SIgn up below to receive our monthly "Full Covereage" newsletter.
 
EMAIL ADDRESS
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME

 

"I want to thank your agency, and especially you for your professionalism. In the years we have been clients, all of our business has been not only straight forward and expedient, but pleasurable. We get all the information we need in an easy to understand way. Your suggestions are always welcome, and have created better protection for us. My wife and I thank you. "
Ed

 

 

"I just wanted to express, how very pleased I have been with all of you and your company throughout the years. All of your services provided to me were done very timely and professional. If I had any questions at all, one of you got back to me immediately. The customer service has been exquisite and I want to thank, every one of you, for your wonderful care. I realize that you sometimes had to go the extra mile for me and you certainly did it with a smile, courtesy and kindness. Your customer service has been impeccable. Thank you for being such a wonderful Insurance group and a fantastic team. "
Heidi

 

« return to Article Archive

Possibly the most important thing to know about earthquake insurance is this: A basic homeowners policy does not cover earthquake damage. Even if you don’t live in an area where earthquakes are common, you should still consider earthquake insurance. For most of us, our houses are not only our homes, but also the single biggest financial investment of our lives.  Is it worth taking a risk by not having your home covered in the event of an earthquake? 

If you decide that you need earthquake insurance, ideally your earthquake insurance policy should cover the cost to replace or repair your damaged property. There are several options to consider when choosing a plan, including:

  • Does the policy cover only the dwelling? Are accessory structures, such as garages, also included?
  • Will your policy pay for the contents of your home and for additional living expenses if your home is badly damaged or destroyed?
  • Are there any exclusions or limitations to your coverage?
  • What deductible must you pay before the insurance kicks in?

Earthquake insurance rates are determined differently by each insurance company and can vary widely depending on several factors. Generally, older homes cost more to insure. Wood homes get better rates than brick buildings, because wood tends to withstand earthquake stresses better. In addition, areas are graded on a scale for likelihood of earthquakes, and this might be reflected in earthquake insurance rates. Because earthquake insurance is a type of catastrophic coverage, most policies carry a high deductible—usually anywhere from 10 to 25% of your coverage limit.

If you ultimately decide to purchase earthquake insurance, you should buy enough to cover the costs of rebuilding your house and replacing broken possessions, not just their market values.

Shepard Insurance Agency strongly recommends that you carry earthquake insurance.  You never know when the next earthquake will happen and if it will affect you or not.  We believe this is just too big a chance to take.