Auto Club Advises Consumers to Understand Insurance Coverage as Winter Storms Hit Southern California.

Business Editors and Transportation Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 2001

Winter storms in the Southland often bring water damage to cars, homes, buildings and roads.

The Automobile Club of Southern California is alerting consumers that they should make sure their property is properly maintained to prevent water damage, and they should understand their insurance policies to know what type of water damage is covered.

Many homeowners wrongly assume that their policy protects against all damage caused by water entering through patio doors, windows or roofs.

"Losses of this type are usually caused by maintenance issues, which are not covered by insurance, and they can be prevented by inspection and repair of leaking roofs and window seals," said Gil Palmer, the Auto Club's assistant group manager for physical damage claims.

For this reason, the Auto Club encourages homeowners not to wait until the rainy season to inspect and repair their home.

Homeowner policies do not cover mudslides and floods. "Most homeowner policies don't cover damage caused by earth movement. For earthquakes, a specific policy can be purchased. Homeowners can also purchase a separate policy that covers floods," added Palmer. He suggested that homeowners in areas prone to mudslides work with their local city officials, homeowners' association and builder to take preventive measures against damage.

For car owners, the comprehensive insurance portion of an auto policy covers many types of vehicle damage caused by water. That includes vehicles that are damaged during rainstorms by, for example, being caught in a flooded intersection, explained Palmer.

Motorists should be cautious and avoid driving into an intersection that is already flooded. "Don't drive into an intersection if it appears to be at all flooded, because the depth of water is deceptive and the vehicle could get stuck," added Palmer. "This also could cause extensive damage to the vehicle and physical injuries to drivers and their passengers. Children are particularly vulnerable if they are strapped in a safety seat in the rear of the vehicle."

Homeowners insurance generally covers sudden and accidental losses, according to the Auto Club. For example, damage caused by wind and tornadoes is usually covered, as is the resulting water damage when an opening in the roof or other part of the building is caused by the wind. Damage to the structure caused by fallen trees usually would also be covered. Other examples of sudden and accidental losses covered include the resulting water damage from broken or damaged water heaters or plumbing systems.

Here are some additional tips for home and auto insurance policyholders:

-- Photograph your home, paying special attention to the kitchen, bathrooms,
windows, doors and personal property of high, unusual or sentimental value. In
the event of a catastrophic loss, photographs will help determine the value of
damaged fixtures, appliances, floors, and other parts of the structure covered
by your policy.

-- Before your auto or home is damaged, make sure you are fully aware of what
protection your insurance policy provides. For homeowner policies, find out if
they offer building code upgrade and guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
Homeowners may not have adequate protection against catastrophic damage if
their policy's limits translate into higher out-of-pocket costs.

-- Make sure your insurance company is committed to respond to your call within
24 hours or less and can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

-- Report losses to your insurance company as soon as possible so they can
assist you with emergency or temporary repairs. Immediate reporting of losses
allows the claims adjuster to investigate the damage before repairs are
completed or items are replaced. Claims filed after repairs are made or items
are replaced can result in delays for receiving reimbursement from your
insurance company.

The Auto Club's affiliated Interinsurance Exchange offers auto and homeowners insurance policies. The Exchange offers savings of up to 4.5% on auto insurance and 10% on homeowners insurance when consumers insure both home and auto through the Auto Club.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, insurance services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.