Earthquake Insurance Not Covered in Homeowners

According to the U.S Department of the Interior, 143 million Americans live and work in areas with the potential for earthquakes, which can lead to severe structural damage. In addition, approximately 31 million California residents are exposed to extreme ground-shaking risks.

Residents should have some form of home insurance to protect their homes and investments. Although a standard home insurance plan covers several types of damage, but it excludes risks like earthquakes, flood damage, war, or nuclear hazards.

Fortunately, Panorama Insurance Agency in Northridge, CA offers separate earthquake insurance coverage, which shields homeowners from earthquake-related losses and expenses. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, consider acquiring earthquake insurance to protect your home.

Water Damage Caused by Earthquakes

An earthquake can damage your plumbing or sewer lines, causing water damage in your home. The violent shaking of soil can cause the pipes to become loose at their joints. Alternatively, an extensive soil crack can cause the pipes to burst, leading to major water leaks and spills.

Here are additional ways to identify water and pipe damage after an earthquake:

1. Wet spots in the front yard that were not there before the earthquake
2. Wet spots on the ceiling or floor
3. A large crack in the wall
4. Signs of mold on the wall
5. The smell of sewage inside your home

Earthquake insurance covers the cost of restoring plumbing, structural damage, flooring, and associated damage.

Additional Living Expenses

When an earthquake renders your home inhabitable, you need temporary shelter during repairs. Earthquake insurance covers the costs of a temporary rental, hotel room, restaurants, meals, laundry, and other expenses you incur.

Structural Damage to Your Home

It covers the home and the structures attached to it. Typically, earthquake and seismic activity often lead to substantial structural damage. Massive tremors can sink buildings, but even more minor quakes can create cracks in the wall, and cause doors or windows to jam. A strong tremor can trigger the building to collapse and destroy the entire home’s foundation. In less severe cases, the earthquake can trigger a slight incline, which is still a serious and costly problem. 

Earthquake insurance covers additional structures like:

1. Garages
2. Pump houses
3. Greenhouses
4. Carports
5. Gazebos
6. Detached Patios

Earthquake insurance should cover the replacement cost of the damaged structure if it cannot be repaired. As a result, the insurers pay the actual cost of the structure minus the depreciation that occurs due to age or condition.

Factors That Determine the Cost of Earthquake Insurance

• Location: Homeowners in earthquake-prone areas pay higher premiums than in low-risk areas.
• Deductibles: If you choose a lower deductible, the insurer will charge you a higher premium to compensate for the risk.
• Type of Foundation: A raised foundation gives a home enough elasticity to wade off an earthquake. Insurers classify such homes as less risky and therefore charge lower premiums.

Calculate your deductible here

Try Our Earthquake Insurance Coverage

Depending on the severity of an earthquake, it can destroy fixtures and furniture or cause major structural damage to a home. Always work with an experienced earthquake insurance provider like Panorama Insurance. Our policy options offer unmatched coverage against earthquake-related loss.

Contact us online or call us at 818-781-6630to get a free quote.