How to Strengthen Your Home and Reduce Earthquake Insurance Costs

If you live in an area prone to seismic activity, such as California, you may need to augment your insurance portfolio to address such incidents. Earthquakes are typically explicitly excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies, necessitating additional coverage for those wanting to make sure they have access to financial aid to repair and rebuild their homes. However, these costs can put a strain on your budget. Fortunately, modifying your home can help reduce premiums.

Strategies for Fortifying Your Property

Earthquakes can inflict devastating damage on even the most responsibly maintained properties. Retrofitting your home with additional precautions and safety measures can help limit potential damage and may, therefore, reduce insurance carriers’ perceptions of your risk level. Specifically, you may want to consider the following steps:

• Verify that your home’s foundations are properly secured to its mudsill. Add bolts if necessary.

• Strengthen your house’s cripple walls, such as by attaching plywood panels.

• Have any larger openings on the ground floor of your home, such as its garage door or areas framed by stilts, inspected and reinforced as necessary.

• Reinforce masonry using bracing. This may be particularly critical for chimneys, as such elements of your home can be especially vulnerable to earthquake-related damage.

• Secure personal property, including large appliances and furniture. Tying or bolting these items down and moving them to lower floors may limit potential losses.

We’re Here to Help

At Farrell Insurance Agency in Palm Desert, California, we pride ourselves on helping local homeowners and businesses understand and secure appropriate earthquake coverage. Our knowledgeable and dedicated team is standing by to assist you by analyzing your situation, assessing coverage needs, and discussing ways you can get the best possible rates.

Contact us today to learn more or compare personalized quotes.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.