SACRAMENTO, Calif. Oct. 20, 2016 – More than 10 million Californians will drop, cover and hold on today in the nation’s largest disaster drill, the Great California ShakeOut. Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones urges residents to practice precautionary measures, before, during, and after an earthquake and to take this opportunity to make sure they have the coverage they need in order to financially recover from damage done by the next big quake.
Earthquake experts recently reminded Californians of the seriousness of earthquake safety when they issued an alert earlier this month after the shakeup of the Salton Sea. According to the California Earthquake Authority, most Californians live within 30 miles of an active fault and are not covered by any type of earthquake insurance.
“Let today be a reminder for all Californians to prepare before disaster strikes, it can save a life and make recovering easier,” said Commissioner Jones. “Before the next earthquake strikes, make sure you take a few simply steps to mitigate your risk of injury and loss and consider earthquake insurance.”
It is crucial for residents to understand that standard homeowners or renters insurance does not cover losses or damages caused by earthquakes. However, most insurance companies that sell homeowners or renters insurance in California also offer basic earthquake coverage consisting of dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and additional living expenses.

For those shopping for earthquake or other coverage, the department has a homeowner’s insurance comparison tool where homeowners and renters can compare insurance premiums homeowners, condominium, renters and earthquake insurance premiums quoted today.