Additional Living Expense Coverage

In addition to covering a personal property, as well as coverage for your actual residence, most earthquake coverage also provides for what is known as additional living expense (ALE). This can be a very crucial part of earthquake coverage, since in the event that an earthquake renders your home completely destroyed or uninhabitable, the ALE will pay for temporary lodging until your home can be repaired or replaced. In general, this type of coverage covers the normal cost of living. For example, this type of coverage will pay for laundry, relocation, storage, furniture rental, utilities and other temporary needs, restaurant meals, hotel rooms, temporary apartments, and so forth. Since moving and living in a new place can add up quickly, it is important to get the best type of ALE coverage you can afford on your earthquake policy.

Where Can I Get Earthquake Coverage?

The California Earthquake Authority offers homeowners comprehensive information about earthquakes and coverage that is available. Insurance brokers and agents also offer stand-alone earthquake policies. This means that you do not have to purchase your earthquake coverage and homeowners insurance from the same company.

Who Needs Earthquake Insurance?

If you live anywhere along the western coast of North America, you need earthquake insurance. You can also contact a local weather center, or environmental department or government agency to find out the frequency and severity of earthquakes in your area. This will give you a good indication of whether your area is prone to earthquakes or not.

If you live in an area where earthquakes can occur, earthquake insurance is a must. You really need to look up earthquake insurance quotes today, since your homeowners insurance will not cover you at all in case of an earthquake. Even if your home is completely destroyed by earthquake, you will be responsible for all the replacement costs yourself - unless you buy additional earthquake coverage right now.