Earthquake Personal Property Coverage

Did you know that earthquake personal property coverage offers financial protection for your valuables when seismic forces strike?

That’s right! Because when an earthquake occurs, it’s not just your home’s structure that’s at risk. Your cherished belongings are equally vulnerable.

What Is Earthquake Insurance?

Earthquake insurance can offer coverage for your home and belongings in the event they are damaged or destroyed by an earthquake. Unlike standard homeowners insurance or renters insurance policies, which typically exclude earthquake damage, earthquake insurance specifically addresses this risk.

If your house sustains damage due to an earthquake, having this coverage can be crucial.

What Does Earthquake Insurance Cover?

Earthquake Insurance Typically Includes the Following Coverage.

• Dwelling coverage can help financially cover damage to your home and any other attached structures, such as a garage that was a direct result of an earthquake.
• Personal property coverage may help financially cover damage to your belongings, such as furniture and electronics.
• Additional living expenses coverage may help cover living expenses if an earthquake has made your home uninhabitable.

What is Excluded from Earthquake Personal Property Coverage?

Earthquake insurance typically excludes coverage for the following:

• Vehicles—If your car or other vehicles suffer damage during an earthquake, you’ll need separate auto insurance to address those losses.
• Landscaping and outdoor structures—Damage to your landscaping, such as trees, plants and garden features, is usually not covered. Similarly, outdoor structures like fences, pools and sheds may be excluded from earthquake insurance.
• Collectibles and valuables—Certain valuable items, such as rare collectibles, art or antiques, may not be fully covered by earthquake insurance. If you have high-value possessions, consider additional coverage or a separate policy.
• Indirect damage—Earthquakes can cause indirect damage, such as water leaks, gas line breaks or electrical issues. These secondary effects may require separate coverage beyond earthquake insurance.

Who Needs Earthquake Insurance?

Earthquake insurance is essential for homeowners and renters in high-risk seismic areas. If you reside in regions prone to earthquakes—such as California, the Pacific Northwest or other seismic zones—it’s strongly recommended. Even if you don’t own the property, renters should consider earthquake insurance to protect their personal belongings.

How Much is Earthquake Personal Property Coverage?

Insurance companies may use the following home features to influence earthquake insurance rates:

• Age

• Distance from fault lines
• Construction materials
• Cost of rebuilding or repairing

Earthquake Personal Property Coverage in Napa, CA

While earthquake insurance is not mandatory in most regions, it can offer valuable protection against the financial consequences of seismic events. Contact Compass of California Insurance Services to discuss earthquake insurance for your property.

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.