Earthquake Insurance In California

The reality is California has around 10,000 quakes each and every year. While over 99% of these are tremors in the range of 3.0 and smaller, more than 15 are higher than a magnitude of 4.0.

Additionally, a big one seems to happen every 10-12 years, that could devastate your home. With this in mind, you require being completely ready in the event one hits. You should carefully consider adding earthquake insurance in California onto your policy. It could save you from financial devastation, in the event one of these tragic natural disasters hits. Let’s go over some details that will help you define your decision and save you money in the process.

* In California, your homeowner’s policy will not cover you from damages your home has suffered, as a result of an earthquake:

You need to purchase a separate policy. This ins is entirely different from a standard automobile policy, which you can alter and upgrade. With earthquake coverage, your policy is figured regarding a percentage, which is based on the deductible amount. Let’s say for illustration purposes, you insured your home for $300,000 and then $100,000 in-home damages result from a quake.

You will be liable for paying a deductible (often 15% of the amount of coverage you get) before the insurance company kicks in and pays the rest. So you would in this example, pay $45,000, and then the insurer would pay for the rest of the costs to repair your home. However, if you did not have any quake insurance, you would be burdened with paying all of the $100,000 in damages inflicted on your house. Considering how much money getting covered could save you, it is a shock that only about 10% of California homeowners carry this essential coverage.

* Your Possessions:

When you buy earthquake insurance, your home contents are covered by a set dollar amount, like $20,000. This makes sense because unlike a fire, which can ruin everything inside your house, and even large earthquake normally will not destroy all of your belongings. If you have expensive personal items like an HD camera valued at over $5,000, you might consider getting added coverage.

* Exclusions:

There will be some factors that will be excluded from being covered. These could include fencing, pools and even other structures on your property like a garage. Talk to your Citizens home insurance professional today to find out more.

*Loss of Use:

Limits on the loss of use can be a lot more restricted for earthquake insurance. Typically, like possessions, it will be set to an exact dollar amount – like $2,000.

* Cost of Getting Coverage:

Getting this type of coverage can be costly and especially in areas prone to quakes, like along the San Andreas fault line. For earthquake insurance in California, typical rates are $15 for each $1,000 covered. So if you had a $1,000,000 home policy, this would be around $15,000. If you ever get hit by a massive quake that does significant damage, your home could be condemned and ruled a total loss. The proper protection could save you from financial devastation.

* Getting Discounts on Your Policy:

You can qualify for substantial discounts on your policy from the California earthquake authority if you retrofit an older home to bring it up to current standards. This involves creating a stronger, more stable foundation and by strengthening the walls. Not only will you improve the safety and value of your home, but will save on insurance as well. This makes total sense if you have an aging home.

* Shop Online For Cheap California Earthquake insurance:

If you need to add this important protection to your home, go online, and let Citizens property Insurance help you find the cheapest earthquake insurance available. We search all the major insurers nationwide and give you up to 10 free online quotes in minutes. We have helpful agents standing by to clarify all of your inquiries. Get started now and get a better rate.