Lathrop GPM attorney Marissa Sinha was interviewed regarding the California Court of Appeal’s ruling in Gharibian v. Wawanesa, which held that smoke, soot, and wildfire debris outside a burn zone aren’t automatically considered “direct physical loss” under homeowners insurance – potentially limiting coverage for many affected property owners.
Sinha highlighted that while the ruling narrows the standard, there are paths to coverage if damage can be proven. She explained: “Damage such as rusting metal or oxidized vinyl caused by ash exposed to water, or damage to paint, stucco, attic insulation, or HVAC systems requiring repairs, may satisfy the requirement of ‘direct physical loss’ needed to trigger homeowners policy coverage.”
She underscores the importance of detailed documentation when filing fire‑related claims – especially beyond visible burn damage, where insurers may require proof of tangible harm to invoke coverage.
Read the full article in The Center Square, here: Lawyers – CA Ruling Impacts Homeowners’ Fire-Related Insurance Claims
It was also cross-posted to MSN.