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No. Earthquake damage is excluded from standard California homeowners policies and must be bought as a separate policy or endorsement, typically through the California Earthquake Authority or a private carrier. Deductibles are percentage-based and usually run from 5% to 25% of the coverage limit.
What you need to know
How earthquake deductibles work
A 15% deductible on a $700,000 dwelling limit is $105,000 before anything pays. Lower deductible options cost more premium.
What it does and does not include
Policies typically cover the dwelling, some contents, and loss of use. Landscaping, pools, and detached structures are often limited or excluded.
Who should think hardest about it
Homes without a bolted foundation, soft-story construction, and owners with little liquid savings for a large deductible.
Common mistakes
- Insuring the home to market value or loan balance instead of today's rebuild cost.
- Leaving liability at the lowest available limit with no umbrella above it.
- Assuming flood and earthquake are included — both are separate in California.
- Never scheduling jewelry, art or other items that carry low special limits.
- Filing small claims that cost more in renewal pricing than they paid out.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent when your premium jumps, when you renovate or rent out the home, when you are told you are being non-renewed, or any time you cannot tell from the declarations page what your policy would actually pay.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.