Earthquake Insurance for Owners
Even if an association has earthquake insurance, individual unit owners should carry their own earthquake insurance to cover any losses to personal property, living expenses while the association repairs the building, and special assessments levied by the association to pay for repairs.
The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers basic coverage to owners of condominiums. Coverage can purchased through an independent insurance broker and can be purchased regardless of any insurance carried or not carried by an association. With limitations, it pays for:
- Damage to personal property,
- Emergency living expenses,
- Interior damage,
- Special assessments levied by condominium associations to pay for earthquake repairs.
Owners should also carry an HO-6 insurance policy.
Earthquake Safety Precautions
Following are several suggestions for earthquake safety:
- As soon as you detect an earthquake, take personal possession of your emergency preparedness supply kit and keep it nearby.
- Get under a desk or sturdy table if you are indoors away from any windows. Even safety glass may shatter and cause injuries.
- Never stand under or near anything that can easily fall on you such as a bookcase or large cabinet.
- If you are in bed, cover your head and neck with pillows.
- Stay inside if you are at home. Don't go outside and don't get on the roads.
- If you are outside, stay outside away from buildings that could collapse. Stay in an open area if possible.
- Do not go into elevators. Take the stairs if needed.
- If you are driving, pull over to a large open space that is not beneath power lines or trees. Stay in the vehicle until everything settles down.
Liquefaction
Liquefaction is the process that takes place when severe earthquakes take place, shaking wet and/or sandy soil until it starts to become liquid, allowing sand to "boil up" to the surface, and causing structures to sink, and/or slopes to fail. Liquefaction causes extreme property damage and commonly takes place in areas near the ocean, lakes, rivers, creeks, streams, and large ponds. Even areas adjacent to intermittent creeks, streams, and rivers such the Los Angeles River, the San Gabriel River, and the Santa Clara River are highly vulnerable. The Los Angeles Alliance has an excellent map on its website showing areas at risk for liquefaction.
Earthquake Fault Zones - California
Earthquake Rupture Zones in California
Glossary of Earthquake and Landslide Terms
OTC Insurance Services
a California Corporation
5737 Kanan Road, Suite 630
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Office: 818-658-1500
CAInsuranceAgents.com
License # 6013582
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