By Brian Stevens and Stacey Schifferdecker
Homeowners insurance earthquake protection is not included in most homeowners' policies. Therefore, if you live within a few hundred miles of a major fault line, you should consider buying an earthquake endorsement to your homeowners policy.
Earthquake policies provide protection from the shaking and cracking that can destroy buildings and personal possessions. Fire and water damage due to burst gas and water pipes is covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. The cost of an earthquake endorsement depends on the probability of an earthquake in your location, the soil type, and the building structure. The deductibles are generally ten to fifteen percent of the building's structural limit.
Comparison Shop
When you decide to buy earthquake insurance, it's important that you check the rates of several companies. You can go online to an insurance comparison website and get quote estimates from reputable companies. You'll want to be sure that the company you select is financially stable and will be able to pay claims in the case of a large earthquake affecting many homes.
Prepare for a Quake
You can also take steps to prepare your home for an earthquake. Such preparation will minimize the potential damage if a major earthquake occurs and may get you some discounts on your earthquake insurance:
* Brace your home's water heater to reduce the risk of fire and water damage that could occur if the water heater fell over
* Fasten bookcases, mirrors, televisions, and other tall or heavy appliances and pieces of furniture to wall studs so they will not fall over
* Ensure that all family members how to shut off the gas and install a gas shut off valve
* Attach childproof latches to cupboard doors so they will stay closed and the contents won't fall out
* Bolt the home's wood frame to the foundation
* If the home has a raised foundation, brace cripple walls
Earthquake policies provide protection from the shaking and cracking that can destroy buildings and personal possessions. Fire and water damage due to burst gas and water pipes is covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. The cost of an earthquake endorsement depends on the probability of an earthquake in your location, the soil type, and the building structure. The deductibles are generally ten to fifteen percent of the building's structural limit.
Comparison Shop
When you decide to buy earthquake insurance, it's important that you check the rates of several companies. You can go online to an insurance comparison website and get quote estimates from reputable companies. You'll want to be sure that the company you select is financially stable and will be able to pay claims in the case of a large earthquake affecting many homes.
Prepare for a Quake
You can also take steps to prepare your home for an earthquake. Such preparation will minimize the potential damage if a major earthquake occurs and may get you some discounts on your earthquake insurance:
* Brace your home's water heater to reduce the risk of fire and water damage that could occur if the water heater fell over
* Fasten bookcases, mirrors, televisions, and other tall or heavy appliances and pieces of furniture to wall studs so they will not fall over
* Ensure that all family members how to shut off the gas and install a gas shut off valve
* Attach childproof latches to cupboard doors so they will stay closed and the contents won't fall out
* Bolt the home's wood frame to the foundation
* If the home has a raised foundation, brace cripple walls
