It ended up being the main water line to the house that was old/rusted/damaged.

Naturally you need to charge them for any damage to incldue smoke damange 

My recollection is (and insurance experts on BP can correct me if my memory is wrong), but most insurers will only pay "replacement cost"  policy limits, if you actually replace the damaged property.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

The wrong tenant can lead to non-payment, evictions, and property damage.

This ensures that any payout for damage or liability can be processed more smoothly, and it can help protect your interests if something happens on the property. 

Simplified ManagementFor those managing multiple properties, AB 2622 streamlines operations by expanding your hiring pool and removing the red tape often associated with minor repairs.Why It Matters for TenantsTenants also benefit from AB 2622:Faster Maintenance: Minor issues like plumbing or lighting can now be resolved promptly.Fairer Move-Out Costs: Affordable repairs mean tenants aren’t hit with inflated charges for damage beyond normal wear and tear.Things to Keep in MindWhile AB 2622 makes maintenance easier, landlords should still vet unlicensed workers carefully, ensure proper insurance coverage, and remember that jobs requiring permits must involve licensed contractors.AB 2622: A Win-Win for California’s Rental MarketAB 2622 strikes a balance between flexibility and accountability, making it easier for landlords to maintain high-quality rentals while fostering better tenant relationships.

Umbrella Policies are good, but they are not an asset protection tool, they only cover litigation/damages after you’re already in litigation or found personally liable.

While this isn't Sanibel, Matlacha, or FMB, the hurricane damage was no joke. 

This eliminates the problem of increasing your debt and damaging your credit score.