Earthquake Insurance

The initial rumbling and shaking that you experience during an earthquake can be terrifying. Depending on where you are standing when it happens, you may see the walls shake, and feel the floor move underneath your feet.

Going through unexpected experiences like this often prompts homeowners to think about what would happen to their home and assets should a more serious earthquake strike.

Navigating the various types of insurance for your home can be a daunting task. Where you are located plays an important role in the different insurance coverage you may need. These types of natural disasters can be unpleasant to think about, but securing insurance to protect your assets and finances can give your whole family peace of mind. Almost every homeowner should at least consider earthquake insurance as part of their homeowner's insurance policy.

Unless you have specifically opted in for home earthquake insurance, likely, your current policy does not cover it. That doesn't mean you're out of the luck though. It is recommended that you first pull up your homeowner's policy plan documents to see if earthquake insurance is included.

If it isn't, there are still plenty of options available to you to insure your home in the event of a catastrophic earthquake. You may be able to add home earthquake insurance coverage into an existing policy. Another option is to purchase a separate policy that provides earthquake insurance based on your particular coverage needs.

An earthquake insurance policy will cover not only damage to your home caused by an earthquake but also losses related to your belongings. Take a look around your home and consider all of the electronics, furniture, and other costly items you own. How might each of those items fare in the event of a serious tremble?

Earthquake insurance can also cover other buildings that are located on your property. In the event that your home is too damaged to occupy while repairs are being made, earthquake insurance can also cover living expenses associated with finding accommodations elsewhere.

The first factor in determining your California earthquake insurance rate is the level of risk associated with where your home is located. Experts will evaluate how close your home is to a fault line, the geology in the local area, and even the type of soil your home is built upon. These factors will contribute to whether your home is considered to be in a high-risk or low-risk area.

Once the location is evaluated, experts will look at the specific features of your home. This includes the year your home was built, the materials that were used in the framing of your home, the number of stories, and the composition of your foundation. Whether or not your home has specifically been retrofitted to withstand earthquakes is another important component.

All of these factors will be evaluated and then assessed against the value of your home and potential loss in the event of a catastrophic earthquake. This is then used to determine your monthly home earthquake insurance rate.

If this sounds like a lot, don't be discouraged. You don't have to navigate this difficult process alone. You can work with a professional to review your options.

Getting a quote based on your specific situation and risk factors is easy. Contact Central Sequoia Insurance and Financial Services today. You will sleep better with the peace of mind such a policy can bring.