Are Personal Possessions Covered by Earthquake Insurance?

Living in California means getting used to a few things: sunshine, traffic, and the occasional rumble underfoot. Earthquakes are part of life here, and while most are minor, even a small one can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. That’s where earthquake insurance through Miao Insurance Services, serving Pleasanton, CA, comes in. But many homeowners are surprised to learn that coverage for personal possessions isn’t always as straightforward as they think.

What Earthquake Insurance Covers

Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover earthquake damage. You need a separate policy or endorsement for that. Earthquake insurance typically protects three main areas: the structure of your home, personal belongings, and additional living expenses if your home becomes unlivable. However, the personal property portion can vary widely depending on your policy limits and deductibles. Furniture, electronics, clothing, and other household items are usually included, but only up to the amount you select when you buy the coverage.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Limits

Many Californians underestimate the value of their belongings. Imagine replacing every piece of furniture, appliance, and décor in your home all at once. It adds up fast. Earthquake insurance can help, but policies often have high deductibles. And not everything may be covered in full. Fragile items like fine china or collectibles may require separate endorsements for full protection.

How To Make Sure You’re Covered

Take an inventory of your home and estimate the total value of your possessions. Update your policy if needed, and keep photos or videos of your belongings somewhere safe. It’s also smart to ask your insurance agent to walk you through how claims for personal items work under your specific plan.

Earthquake insurance through Miao Insurance Services, serving Pleasanton, CA, can’t stop the shaking, but it can soften the financial aftershocks. Understanding your coverage now ensures you’ll have the support you need when the ground starts to move.

I’m a Renter. Can I Benefit From Earthquake Insurance?

If you reside in an area where earthquakes are common, you’re familiar with the distress caused when an earthquake damages your personal items. Earthquakes can topple bookcases, shatter glassware, and create chaos in your closet. Sometimes, the damage is devastating.

Every major earthquake requires people to replace broken or destroyed items. This is why many people have earthquake insurance. At Miao Insurance Services, serving Pleasanton, CA, we assist renters and homeowners in finding the best earthquake insurance.

What is Earthquake Insurance?

Earthquake insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage to repair or replace items damaged after an earthquake. Earthquake insurance can cover only your belongings (if you’re a renter) or both your belongings and home (if you’re a homeowner).

Who Needs Earthquake Insurance?

Earthquake insurance can benefit anyone living in an earthquake-prone area. Most renters insurance policies don’t automatically cover earthquake insurance, so if you live in a location where earthquakes occur, consider getting earthquake insurance.

How Can I Get Earthquake Insurance?

Most private insurance companies do not offer earthquake or homeowners insurance policies to renters. Earthquake insurance is sold separately and can be purchased in addition to renter’s insurance.

If you’re a renter interested in getting earthquake insurance, you can obtain this type of insurance from your regular insurance provider. Your regular insurance provider can shop around for the right earthquake insurance policy for you. The professionals at Miao Insurance Services, servicing Pleasanton, CA, can help you find an earthquake insurance policy to meet your needs.