Q: How does a Condo policy pay out for building damage and loss of use? (FAQ)
A. Building Property, an optional coverage, covers earthquake damage to built-in features of the dwelling such as appliances, fixtures, and wall-to-wall carpeting, and the policyholder can select a limit of up to $100,000 for that coverage. Optional Loss Assessment coverage, on the other hand, helps pay your share of certain assessments levied by your HOA on its members for earthquake-damage repairs or to pay a master-policy deductible, and you…
Foundational Elements of CEA’s Earthquake Insurance Operations - July 2024 (PDF)
Foundational Elements of Cea’s Earthquake Insurance Operations (July 2024)
Q: What is the biggest difference between other insurers who write earthquake insurance in California and CEA? (FAQ)
A. CEA is unique because we are a not-for-profit residential insurer and are required to have actuarially sound rates. Our public mission is to help Californians prepare for and recover from damaging earthquakes through education, mitigation and insurance. CEA insures over one million households and writes two-thirds of all residential earthquake policies sold in California.
Q: When should I buy Earthquake Insurance? (FAQ)
A. Earthquakes are unlike any other natural disaster. There aren’t any warning signs or advanced notice. One thing is certain: California, with nearly 16,000 known faults, is due for a devastating earthquake in the near future. Earthquake insurance is not required in California, unlike automobile liability insurance. If you choose not to protect yourself with earthquake residential insurance,…
Q: Where can I buy Earthquake Insurance (FAQ)
A. CEA residential earthquake insurance is easy to buy. Contact your home insurance agent to discuss purchasing separate earthquake insurance added to your current home policy. We work with residential insurance companies. You can include the coverage today, no need to wait until your home policy comes up for renewal. Contact your residential insurer now!
Q: What does it mean to be a participating insurer? (FAQ)
A. CEA’s participating insurers are insurance companies that issue CEA policies, and then process all policy applications, renewals, payments, and claims. In order to be issued a CEA earthquake policy, the insured must already have a residential (fire) policy in place with the issuing participating insurance company.
Q: Where can I log in to see my policy details or pay my bill? (FAQ)
A. Because CEA policies are serviced by our participating insurance companies, they are responsible for online access to your policy information and bill. Contact your participating residential insurance company or agent (the company or agent you use for your homeowners, renters, or condo owners insurance), and ask them how to access your CEA policy and bill online.
Q: Why do I need earthquake insurance? (FAQ)
A. In California, your residential insurance policy doesn’t cover your home or your belongings against earthquakes. If you don’t have an earthquake insurance policy, you’re not covered for earthquake damage or any additional costs needed to live elsewhere while your home is being repaired or rebuilt after a quake. Contact your CEA Participating Residential Insurers residential insurer…
Q: How do I renew my CEA policy? (FAQ)
A. Contact your residential insurance company or agent to renew your CEA earthquake insurance policy or get a copy of your renewal (also known as a declarations page). CEA's policies are sold and serviced through participating residential insurance providers . CEA policy payments, changes, renewals and cancellations are managed by the company or agent you use for your homeowners, renters, or…
Q: How can I make changes to my policy? (FAQ)
A. CEA participating insurance companies handle policy applications, renewals, changes to your policy, bill payments and claims. If you wish to change your policy coverages or deductibles, our premium calculator can help you determine the cost before you contact the participating insurance company or agent that you use for your homeowners, mobilehome, condo or renters insurance…