• Where can you obtain earthquake insurance?

Earthquake insurance is obviously a risky business for insurance companies, a business they are not particularly willing to undertake. However, California law mandates that every residential property insurer offer earthquake insurance to its policyholders. So you may contact your own homeowner's insurance broker for policy information.

Once you receive an offer from your insurer, you have only 30 days to accept it. If the company does not hear back from you within that time, they may legally consider the offer forfeited, and they are not required to make you another offer for two years. On the othe hand, if you do accept the offer it is illegal for your insurer to cancel or deny renewal of your regular policy because of this acceptance.

The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is a state agency that provides residential property owners with earthquake insurance. The CEA does not offer policies directly, but works through residential property insurance companies who participate in the CEA's plan. Participating companies can only offer CEA policies. Therefore, since a majority of residential property insurers are CEA members, you are likely to be offered a CEA policy by your own insurer. Visit the CEA's Web site for more information about their members and policy guidelines.