A standard California homeowners insurance policy is a contract with specific perils, exclusions, and limits that most policyholders have never read. Understanding what you have before you need it is the single most important thing you can do to protect your home.
A standard HO-3 policy in California covers: dwelling (Coverage A), other structures (Coverage B), personal property (Coverage C), loss of use (Coverage D), personal liability (Coverage E), and medical payments (Coverage F). Dwelling coverage pays to rebuild when damaged by a covered peril.
The HO-3 form uses open perils for the dwelling — meaning damage is covered unless specifically excluded. Personal property is typically named perils. An HO-5 policy extends open perils to personal property as well.
Nearly every homeowners policy in California excludes flood, earthquake, normal wear and tear, mold in most circumstances, and intentional acts. Flood and earthquake require separate policies. These gaps can be catastrophic without supplemental coverage.
California policyholders have statutory rights beyond the policy contract. Your insurer must acknowledge claims promptly, investigate thoroughly, and communicate decisions in writing. If your claim is denied, you have the right to a written denial citing specific policy language.
The Insurance Professor is trained on California insurance law and regulation. Ask about your policy, your claim, or your rights.
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Regulatory resource: California Department of Insurance — https://www.insurance.ca.gov. The Insurance Professor provides education only — not legal or insurance advice.