California is a beautiful state known for its beaches, mountains and major metropolitan cities. However, California is also known for its wildfires, earthquakes and other extreme conditions that can pose a risk to your home and property.

Investing in homeowners insurance can financially protect your home in the case of natural disasters – especially in a region with such a wide variety of natural phenomena. To help you understand more about homeowners insurance coverage in California, here is a guide to the basics:

Standard coverage 

Every policy is different in terms of coverage. However, most standard homeowners insurance covers certain basic perils. 

These perils include, but are not limited to: 

• Theft.
• Hail.
• Lightning strikes.
• Wind damage.
• Personal property damage.

When you purchase homeowners insurance, the company evaluates the damage done. Then they then offer an estimate of the damages and what part they will cover. 

Supplementing for perils not covered 

It must be noted, some perils aren’t covered under standard insurance. This includes flooding, earthquakes, mold damage and more. 

Earthquake insurance is particularly important for California homeowners, as the state’s several fault lines cause multiple earthquakes per year. While most of them are relatively mild, they can cause significant damage to structures and personal property.

Flooding can also occur in portions of California, especially in regions also prone to drought. Dry ground cannot absorb water quickly, which makes it prone to flash flooding during an unexpectedly heavy rainfall. Flood insurance is another type of coverage to consider adding if you own a home in the state.

Knowing what your insurance policy covers before a disaster happens is essential. With the right knowledge, you can pick the perfect policy for anywhere you live.