Despite living on the most seismically active region in the continental US, only 13% of California homeowners carry earthquake insurance — leaving millions financially exposed to catastrophic loss.
Why So Few Are Covered
- Average annual premium: $2,400 in high-risk zones
- High deductibles: typically 15% of home value
- Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage
- Many assume FEMA will cover losses (it won't fully)
The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers policies starting at $800/year for lower-risk areas. After a major quake, uninsured homeowners face average losses of $200,000+ with only SBA loans as federal assistance.
