Insurance Coverage

Basic homeowners insurance and business owners packages provide coverage for structural damage resulting from:

Fire or lightning

Vandalism or malicious mischief

Riot or civil commotion

Explosion

Smoke

Most homeowner and business policies cover bodily injury liabilities.

Losses resulting from theft are a common feature in basic homeowner policies, but are an extra that must be purchased with most commercial policies.

If you are a renter and have renters insurance, personal property losses due to fire, theft or riot will be covered under your policy under terms similar to those of the basic homeowner policy. If you do not have renters insurance, do not expect your losses to be covered under your building owner’s insurance policy.

Similarly, if you are a business owner who leases space and does not have a tenants insurance policy, do not expect losses to be covered under your building owner’s policy.

Damage to motor vehicles other than collision is covered by comprehensive insurance. It is an extra that must be purchased in addition to basic auto coverage.

If you have questions: Call your insurance agent or a toll-free hot line established by the state Department of Insurance: (800) 927-HELP. The hot line is usually staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also, Los Angeles City Hall has established a toll-free telephone number for those who have suffered damage to homes or businesses during the riots: (800) 870-1929.