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Insurance decisions are among the most significant financial and risk-related responsibilities an HOA board undertakes. Yet many board members are unsure how insurance oversight fits into their fiduciary duties. Understanding this relationship can help boards approach insurance decisions with greater confidence and less anxiety.   What fiduciary duty means in practice Board members are generally expected to act in good faith, exercise reasonable care, and make decisions they

The term “insurance audit” can sound intimidating to HOA boards, particularly when no claim is pending and no dispute exists. In reality, an insurance coverage audit is a straightforward, educational process designed to answer a simple question: does the board understand what coverage the association currently has? An effective coverage audit focuses on clarity, not criticism.   Explaining coverage in plain language Insurance policies are written for legal and underwriting pu

HOA boards today are operating in an insurance environment that looks very different from even five years ago. Premiums are rising, deductibles are increasing, exclusions are expanding, and carriers are scrutinizing claims more closely than ever. At the same time, construction and repair costs continue to climb, placing additional pressure on association budgets and reserves. In response, many HOA boards are shifting away from a purely reactive approach to insurance and adopt

Commercial property owners in California are subject to a wide range of safety and compliance obligations. One question that frequently arises during inspections, tenant improvements, or enforcement actions is whether floor plans are required under California fire regulations. The answer is that floor plans are often required—not as architectural drawings alone, but as part of fire safety and emergency planning obligations under California law. Understanding when and why thes

By Geraci LLP – Property Damage Law Division INTRODUCTION When homeowners receive an insurance estimate after fire, water, storm, or smoke damage, they often feel blindsided. What they expected to be a straightforward process suddenly becomes confusing, frustrating, and financially overwhelming. The most common source of that frustration? Depreciation. Depreciation is a heavily misunderstood component of property damage claims, and insurers often use that confusion to their a

By Jasmine Daya, Geraci LLP – Property Damage Law Division INTRODUCTION You pay insurance premiums for years — sometimes decades — expecting that when disaster strikes, your insurer will be there to help you rebuild. But for many homeowners, the reality is far different: the insurance company responds with a shockingly low offer , delays the claim, attributes damage to “wear and tear,” or ignores entire categories of loss. At Geraci LLP’s Property Damage Law division, we see

A Complete Legal, Insurance, and Safety Guide for Fire, Water, Storm, Smoke & Catastrophic Losses By Jasmine Daya, Geraci LLP – Property Damage Law Division INTRODUCTION Property damage is one of the most stressful experiences a homeowner can endure. Whether it’s a burst pipe flooding your home at 3 a.m., a kitchen fire filling your house with smoke, storm winds tearing shingles off the roof, or a catastrophic event like wildfire or hurricane, the first 24 hours  will determi

By Jasmine Daya, Geraci LLP – Property Damage Law Division Water damage is one of the most common — and most complex — causes of property loss. Whether the source is a burst pipe, leaking appliance, roof intrusion, storm runoff, slab leak, sewage backup, or flooding from firefighting efforts, water can infiltrate a property in ways that are not immediately visible. Unfortunately, insurance companies often perform superficial inspections, missing or ignoring hidden damage that

Business purpose loans are nontraditional mortgage loans where a borrower uses loan proceeds for a non-consumer purpose. A non-consumer purpose means any loan in which the proceeds are NOT primarily used for personal, family, or household use. There is a common misconception that the primary question in making these loans is whether the property used as collateral is “owner-occupied.” But, the more important question is whether the loan’s purpose is truly a “business purpose,

Some may know that I’ve recently embarked on an exciting new journey south of the border as co-owner of Geraci LLP, alongside my partner, Anthony Geraci. Anthony founded the firm in California in 2007, focused exclusively on legal services for the private lending community. Joining forces with him has given me the opportunity to grow professionally in a vibrant, forward- thinking sector — one that feels increasingly different from the legal environment I’ve known for over two

September 21, 2025 By Jasmine Daya, Partner & COO, Geraci LLP After more than 20 years as a civil litigator in Canada, focusing primarily on personal injury and insurance disputes, I am proud to now call California my second home and to be firmly entrenched at Geraci LLP, where my passion for advocacy and protecting clients continues to drive everything I do. At Geraci LLP, we have always stood for one thing: protecting private lenders and investors. Now, we’re taking that co

Your insurance company may offer a low payout hoping you’ll accept quickly. Jasmine Daya shares how to evaluate these offers — and when to push back. Should I Accept a Low Settlement Offer From My Insurance Company? By Jasmine Daya, Esq. – Geraci LLP You finally hear from your insurer. But their offer is a fraction of what it will cost to repair or rebuild. You’re frustrated, confused, and wondering —  should I take the money or fight? Here’s what I tell every homeowner in th

When your insurer goes silent, you may be dealing with delay tactics or bad faith. Jasmine Daya explains what steps to take if your claim is ignored. What Should I Do If My Insurance Company Is Not Responding to My Claim? By Jasmine Daya, Esq. – Geraci LLP You’ve submitted your property damage claim. Maybe even uploaded documents and photos. But weeks have passed  and your insurance company has gone silent. What now? First, know this: You’re not alone. Insurers often use stra

California law allows homeowners to sue insurance companies for wrongful denial or delay. Jasmine Daya of Geraci LLP explains when and how you can take legal action. Ask Jasmine Daya: Can I Sue My Insurance Company for Denying My Claim in California? By Jasmine Daya, Esq. – Geraci LLP Yes, in California, you  can  sue your insurance company if your property damage claim was wrongfully denied or delayed without cause. In fact, under California law, you may be entitled to addit

Homeowners in Riverside and San Bernardino counties face rising insurance denials after storms, wind and fire. Learn how to challenge your insurer legally and protect your claim. Fighting Denied Insurance Claims in the Inland Empire: A Legal Guide for Homeowners By Jasmine Daya, Esq. – Geraci LLP The Inland Empire, especially Riverside and San Bernardino counties, has seen an increase in severe wind events, wildfire risk, and sudden downpours over the last five years. With th

Denied or delayed claim? Learn the time limits (statute of limitations) for suing an insurance company in California before you lose your right to compensation. How Long Do I Have to Sue an Insurance Company in California? By Jasmine Daya, Esq. – Geraci LLP If your insurance company wrongfully denied or delayed your property damage claim, you have a limited time to act. Waiting too long can cost you your entire case — even if the insurer was clearly in the wrong. California S

If your fire damage claim was denied in Los Angeles County, you still have options. Learn the legal steps to challenge a denial and protect your rights. Denied Insurance Claim After Fire in Los Angeles? Here’s What to Do By Jasmine Daya, Esq. – Geraci LLP Los Angeles County is no stranger to wildfires. Between the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Gabriel Valley, and hillside communities across the region, thousands of homes are vulnerable every year. If you’ve suffered propert

A denied insurance claim isn’t the end of the road. Learn 5 steps to fight back and recover what you’re owed under California law — with legal help from Geraci LLP. How to Get Your Insurance Company to Pay After a Denied Claim By Jasmine Daya, Esq. – Geraci LLP If your insurance company has denied your claim — or simply refused to move forward — you may feel powerless. But the truth is, you’re far from out of options. California law provides strong protections for property ow

Insurance companies have legal duties in California. When they delay or deny valid claims without cause, it may be bad faith. Learn your rights and how to respond. Bad Faith Insurance in California: What Homeowners Need to Know By Jasmine Daya, Esq. – Geraci LLP Your homeowners insurance policy is more than a contract — it’s a promise. And under California law, insurers must handle claims with good faith and fair dealing. When they don’t, you may be entitled to more than just

California wildfires cause extensive smoke damage, yet insurers often deny related claims. Learn when smoke is covered and how to respond if your insurer refuses to pay. Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Smoke Damage in California? By Jasmine Daya, Esq. – Geraci LLP Smoke damage is one of the most common — yet most frequently denied — types of property claims after a wildfire in California. Many homeowners are shocked to learn that even with a valid policy, their smoke-relat