Did You Know Few California Homes Have Earthquake Insurance?

Few CA Homes Have Earthquake Insurance...

The recent tragic earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan has raised questions regarding insurance coverage and provide a stark reminder that the United States is also vulnerable to these natural disasters, according to the Insurance Information Institute. 

"Everyone, no matter where they live, should contact their agent or company representative to make sure that they have the right type and amount of insurance for their specific situation," said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president for the I.I.I. "All Americans also need to have an up-to-date home inventory of their personal possessions and an evacuation plan," she said.

The potential cost of earthquakes in the United States has been growing because of increased urban development in seismically active areas and the vulnerability of older structures, which in some cities may not have been built or upgraded to current building codes. Standard homeowners, renters, and business insurance policies do not cover damage from earthquakes. Coverage is available either in the form of an endorsement or as a separate policy. (And a flood insurance policy would provide coverage for a tsunami.)

Many private insurers offer earthquake coverage. In California, homeowners can also get coverage from the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), a privately funded, publicly managed organization.

Only about 12 percent of California residents currently have earthquake coverage, down from about 30 percent in 1996, 2 years after the Northridge, California, earthquake. Unfortunately, 86 percent to 90 percent of U.S. homeowners lack earthquake coverage, according to A.M. Best.

To Learn More About The Proper Earthquake Insurance Needed To Protect Your Home Please Contact Jason Shroot @ 714.988.3325 or jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com or http://www.jasonsellsinsurance.com/ 



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Best Practices For Surviving An Earthquake

One of the challenges of living in Southern California is the risk of earthquakes.

As the third annual Great California Shake-Out is observed today (www.shakeout.org), the University encourages you to be familiar with best practices for responding to earthquakes.

This information will assist you and your family plan how to respond to an earthquake. Each household member should understand their plan and how he/she is expected to respond.

Best Practices For Surviving An Earthquake:

• If indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table, or stand in a corner or doorway that does not have doors on it (do not go in a doorway with doors; they can swing back and forth violently). Protect your head, neck, and face.

• If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines.

• If driving, pull over and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay in the vehicle until the shaking is over.

• If in a crowded place, do not rush for the doors. Move away from windows and shelves containing objects that could fall.

• If the earthquake causes items to fall off of shelves or cracks in the building, go outdoors after the shaking subsides and stay clear of buildings, walls, power lines, and trees.


Please Contact The Diversified Insurance Group at (714) 988-3325 With Any Questions.

What To Do During An Earthquake

What To Do During An Earthquake: When Indoors

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

When you feel an earthquake, duck under a desk or sturdy table. Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other heavy objects that could fall. Watch out for falling plaster and ceiling tiles. Stay undercover until the shaking stops and hold onto your cover. If it moves, move with it.

DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn't’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

If in bed when the earthquake strikes, hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway.

Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on. DO NOT use the elevators.

If you are in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, and not near a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Stay indoors. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.

If you're in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACE, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.

If you're in a WHEELCHAIR, stay in it. Move to cover, if possible, lock your wheels, and protect your head with your arms.

If you're in the KITCHEN, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cupboards. (Take time NOW to anchor appliances, and install security latches on cupboard doors to reduce hazards.)

If you're in a STADIUM OR THEATER, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over then leave in a calm, orderly manner. Avoid rushing toward exits.

And To Protect Your Home & Personal Belongings 

Call Jason For A 

Comprehensive Earthquake Quote 

714-988-3325.  

►► Earthquake Insurance ► ► Did You Feel Our Last 4.4 Quake !?!?!

California has now felt 4 earthquakes recently, all within the past 3 months actually. The most recent earthquake of course occurring on March 16th, 2010.  A major earthquake could still destroy billions in property and has the potential to financially ruin us if we are not protected.

Thankfully, nobody has been reported injured and there was very minimal damage in the Los Angeles area during the 4.4 magnitude earthquake.  The last quake was felt in Northern California on February 5th, 2010 and was a size 6.0.  A month before that there was a 6.5 magnitude earthquake that caused minor injuries and damage, but was still felt as far away as Oregon. Then of course, on December 31, a 5.8 shook Northern Baja California. 
 

 Are we the next big earthquake away from serious damage and loss?

We should ask our insurance agents if our homeowners includes insurance for earthquakes.  Most policies do not automatically include it, as it generally costs extra for that added security. If we do have it, very good of us.  Now the question becomes are we aware of our deductible? Will a loss attributed to an earthquake go unclaimed because we are unaffordable to afford our deductible? Beware, most companies do not allow us to purchase insurance for earthquakes endorsements or earthquake policies during or immediately following earthquake activity.

Diversified Insurance Services is interested in helping our friends find less expensive homeowners insurance with earthquake coverage in California. Diversified Insurance is represented by over 30 Top Rated Insurance Carriers helping you save time and stress by providing the best premium with the best coverage to protect your assets.  

For Quotes & Questions Contact Jason @

714-988-3325

jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com