It’s all too perfect that there is new, creepy activity happening in the California fault lines just before Halloween.
Are you prepared, or will the next earthquake spook you?
Recent California Earthquakes
In recent weeks, California has had an uptick in seismic activity, some of which experts have linked to a creeping section of the San Andreas fault system. Most recently, Pleasant Hill and Hollister both experienced magnitude 4.5 and 4.7 earthquakes, respectively.
To have two 4.5 magnitude quakes in one week in California is a little unusual.
New Movement in the Fault Lines
At the same time, for the first time on record, the Garlock Fault has been moving. This fault houses the potential to produce a magnitude 8 earthquake, and this “creeping” is a by-product of the Ridgecrest earthquakes in July. With the heightened concern about the San Andreas faultline and the “Big One” coming, new or unprecedented activity is enough to catch the attention of seismic experts.
The Garlock Fault’s movement is known as “creep”: meaning that it is moving at a slow, continuous pace. Creep is typical among California faults, and creep could also trigger an earthquake nearby. The San Andreas fault has often had spells of creeping in reaction to other nearby earthquakes. Scientists are especially concerned about the San Andreas’s potential for disaster, but that’s not to say it’s the only cause for concern.
Can creeping fault lines cause earthquakes?
Fault lines are more closely tied together than you would imagine. A seismic event can ripple out and influence the delicate web of fault lines around it. Earthquakes of all sizes are a reality for California life, and what could set off the domino effect is unclear. This rise in seismic activity serves as an important reminder:
Today we are going to talk about the sticky subject of earthquake insurance. We touched on this a little bit in our Financial Preparedness series, including best earthquake insurance practices, but we are going to go a bit more in-depth on for this update.
One of the most commonly asked questions is, “Do I need earthquake insurance?” The answer is not simple. Just like your house isn’t like everyone else’s, what to expect from an earthquake insurance policy (or even your homeowners insurance policy) is unique to your situation. Hopefully, after reading, you’ll have a better understanding of what to consider when shopping for financial products to secure your money and your life.
Is your home an investment or a risk?
Who needs earthquake insurance?
As we discussed in our article Best Insurance Practices, it really depends on you. Earthquake insurance coverage isn’t required by your lender or by the state. Technically, all fifty states in America are at risk for earthquakes, but there are some states where earthquakes are more likely, more frequent, or more powerful. If you live in one of these states, like Washington, Oregon, or California, the decision to get earthquake insurance should be carefully considered.
You’re well aware of the risks that come with living in one of these Western states. Look anywhere–social media, the news, a quick Google search–and you’ll quickly see how frequent seismic activity is, even if you don’t always feel the quake. Some states may also experience an unexpected rise in seismic activity due to natural or manmade changes to the landscape and the environment.
Either way, you need to know how fault lines can increase your risk and how you plan to respond to that risk. If you’re familiar with your risk factor remember, just like with the Napa earthquake of 2014, some fault lines are either undiscovered, seemingly inactive, or connected to other faults that may cause a chain reaction. Earthquake science isn’t an exact science with predictions, so take this data with some caution.
One massive earthquake can be devastating. Earthquake prep usually brings to mind preparing for physical safety, but not as many people remember the financial recovery. Small earthquakes may not be much to worry about, but one moderate-to-large sized earthquake can be devastating enough to do some costly damage to your home. That’s where insurance makes a difference.
Do I need earthquake insurance?
Earthquake insurance, just like any insurance policy, functions as a way to cover the cost of something you wouldn’t usually pay for out of pocket. Generally speaking, if you own more of your house than you owe on it, or you’re counting on your equity to be a significant investment for your finances, you should give earthquake insurance a serious thought. Like a horrible episode of a home renovation television show, you’ll be possibly living in renovation and repair purgatory indefinitely without a safety net and with neighborhood comps that are also damaged or destroyed.
The tradeoff is a monthly premium in favor of saving hundreds of thousands of dollars after a giant quake strikes your area. Stay tuned–we’ll cover more on how earthquake insurance works next week!
Where can I get earthquake insurance?
Your Homeowners Insurance Carrier
Let’s be clear: your homeowners insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage. If you’re tired of hearing it, many people still are in the dark on this one. However, there are plenty of providers that can help you meet your financial goals with an earthquake insurance policy.
A great first place to search may be your current homeowners insurance provider. Ask your carrier or your insurance agent if an earthquake insurance policy can be added or if you are a good fit for a stand-alone earthquake insurance policy. If you live in California, the law requires that home insurance carriers also offer earthquake coverage. While you may feel more comfortable going with a carrier you already know, don’t stop your search here.
Does my homeowners insurance carrier offer earthquake insurance?
Some homeowners insurance carriers either don’t like to write earthquake insurance business or aren’t well-designed to handle the risk. Those carriers will price their earthquake insurance policies accordingly, and you’ll pay more to cater to their level of expertise, risk, and overall pool of other policyholders.
Likewise, their experience with catastrophic-risk claims is limited. Not only do some homeowners insurance carriers design and rate their earthquake policies to reflect their reluctance, but they may also structure their claims process like their homeowners claims process. Natural disasters like earthquakes can impact large areas all at once, so this means potentially a huge influx of claims of various amounts will hit the homeowners insurance carrier at the same time. In some cases, this can overwhelm an insurance carrier that doesn’t specialize in this type of insurance.
For these reasons, your homeowners insurance carrier may not offer the best deal for you, so be sure to look around and carefully consider all of your options before settling on this one. Choosing an earthquake insurance carrier requires a bit of research, but the benefits are considerable when you secure something that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
State Earthquake Insurance Providers
A second place to check for earthquake insurance is state-managed groups. There are states, such as California, where residents can purchase coverage through a privately funded but publicly managed provider. In California, in order to be eligible, one must be a policyholder of a participating insurer.
Private Earthquake Insurance Carriers
A third place to check for earthquake insurance is a private earthquake insurance provider. In California, Oregon, and Washington, residents can secure earthquake insurance coverage through GeoVera Insurance Company, Coastal Select Insurance Company, and several other carriers. These carriers specialize in earthquake risk and are subject to the same guidelines, financial reviews, and operational standards of homeowner insurance carriers.
How Do I Pick an Earthquake Insurance Policy?
It is essential to shop around, get quotes from various carriers, and weigh your options carefully. Not only should you look at the premium, but read to see what you’re getting with your coverage and if it will work for you in the event of an earthquake. If you’re not sure what you need or you want a second opinion, try talking to your insurance agent (or find an earthquake insurance agent here) to get expert advice.
Now that we have covered who needs earthquake insurance and where to find it, we will take you through the anatomy of an earthquake policy. What does a policy cover? How does a deductible work and how is my premium calculated? What are the pros and cons of a private insurance carrier compared to a state-managed carrier? These questions and more are answered in our next update. Stay tuned!
