How to Get Renters Earthquake Insurance

Tuesday, September 04, 2007
 

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

  • Itemized list of your belongings

Make an Earthquake-Safe File

  • Step 1:
    Document the major items that you have on your itemized list of belongings. Photograph or videotape each item, and make a copy of any sales receipts that you have. Photographs or electronic scans of sales receipts are also acceptable.
  • Step 2:
    Store your itemized list in an earthquake-safe file or electronic document, away from the risk of earthquakes. This may mean that you send your list to a friend or store it on a website.
  • Step 3:
    Update your list of items at least once a year to ensure that you have a list of most of the items that you own.

Evaluate Your Earthquake Risk

  • Step 1:
    Discover your region's likelihood to have an earthquake. Contact your state or local government agencies to obtain their assessments of the level of earthquake risk.
  • Step 2:
    Visit FEMA.gov to confirm your state's earthquake risk level with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (see Resources below).
  • Step 3:
    Assess the likelihood of damage that could come from earthquakes. Mudslides and landslides are generally covered by earthquake insurance. The cracking, shrinking or buckling of terrain may be covered as well.

Get Renters Earthquake Insurance

  • Step 1:
    Contact a reputable insurance company with whom you have an insurance policy, and ask for an earthquake insurance quote. This will have be an additional rider or floater policy to your regular insurance.
  • Step 2:
    Get and compare earthquake insurance quotes from three other companies at NetQuote.com (see Resources below).
  • Step 3:
    Determine which company offers the best deal, contact a representative and purchase insurance.

Tips & Warnings

  • Renters earthquake insurance is typically provided based on a mandatory 5 percent deductible off the total value of your belongings. This is the minimum deductible allowed.
  • Don't try to get insurance from the wrong company. California earthquake insurance is only allowed through companies that participate in the California Earthquake Authority (CEA).
  • Don't expect insurance to cover all types of damage. Damage that comes from explosions, fires, or floods is not covered by earthquake insurance.

Resources


Related Content
How to Get Apartment Renters Insurance
Apartment renters insurance is coverage for your belongings. This insurance is needed not only for acts that happen in your apartment, but also for the damage to your property that may come from...
How to Get Renters Insurance
You don't expect catastrophes in your life, but you never know when someone may choose to steal your belongings. Likewise, you may suffer loss when a cooking experiment goes horribly awry and sets...
How to Get Renters Fire Insurance
Fire insurance is a standard part of your renters insurance policy. It covers loss or damage to your belongings from fire or smoke damage. For the most part, insurance companies do not just write...
How to Get Renters Insurance Online
It is relatively easy to get renters insurance online because most companies have a web presence and are wired for business. Shop around for the best deal.
How to Get Home Renters Insurance
Home renters insurance is easy to obtain. Although you will not purchase insurance for the structure of the building, you need to cover the loss of damage to your belongings as well as accidents...