MAIN Your Money Insurance Earthquake Insurance

Don't count yourself among the thousand of homeowners each year who discover - sadly, too late - that their personal home insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.

With the 100th anniversary of the San Francisco earthquake observed in 2006, more and more homeowners are thinking about insuring against a similar disaster this century.

In the U.S., government aid is available for earthquake victims through FEMA, but only in the form of low-interest loans that must be paid back. As recently evidenced with Hurricane Katrina, government agencies on every level may also be notoriously slow in their response time.

As with all insurance policies, it pays to shop around for earthquake insurance as costs vary greatly depending both on your location and the insurance carrier.In California, for example, rates may range from $200 and $2,000 a year depending on location & type of home.

Retrofitting your home to guard against earthquakes will also undoubtedly reduce the chance of damage and therefore lower your insurance premiums.

Every offer of earthquake insurance should include coverage for your home, personal property, and for any additional living expenses you may incur, such as hotel bills if you and your family need to relocate for any length of time.

Since policies only cover damage directly related to the earthquake, (including damage caused by aftershocks, landslide, settlement, or mudflow) be sure your homeowners policy protects against fires that invariably break out as a result of earthquake damage.

On the Web, find out more about your chances of becoming an earthquake victim, and how to protect yourself against loss with expert tips and advice, news and information, fact sheets and consumer guides on buying insurance against earthquakes before they happen...

Earthquakes: Risk and Insurance Issues - Comprehensive overview with facts and information on earthquake probability by U.S. region, related news and legislation, typical insurance costs and deductibles.

Earthquake Insurance - Fact sheets from the California Department of Insurance on purchasing earthquake coverage, retrofitting against damage, how to file a claim, related links.

Should I Buy Earthquake Insurance? - Specific information for Western Nevada residents with reports on probability, facts to keep in mind when purchasing earthquake insurance, an earthquake preparedness guide, related links and resources from the Nevada Seismological Laboratory.

Facts About Earthquake Insurance - Specific information for Washington state residents featuring tips, advice and information on insurance coverage, retrofitting, what to do when an earthquake hits, related links. Adobe Reader required.

Get the facts on earthquake insurance - Feature report from MSN Money on assessing risk, costs and deductibles, and questions to ask before purchasing an earthquake insurance policy.

also see related feature -> U.S Earthquakes - Not Just in California

Also see -> Disaster Insurance

Flood Insurance | Hurricane Insurance