.png)
California Earthquake
Earthquakes and Your Home: What You Need to Know
Living in California means earthquakes are part of life. While we can't predict when they’ll happen, we know they can cause significant damage to homes and personal belongings. Earthquake insurance can help cover some of the costs to repair or rebuild, but regular homeowners, renters, and condo insurance policies typically do not cover earthquake damage.
​
This guide provides essential information about earthquake insurance and how it can protect you.
Do I need earthquake insurance in California?
California experiences more earthquakes than any other state in the U.S., resulting in the highest property damage from seismic activity. On average, an earthquake occurs in
California every three minutes. While most of these events cause little to no damage, a single major quake can lead to devastating destruction to homes and communities.
The risk increases significantly for homes located near a fault. With over 500 known active faults in California, it’s evident that the majority of residents live in close proximity to one, heightening the potential for earthquake-related hazards.
Is earthquake insurance worth it in California?
While no one can predict when or where the next major earthquake will occur, you can take steps to protect your financial future now with earthquake insurance.
Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if earthquake insurance is right for you:
​
-
Do you own a home in an area with significant seismic activity?
-
Could you afford to rebuild your home without insurance?
-
Are you financially prepared to replace your personal belongings and property?
-
If your home becomes uninhabitable, can you cover the cost of finding a safe place to live?
-
Most importantly, are you willing to risk losing the hard-earned equity in your home in an instant?
​
If your home is in an earthquake-prone zone, earthquake insurance is a vital safeguard for your financial security. When the next quake hits, make sure you have GeoVera on your side to help protect what matters most.
What does earthquake insurance cover?
Your standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage. To address this gap, we offer a stand-alone earthquake insurance policy specifically designed to provide California homeowners with the protection they need.
A typical California earthquake insurance policy covers your home, other structures, personal property, personal liability, loss of use, and building code upgrades. Some policies may also include sub-limits for items like swimming pools and chimneys. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, limited coverage policies are available to provide an affordable solution.
Unlike some carriers, such as the California Earthquake Authority, which requires you to have homeowners insurance with one of their partner providers, GeoVera allows you to customize and purchase your earthquake insurance policy independently of your homeowners insurance provider.
To explore the coverages and limits available for your home, create a custom quote today. Simply provide your address and the dwelling coverage limit from your current homeowners insurance policy to receive an instant quote for earthquake insurance.
Your Dwelling
Residential earthquake insurance provides coverage for your home's structure and its attached features.
Loss of Use
This coverage includes additional living expenses, such as temporary housing, if the home becomes uninhabitable after an earthquake.
Your Other Structures
Change the text and make it your own. Click here to begin editing.
Loss Assessment
Loss Assessment coverage protects you if you are responsible for a share of damage or loss in a common area shared with other property owners.
Your Contents
This coverage safeguards your personal belongings within your home.
Building Code Upgrade
This coverage provides for building code upgrades required to obtain a reconstruction permit when rebuilding after an earthquake.
