Smoke Screen: Is Smoke Damage Covered by a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?

While sitting in a coffee shop in Camarillo yesterday, a young man approached and handed me a solicitation to contact a law firm for the purpose of submitting a homeowner’s insurance claim relating to soot and smoke damage from the recent Cam Springs fire. While its true that homeowner’s insurance and many policies of property insurance cover smoke damage, it is equally true that the policies are not intended to cover the cost of routine home maintenance.

Smoke damage after a fire, particularly interior damage, can be difficult and costly to remediate. Property owners who have experienced such damage or damage to exterior furniture, pool equipment or other property should consult their policies and contact their insurance companies.

While its true that homeowners insurance and many policies of property insurance cover smoke damage, it is equally true that the policies are not intended to cover the cost of routine home maintenance. Wind blown smoke and ash rarely causes any real “damage” to homes and properties not directly exposed to heat or fire. Solicitations of the type being distributed locally, have inspired many frivolous insurance claims that are expensive to investigate and costly to insurers and insurance companies. If you have real damage due to smoke or fire, call your insurance company but don’t be seduced by advertisements that promise insurance payments for ordinary house cleaning.