Earthquakes are fairly common in California, and you never know when one might strike. Unfortunately, most homeowner insurance policies do not provide protection against earthquakes. The same goes for renters, condo, mobile home, second home and landlord insurance policies. If you want protection against earthquake damage, you'll need separate insurance. Here's what you need to know about earthquake insurance and how it works. 

What Earthquake Insurance Covers 

Earthquake insurance, like typical homeowner insurance, is divided into several categories: 

• Dwelling Coverage - This component applies to any damage to the structure of the home due to an earthquake. This could include walls, flooring, plumbing, electrical systems and other structural components. 
• Personal Property Coverage - This coverage can go towards replacing any furniture or other belongings damaged in an earthquake. High-value items, like jewelry and art, may require additional coverage, as they may not fit within your policy limits. 
• Loss of Use Coverage - If you are forced to vacate your home temporarily following an earthquake, this coverage can help pay for a hotel or other housing while your home is being repaired. 

What Earthquake Insurance Doesn't Cover 

Although earthquake insurance can protect you from some types of earthquake damage, it does have some exclusions: 

• Fire Damage - Your standard homeowner insurance coverage will protect against fire damage, even if the fire was caused by an earthquake. Because of this, earthquake coverage generally does not include provisions for fire damage. 
• Damage to Land - Earthquake coverage typically only applies to your home and its contents. Sinkholes and other earthquake damage to your property may require additional coverage. 
• Damage to Vehicles - If an earthquake damages your car, truck or other vehicle, this damage will typically be covered under your traditional auto insurance policy, not your earthquake coverage. Check with your auto insurer to verify whether you need to add an earthquake rider to your policy. 
• Flood Damage - Flooding and the resulting water damage would fall under flood insurance, even if the flood was the result of an earthquake. Although floods are not as common in California as in some other areas of the country, you may still want to add this type of coverage for additional protection. 

Be Prepared for Earthquakes 

The best time to get earthquake coverage is before you need it, and since earthquakes strike unexpectedly, the time to protect your home is now. Call 800-422-1251 today to learn more about earthquake insurance. You'll love the extra peace of mind this coverage provides. 

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