Looking for Earthquake Insurance?
When things inevitably start to shake, rattle, and roll, you'll want to make sure you are protected – because most standard Homeowners policies exclude damage from earthquakes. At AA Lares Insurance Services, we take protecting your house very seriously, and that means not leaving any stones un-turned.
The right coverage can keep you on firm ground
When most people think of an earthquake, they think about uncertainty… is this the big one? While this is an unfortunate reality for some, many earthquakes and tremors occur when we least expect them and we never seem to know where the epicenter will be.
What many people don't realize is that everyone in the country may experience an earthquake at some point. We just don't know when or where. Some areas are much more susceptible than others…
It's crazy to think that an earthquake with a magnitude of more than 5.0 can cause massive destruction in less than 5 minutes. Our agency owner was in this industry in 1989 and 1994 when major quakes devastated the Bay Area and Northridge, respectively.
Patty Lares is happy to discuss the impact on people and the industry. Living in Orange County, or any other area of California, you're especially at risk for damage caused by an earthquake.
Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Earthquakes
In many states, earthquake insurance is sold as a stand-alone policy, meaning that is does not come as a part of your homeowners policy. Homeowners policies don't cover earthquakes in any way, so it's important to understand this catastrophic exclusion that exists in your coverage.
Earthquake Insurance Coverages
Like homeowners insurance, earthquake insurance's main duty is to protect your home. This means the most important coverage limit on your policy is the "Dwelling Coverage" limit, which is designed to cover the main structure of the home.
There may also be coverage for personal property as well.
You will also have a deductible, which can range anywhere from $1,000 up to $10,000 or possibly more. Like homeowners insurance, the higher deductible you take, the lower your premium will be.
Understand Your Earthquake Policy
- Protection if your home and household possessions are damaged or destroyed in an earthquake.
- Payment for living expenses should you need temporary accommodations while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.
- Protection for renters, too, to replace their possessions and help them move on with their lives in the aftermath of a quake.
Earthquake or earth movement is defined as a shaking or trembling of the earth that is volcanic or tectonic in origin. This includes land shock waves or tremors before, during, and after a volcanic eruption; landslide; mine subsidence; mudflow; earth sinking, rising, or shifting.
One of the startling mysteries about earthquake insurance is the massive deductible. If you suffer a loss due to an earthquake, you will have to pay your deductible before the insurance company begins to write checks. in many cases today, the earthquake deductible can be a staggering 15% or more of the coverage limit! And this deductible is charged separately for each coverage section, for example – 15% of your personal property limit…. it adds up to a truckload of money.
The questions and concerns are still many, but we hope this erases some of those nagging doubts and helps put your mind at ease. Our agency represents most California earthquake insurance carriers and we'll be happy to do the shopping for you!
