Originally Posted by Mike Mills

Earthquake coverage was not included in my homeowner's insurance. I had to purchase a separate policy for that. I think it was the Northridge quake that almost broke the bank for the insurance companies. They basically said, we are not going to offer earthquake coverage any longer.

The State of California stepped in and created the California Earthquake Authority who now issues these policies. I have no idea how solvent this entity is, the whole State is on th everge of bankruptcy. They carry a 10% deductible and a maximum liability limit. Many, many people out here have made a conscious decision to not carry this coverage even though it is offered.

Not carrying the coverage makes you "self insured". It's not their problem. You cannot credibly argue that it is.

The real fear for me is fire. If your house is knocked off its foundation or falls down, the "stuff" is still there and can be retrieved. If the quake breaks a gas pipe (furnace, water heater, main,...) and a fire starts, your "stuff" will be gone, gone, gone. Given this risk of a secondary fire, be sure your earthquake/emergency supplies are stored separately/safely.