Home Insurance Tips

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In California, earthquake insurance is not a luxury.

The frequency of earthquakes in California and the potential for an intense, damaging earthquake are so high that earthquake insurance in California is a necessity. Minor earthquakes occur almost constantly throughout the state, and many major earthquakes have caused significant damages throughout the history of the region; seismologists predict further seismic action in the coming years. Earthquake coverage, including damage from land movement and other adjuncts to earthquakes, is not part of normal home and business policies, for example.

But California insurance providers are required to offer earthquake insurance. Some companies have their own programs but many offer special insurance through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). Comprehensive auto policies normally include earthquake damage, but make sure that your auto, motorcycle, boat, and other major possessions that could be damaged by an earthquake are protected by insurance.

Consolidate insurance providers when it benefits you.

You can often get discounts on your insurance rates if you insure your house and car, motorcycle, or boat with the same company. If you can get a good deal on the coverages you need, getting multiple insurance plans from the same company can result in big savings for you.

Make sure you are adequately covered for wildfire damages.

Many home insurance plans do cover wildfire damages, but they often have restrictions on how much they will pay out, or under what circumstances damage is or is not covered.

If your home is in an area prone to wildfires, make sure you don't get hung out to dry. Check your provider's plan to make sure your home and possessions are adequately covered from destruction by fire. Rebuilding after a wildfire is difficult enough without having to take money out-of-pocket to replace lost items.

Choose a "green" insurance plan to reap long-term benefits.

Make sure your "green" home is covered with a policy that ensures damaged or stolen items are replaced with items of equivalent "greeness" so that your home doesn't lose its environmental friendliness and associated financial benefits.

And some home insurance policies will allow you to replace items with ones of a greater level of environmental friendliness, or rebuild your home with "green" building materials. Insurance policies that meet "green" standards in processes and materials for repairs/replacement, and encourage energy efficiency may result in lower utility bills for you, insurance discounts, or tax advantages.

Read more about "green" insurance in our News section.