually has a 30-day waiting period. Water that comes into your home through the ground is also typically not covered. If you’re on the California FAIR Plan, it’s especially important to review your coverage, since it doesn’t include water damage and only covers wind if it was added to your policy.
Some policies have also lost replacement coverage for roofs in recent years. Check for roof exclusions or the words “actual cash value,” which means your roof would be covered for its current worth rather than the full cost to replace it.
Your insurance agent is the best person to explain what applies to you. If you don’t have one or simply want to talk things through, please reach out. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and we’re always here for you.