What Does Earthquake Insurance Typically Cover in California?

Living in California comes with the risk of earthquakes, making earthquake insurance a crucial consideration for homeowners. This specialized insurance can offer financial protection against the potentially devastating effects of seismic activity. Understanding earthquake insurance can help homeowners to make well-informed choices about their insurance portfolio.

Earthquake Insurance in California

Earthquake insurance in California typically includes the following coverage:

• Dwelling coverage—This is the primary component of earthquake insurance. It can help cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it is damaged by an earthquake. This can include the structure of the house and any attached structures, such as a garage. The coverage limit is usually the same as the dwelling limit on your standard homeowners insurance policy.
• Personal property—Earthquake insurance can also financially cover personal belongings inside your home, such as furniture, electronics and clothing. However, this coverage is often optional and comes with its own deductible.
• Additional living expenses—If your home is uninhabitable due to earthquake damage, additional living expenses can assist with the costs of temporary housing and other necessary living expenses. This can include hotel stays, restaurant meals and other costs incurred while your home is being repaired.
• Exclusions and deductibles—It’s important to note that earthquake insurance policies come with high deductibles. Additionally, earthquake insurance generally excludes coverage for vehicle damage, preexisting damage or damage from other types of natural disasters like floods or landslides.

Learn More

For home and earthquake insurance near you, contact JSW Insurance today.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.