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All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance

Living on Shaky Ground in Huntington Beach

Every state in the U.S. has some degree of risk from earthquakes, especially California. If you live in an area susceptible to earthquakes, make sure you speak with us. We can advise you on the different kinds of earthquake insurance policies that are available to protect your home. Homeowners insurance policies in California usually do not provide earthquake coverage. A separate policy must be purchased to have this coveage.

We'll Explain What Earthquake Insurance Covers and How Much You May Need

  • Deductibles and the amount of coverage for earthquake damage can vary.
  • Your earthquake policy may not cover the entire cost of rebuilding.
  • Exterior buildings, decks and landscaping are generally not covered.
  • Coverage for your personal property and loss of use may be limited.

Take Action to Reduce Earthquake Damage

To reduce damage inside, think “heads up.” Look at your ceiling and walls to see what might fall.

  • Anchor bookcases and filing cabinets to walls.
  • Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and other hanging items to the building structure.
  • Anchor water heaters and large appliances to walls using safety cables or straps, and lock the rollers of all appliances and furniture.
  • Fit all gas appliances with flexible connections and breakaway gas shut-off devices or install a main gas shut-off device.
  • Consider working with a registered design professional or licensed building contractor to reduce potential damage to the structure of your home or business.
  • Add anchor bolts or steel plates between your home’s structure and foundation.
  • Brace the inside of your home’s cripple wall with sheathing.
  • Brace unreinforced chimneys, masonry, concrete walls and foundations.

Protect Yourself If the Ground Starts to Shake.

If you're inside

  • If you’re indoors, stay there.
  • Move away from windows, skylights, doors and things that could fall.
  • Duck, cover and hold until the shaking stops.

If you're outside:

  • Move quickly into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings.
  • Drop to the ground and wait for the shaking to stop.

If you're driving:

  • Slowly bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road.
  • Don’t stop on or under bridges, under power lines or near roadway signs.
  • After the shaking has stopped, continue driving, but watch out for damage to the road.