Q: Hello, i am renting a house that also flooded. Homeowner hired a company that responded and provided emergency services.

A: In California, if your belongings were packed and stored by a company hired by the homeowner during an emergency, it is important to clarify who is responsible for those costs. Typically, the homeowner's insurance might cover emergency services like water damage mitigation, but they might not cover the packing and storage of your personal property. If you were led to believe that these services were covered, this could potentially be an issue of miscommunication or misrepresentation.

Your renter's insurance generally covers only the damage to your personal property, not the cost of moving or storing it, unless it's explicitly stated in your policy. You may want to review your renter's insurance policy closely to see if there is any coverage or endorsement that might apply to these expenses. If the homeowner or the company they hired stated that your renter's insurance would cover these costs, you may have been misled, and you could raise this issue with both the homeowner and the service provider.

Consider discussing this situation directly with both your insurer and the homeowner to explore possible resolutions. If necessary, you could also seek advice from a legal professional who can provide guidance on whether you have grounds to pursue reimbursement or negotiate an agreement. Remember, clear communication and reviewing all related policies are key steps in resolving disputes like this.