While California is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States with beaches, mountains and deserts all within a few hours of each other. However, geographically, California is prone to havoc-wreaking natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. That along with the high cost of living can be a nightmare for a homeowner who faces any sort of disaster. 

A disaster, whether it be a fire, flood, or earthquake, can severely damage your home, and the cost to rebuild may be extreme! For this reason, most have home insurance that will cover the bulk of costs when disasters like this happen. 

However, this is not always the case. Insurance companies often don’t have your best interests in mind and will give you too low of an insurance settlement to properly restore your home. We’ll get into how to avoid this later.

Is Home Insurance Required in California

The short answer is no; home insurance is not required in California. Do we recommend it – 100%. Even though it is not mandated, many mortgage providers will require a homebuyer to have home insurance. They do this so that in case your house is damaged, you can have it repaired and still pay your mortgage payment at the same time. On the other hand, if your home faces large damages and you aren’t under insurance coverage, you may not be able to pay your mortgage lender, leaving them at a loss.

What Does Home Insurance Cover

Not all coverage is created equal. Look at your policy in depth to see the extent of your coverage. Many insurance policies will cover the following: 

• Interior and exterior damage to the home
• Loss of or damage to personal property
• Injury that occurs while on the property
• Weather damages

Keep in mind that while most insurance policies will cover disasters, they do not cover earthquakes. We suggest California homeowners also purchase earthquake insurance.

How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in California

Thankfully, even with a high cost of living, California does not sit at the top of the chart for home insurance costs. The average homeowner pays an annual premium of about $1,250, which is about $104 per month. This lower cost may be attributed to limited coverage, like no earthquake coverage, which can cost around $739 annually, so in actuality, it all pans out pretty evenly. External factors that may affect your premium include your credit score and the recency of your last claim.

What to Do When My Home Faces Damages

Once again, living in such a beautiful state does come with its downfalls. Disasters in California are often devastating for homeowners. The first step to take after your home faces damages is to call your insurance company to file a claim. After this, be sure to contact your mortgage services in case you can’t make your payments. Often, insurance providers will lowball your damages, leaving you to cover much of the cost out of pocket.

Hiring a Claims Consultant 

Property Claims Consultants works with your insurance provider to bring you a higher settlement. Without a claims consultant, you could end up paying thousands of dollars on your own. Save your time and money by hiring a dedicated team to get you the settlement you deserve. Contact us today to see how you can get a high settlement.

What is Considered Property Damage?

Property damage happens when your property is destroyed or damaged and loses some sort of value or loss of functionality. Property damage is usually some sort of harm that is inflicted upon someone’s property from negligence or purposeful destruction or an act of nature, like a hurricane, flood, or fire. Sometimes, in the case of a car accident, property damage and bodily injury can happen at the same time. However, these are handled differently through different insurance policies. Hiring a public adjuster can help you handle complex accidents that fall under multiple coverages.
Property is divided into two categories:

Real Property

Real property is anything that includes land or is permanently attached to it. For example, a house, tree, swimming pool, and guest house are all considered real property. 

Personal Property

Personal property refers to everything else that belongs to you that is movable, including your clothes, jewelry, and vehicles. Sometimes, insurance providers will call this ‘chattel.’

In What Ways Can Your Property Be Damaged?

The term property damage is not a one-size-fits-all umbrella term. Property damage can come from many different things, each of which has a different course of action for insurance compensation. Let’s look at some of the ways your property could be damaged.

• Natural Causes: These could be events like floods, fires, storms or earthquakes.
• Negligence: If your property is damaged by the negligent behavior of others, you can seek a claim against them to recover your lost property value. For example, if someone is recklessly driving and hits your car, you could pursue a claim for negligent property damage. 
• Willful Action: If your property is damaged by the willful destruction of others, you are viable to fight for recompensation. 
• Conversion: If your property is taken and no longer belongs to you, or someone takes control of your property, you can seek compensation. For example, if your roommate steals your diamond ring and sells it to a pawn shop, you can file to receive the entire value of the ring.

What Can You Do If Your Property Is Damaged?

There are several steps to take after your property has been damaged to get compensation for your losses or damages.

• Hire a public adjuster.
• Make a claim with your insurance company.
• Pursue a claim against the person or group that caused your damage.

If you have experienced property damages, contact us at (310) 734-8071 to recover the worth of your property. 

Public adjusters support you in insurance claims, ensuring you get the money you are entitled to. Insurance adjusters represent and protect insurance companies, while a public adjuster represents the public or individuals.

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In the intricate world of insurance claims, especially after property damage, precision and clarity in documentation are paramount. At Property Claims Consultant, we constantly strive to leverage technology to streamline this process, ensuring our clients receive fair and accurate settlements. One of the most groundbreaking tools in our arsenal is Matterport, a cutting-edge solution that has transformed how we assess, document, and process property claims. Here’s an in-depth look at how Matterport has become an indispensable tool at Property Claims Consultant.

What is Matterport?

Matterport is an advanced 3D imaging technology that captures the dimensions and spatial layout of any space in stunning detail. It creates an accurate digital twin of the property, allowing for a virtual walkthrough experience that’s as close to reality as it gets. This technology enables us to document property conditions meticulously before and after damage, providing an undeniable record that aids in the claims process.

Precision in Documentation

The level of detail Matterport provides is unparalleled. Traditional photos or videos may miss critical elements or fail to capture the extent of damage accurately. Matterport’s 3D scans, on the other hand, provide a comprehensive view of the property, ensuring that every nook and cranny is documented. This precision is crucial when assessing the extent of damage and negotiating claims with insurance companies.

Efficiency and Accessibility

One of the biggest challenges in property claims is the need for multiple site visits, which can be time-consuming and sometimes difficult, especially in disaster-stricken areas. Matterport allows us to capture everything in one visit, creating a virtual space that can be accessed anytime, from anywhere. This not only speeds up the claims process but also reduces the inconvenience to property owners, making it easier for them to return to normalcy.

Enhanced Claim Presentation

Presenting claims to insurance companies is more effective when you have comprehensive evidence to support your case. Matterport scans can be shared directly with insurers, providing them with a virtual tour of the damage. This level of detail supports a stronger case for our clients, often resulting in more favorable settlements. It essentially eliminates any ambiguity about the extent of damage, making the claim harder to dispute.

Virtual Collaboration

Matterport’s technology facilitates virtual collaboration between property owners, public adjusters, and insurance companies. All parties can virtually walk through the property together, discuss damages, and even pinpoint specific areas of concern, all without needing to be physically present. This collaborative approach streamlines communication and helps in reaching agreements faster.

How Property Claim Consultant Utilizes Matterport

At Property Claims Consultant, we integrate Matterport into our workflow from the start. Once we’re engaged by a client, we conduct a thorough Matterport scan of the damaged property. This scan becomes the foundation of our assessment and claims negotiation process. Our team analyzes the scans to develop detailed repair estimates and documentation, which are then used throughout the claims negotiation process.

Our Commitment to Innovation and Client Service

Embracing Matterport technology is a testament to our commitment to using innovative solutions to serve our clients better. We understand the challenges property owners face following damage to their property. By utilizing Matterport, we aim to make the claims process as smooth and straightforward as possible, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

In conclusion, Matterport has significantly enhanced the way we handle property claims at Property Claims Consultant. By providing precise documentation, improving efficiency, and facilitating better communication, Matterport has empowered us to advocate more effectively for our clients. It’s not just about embracing new technology; it’s about how we use these tools to secure the best outcomes for those we serve. If you’re navigating the aftermath of property damage, let us show you how Matterport and our expertise can work to your advantage.