CEA policyholders already submitting claims for damage to homes from American Canyon Earthquake

(SACRAMENTO) The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) estimates that about 15,000 of its policyholders may have experienced moderate to strong shaking from the M6 American Canyon earthquake that struck near Napa, Calif. this morning at 3:20 a.m.

"We are sad to learn about the injuries to people, and about the damage to properties caused by this earthquake," said CEA CEO Glenn Pomeroy. "The CEA is ready to pay claims for residential damage from this event. CEA policyholders with damage should contact their home insurance company to file a claim as soon as possible.

"It's still too early to know how much damage has occurred to homes in the affected area," Pomeroy said. "We'll have more information available to us during the next few days."

CEA coverage includes $1,500 for emergency repairs, which can help its policyholders take steps to repair damage and secure their property to avoid further damage.

CEA policies also include coverage for additional living expenses for policyholders who are unable to stay in their homes due to earthquake damage, or because of an earthquake-related evacuation order. Generally, a CEA policy provides coverage for damage to a home's structure and contents. This type of damage is excluded in a homeowners insurance policy – a separate earthquake insurance policy is required.

The percentage of homeowners and renters who have earthquake insurance in the affected area is very low – in Napa less than 6 percent, and in Sonoma less than 10 percent. The statewide average for residents who have an earthquake insurance policy also is low – about 10 percent.