When I first was planning my move from Illinois to California, I got a lot of advice from my relatives. Most of them warned me that I shouldn’t move to California, because of the potential of experiencing an earthquake. It seemed strange to me that people who thought nothing of the blizzards, severe cold weather, severe hot weather, floods, epic thunderstorms, and close calls with tornados that happened every year of their lives would be especially fearful of earthquakes. I feel like there is no “safe” place on this planet that is free from the ravages of nature. Instead, one can get earthquake insurance.
If you live in California, it is a good idea to prepare for the possibility of an earthquake. Part of being prepared means putting together a disaster kit that includes, at the very least, non-perishable food, water, a basic first aid kit, and a flashlight. These kinds of kits can provide some type of survival protection. For financial protection, you need to get an earthquake insurance policy.
Earthquake insurance is something that all California homeowners should consider getting. You may also have a need for earthquake insurance even if you don’t happen to live in California. Other parts of the United States are sitting on fault lines, and where there are fault lines, there is potential for an earthquake to happen. Incidentally, I have personally experienced not one, but two, earthquakes, while I was still living in Illinois.
In general, earthquake insurance covers the cost of repairs to, or outright replacement of, your home. You will need to speak with your insurance agent to determine if your earthquake insurance will also cover your garage, or shed, or any other structures that are on your property. Make sure your policy covers the contents of your home as well. Ask if there is anything that is excluded from coverage, and what limitations this policy has. And, of course, it is always a good idea to find out how much the deductible is, and how much your monthly premiums will be. If you experience an earthquake that causes damage to your home and property, it is important that you file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible.
Image by Martin Luff on Flickr