CEA Ready for Policyholders Shaken by Recent Southern California Earthquake

(SACRAMENTO – March 29, 2014) The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) estimates that approximately 23,000 of its policyholders experienced moderate to strong shaking from the M5.1 earthquake that struck near La Habra, California last night.

“CEA policyholders who believe their homes were damaged by last night’s earthquake should contact their insurance agent as soon as possible,” said CEA CEO Glenn Pomeroy. “The first step to begin the CEA claim-adjusting process is to get in touch with your insurance company.”

A CEA policy provides coverage for damage caused to a home’s structure and its contents. This type of damage is generally excluded in a homeowners insurance policy—a separate earthquake insurance policy is required.

CEA coverage includes $1,500 for emergency repairs. “Whether it’s broken windows or broken glass in your carpet, our emergency repair coverage can help you take steps to quickly repair the damage and make your home safe again. And it also pays to secure the property, to avoid further damage after a quake.” Pomeroy added.

CEA policies also include coverage for additional living expenses when you’re unable to stay in your home due to earthquake damage or because of an earthquake-related evacuation order.

“While it’s still too early to know exactly how much damage has occurred, adjusters are already moving into the affected neighborhoods to assess the situation.” Pomeroy said, “We will have more information available when we receive reports from the field in the coming days.”