How to Get Earthquake Insurance in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, sits on one of the most seismically active regions in the United States. Located near the Newport-Inglewood Fault and within proximity to the San Andreas Fault system, the city faces a significantly elevated risk of damaging earthquakes. Historic events like the 1933 Long Beach earthquake — which claimed over 120 lives and destroyed hundreds of buildings — underscore the urgency of preparing for future seismic events. While standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage, specialized earthquake insurance provides critical financial protection for property owners. Understanding how to get earthquake insurance in Long Beach is not just a prudent financial decision — it’s a necessity for safeguarding your home, belongings, and peace of mind.

Despite the high risk, many residents remain uninsured, often due to misconceptions about cost, coverage, or complexity. This guide demystifies the process, offering a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to securing reliable earthquake insurance tailored to Long Beach’s unique geological and regulatory landscape. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a long-term resident, or a property investor, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to make informed, confident decisions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assess Your Risk and Property Vulnerability

Before purchasing any insurance, begin with a thorough assessment of your property’s seismic vulnerability. Long Beach’s geology varies across neighborhoods — areas near the coastline and filled land (such as parts of the Los Alamitos area) are more prone to liquefaction, where soil behaves like a liquid during shaking. Older homes, especially those built before 1980, often lack modern seismic reinforcements like foundation bolting or cripple wall bracing, making them more susceptible to collapse.

Use the California Geological Survey’s Earthquake Hazards Program maps to determine your neighborhood’s liquefaction and fault proximity risk. These interactive tools allow you to enter your address and receive a detailed hazard profile. Additionally, consider hiring a licensed structural engineer for a seismic evaluation. Many insurance providers offer premium discounts for homes that undergo retrofitting, so this step can pay for itself.

Step 2: Understand What Earthquake Insurance Covers

Earthquake insurance in California is typically sold as an add-on endorsement to a standard homeowners policy or as a standalone policy through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) or private insurers. It generally covers:

• Damage to your home’s structure (including attached garages)
• Detached structures like sheds or fences (if specified)
• Personal property inside the home
• Additional living expenses (ALE) if your home becomes uninhabitable

Importantly, it does not cover:

• Flood damage from ruptured pipes or broken water mains — this requires separate flood insurance
• Land damage, such as sinkholes or cracked driveways unrelated to structural failure
• Valuables like jewelry or art unless specifically scheduled

Review your policy’s coverage limits carefully. For example, CEA policies offer up to $100,000 in personal property coverage by default, but you can increase this. If you own high-value electronics, artwork, or collectibles, consider scheduling them separately.

Step 3: Compare Coverage Options — CEA vs. Private Insurers

In California, the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is the largest provider, offering standardized policies to over 90% of policyholders. However, private insurers like Lemonade, Allstate, State Farm, and Chubb also offer earthquake endorsements — often with more flexible terms.

CEA Policies: Pros include consistent statewide pricing, government-backed stability, and mandatory coverage for all policyholders in participating insurers’ portfolios. Cons include higher deductibles (typically 10%–15% of your home’s insured value) and limited customization.

Private Insurers: May offer lower deductibles (as low as 5%), higher coverage limits, and broader protection for items like swimming pools or landscaping. Some allow you to bundle earthquake coverage with your existing policy for a discount. However, private insurers may not be available in all ZIP codes, and their financial stability varies.

Use the CEA’s online policy comparison tool to generate side-by-side quotes. Then, contact private insurers directly to request quotes for the same home value, coverage limits, and deductible levels. Don’t assume CEA is the only option — shopping around can save you hundreds annually.

Step 4: Choose Your Deductible Wisely

The deductible is the percentage of your home’s insured value you must pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. CEA’s standard deductibles are 10%–15%. For a home insured at $500,000, a 15% deductible means you’d pay $75,000 before coverage begins.

While a lower deductible increases your premium, it may be worth it if you have limited emergency savings. Conversely, if you have substantial cash reserves, a higher deductible can reduce your annual cost significantly. Consider your financial resilience: Could you afford $50,000–$100,000 in repairs without insurance? If not, opt for a lower deductible.

Some private insurers offer “flat deductible” options (e.g., $2,500) instead of percentages. These can be more predictable and affordable for moderately valued homes. Always compare the total annual cost — premium + potential out-of-pocket — not just the premium alone.

Step 5: Request Quotes and Review Policy Documents

Once you’ve narrowed your options, request formal quotes from at least three providers. Ensure each quote includes:

• Insured value of your dwelling
• Personal property coverage amount
• Additional living expenses limit
• Deductible percentage or flat amount
• Exclusions and limitations
• Discounts applied (e.g., for retrofits)

Never rely on verbal estimates. Always review the full policy document, including the “Exclusions” and “Conditions” sections. Look for clauses like “earth movement” exclusions that may void coverage if damage stems from landslides triggered by the quake. Ask your agent to highlight any ambiguous language.

Step 6: Complete Required Retrofits (If Applicable)

Many insurers offer discounts of up to 20% for homes with seismic retrofits. In Long Beach, common retrofits include:

• Foundation bolting to anchor the house to its slab
• Cripple wall bracing to prevent collapse of short wooden walls under the first floor
• Water heater strapping to prevent gas leaks and fires
• Reinforced masonry or steel framing in older homes

Obtain permits and documentation from licensed contractors. Retain receipts and inspection reports — you’ll need them to qualify for discounts. Some cities, including Long Beach, offer grant programs to help offset retrofit costs. Check the City of Long Beach Building and Safety Division website for available incentives.

Step 7: Purchase and Document Your Policy

Once you’ve selected a policy, complete the application. You’ll need:

• Proof of homeowners insurance
• Home appraisal or recent tax assessment
• Proof of retrofitting (if applicable)
• Photo ID and contact information

After purchase, store your policy documents digitally and in hard copy. Take photos of your home’s interior and exterior, including high-value items, and store them in a secure cloud service. This documentation will expedite claims if disaster strikes. Set calendar reminders to review your policy annually — especially after home renovations or market value increases.

Step 8: Maintain and Renew Your Coverage

Earthquake insurance must be renewed annually. Failure to pay premiums can result in immediate cancellation — with no grace period in many cases. Set up automatic payments to avoid lapses. If you make structural changes to your home (e.g., adding a room or installing a new roof), notify your insurer. Underinsuring your property can lead to partial payouts during claims.

Also, stay informed about changes in local building codes or seismic risk assessments. The CEA updates its rate structures periodically. If your premiums increase significantly, revisit your options — you may find a better deal with a different provider.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Earthquake insurance policies typically have a 15- to 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. If you wait until seismic activity increases or a major quake occurs in Southern California, you may be locked out of coverage entirely. Purchase your policy proactively — ideally when you buy your home or during the spring, when insurers are less overwhelmed.

Practice 2: Bundle With Other Coverage

Many insurers offer discounts for bundling earthquake insurance with your homeowners, auto, or umbrella policies. Ask your agent if bundling is available. Even a 5%–10% discount can save you hundreds per year. However, ensure the bundled policy still offers adequate earthquake-specific coverage — don’t sacrifice quality for convenience.

Practice 3: Know Your Claim Process

After an earthquake, your first priority is safety. Once you’re secure, document damage immediately with photos and videos. Do not make permanent repairs until an adjuster inspects the property. Contact your insurer within 72 hours to initiate a claim. Keep receipts for temporary repairs, hotel stays, and meals — these may be reimbursable under Additional Living Expenses (ALE).

Be prepared for delays. Claims processing can take weeks or months due to high volumes after major events. Maintain detailed logs of all communications, including dates, names, and summaries of conversations.

Practice 4: Avoid Underinsurance

Many homeowners insure their homes based on purchase price, not replacement cost. In Long Beach, where construction costs have surged due to labor shortages and material inflation, replacement cost can be 30%–50% higher than market value. Use the CEA’s replacement cost estimator or consult a local contractor to determine your home’s true rebuild value. Insuring for less than this amount may result in a coinsurance penalty — meaning you’ll pay a portion of the repair costs even if you have coverage.

Practice 5: Educate Household Members

Ensure everyone in your household knows where your policy documents are stored, how to contact your insurer, and what to do after an earthquake. Create a simple checklist: “1. Evacuate safely. 2. Take photos. 3. Call insurer. 4. Save receipts.” Post it near your emergency kit.

Practice 6: Stay Informed About Local Regulations

Long Beach has adopted the 2022 California Building Code, which includes updated seismic standards. If you’re renting, ask your landlord for proof of earthquake insurance and retrofitting. As a tenant, consider purchasing renters’ earthquake insurance — it’s affordable and protects your belongings and living expenses. The CEA offers renters’ policies starting at under $100 annually.

Tools and Resources

California Earthquake Authority (CEA) Website

The official CEA website (www.earthquakeauthority.com) is the most comprehensive resource for policy comparisons, deductible calculators, retrofit guidelines, and downloadable policy forms. Use their “Policy Quote Tool” to generate instant quotes based on your home’s ZIP code, construction type, and square footage.

USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

The U.S. Geological Survey provides real-time seismic data, fault maps, and historical earthquake statistics. Visit earthquake.usgs.gov and use the “Earthquake Hazards Program” map to assess your neighborhood’s risk level. The “ShakeMap” tool shows predicted ground shaking intensity after recent events.

Long Beach Building and Safety Division

The city’s official website offers free seismic retrofit checklists, permit applications, and information on local grant programs like the “Residential Earthquake Safety Program.” Visit longbeach.gov/building to access resources for homeowners and contractors.

HomeSeismic.org

A nonprofit initiative by the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, HomeSeismic.org offers free, easy-to-follow guides on retrofitting your home. Their “Do-It-Yourself Retrofit Guide” includes diagrams and step-by-step instructions for basic improvements like water heater strapping and foundation bolting.

Home Value Estimators

Use Zillow’s “Home Value Estimate” or Redfin’s “Home Estimate” tool to gauge your home’s market value. Then, cross-reference with a local contractor’s estimate for replacement cost. The CEA recommends using the “Replacement Cost Estimator” on their site for insurance purposes — it accounts for labor and material costs specific to Southern California.

Insurance Comparison Platforms

Tools like Policygenius, NerdWallet, and Insurify allow you to compare earthquake insurance quotes from multiple providers in one place. While they may not list every private insurer, they provide a solid starting point for benchmarking prices.

Emergency Preparedness Apps

Download the American Red Cross Emergency App or the MyShake App (developed by UC Berkeley). Both offer real-time earthquake alerts, safety checklists, and location-based guidance. MyShake can give you up to 10 seconds of warning before shaking begins — enough time to drop, cover, and hold on.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Martinez Family — Long Beach, ZIP 90805

The Martinez family purchased their 1950s ranch-style home in 2020 for $480,000. They initially skipped earthquake insurance, assuming their homeowners policy covered it. After a 4.8-magnitude tremor in 2022 caused cracked foundations and a collapsed chimney, they faced $82,000 in repair costs — all out of pocket.

In 2023, they researched options and chose a CEA policy with a 10% deductible ($48,000) and $250,000 in dwelling coverage. They spent $6,000 on a professional retrofit — bolting the foundation and bracing cripple walls — and received a 15% discount on their premium. Their annual cost dropped from $1,200 to $1,020. When a 5.1 quake hit in 2024, they filed a claim for $32,000 in structural damage. After paying their $48,000 deductible, they received $32,000 — covering the entire repair cost because their retrofit reduced the damage severity.

Example 2: The Chen Investment Property — Long Beach, ZIP 90802

Chen owns a three-unit apartment building built in 1965. He initially declined earthquake insurance, citing high premiums. After a 2023 earthquake caused partial wall collapse in one unit, he faced lawsuits from tenants and $140,000 in repairs. His landlord insurance didn’t cover seismic damage.

He switched to a private insurer offering a 5% deductible ($75,000 on a $1.5M replacement value) and $1.2M in coverage. He also installed seismic base isolators — a more expensive retrofit — and received a 20% discount. His annual premium is $4,800, but his risk exposure dropped from $140,000 in potential loss to $75,000. He now recommends earthquake insurance to all his landlord peers.

Example 3: The Rivera Renter — Long Beach, ZIP 90810

Rivera rents a studio apartment and assumed renters’ insurance covered earthquake damage. It didn’t. When a quake shattered her windows and damaged her laptop and wardrobe, she lost over $5,000 in belongings. She later purchased a CEA renters’ policy for $95/year with $15,000 in personal property coverage and $5,000 in ALE. When a minor tremor damaged her apartment’s drywall a year later, she received $4,200 in claims — enough to replace her furniture and cover a month of hotel stays.

FAQs

Is earthquake insurance mandatory in Long Beach?

No, earthquake insurance is not legally required in California or Long Beach. However, mortgage lenders may require it if your property is in a high-risk zone. Even without a mandate, it’s strongly recommended due to the region’s seismic activity.

How much does earthquake insurance cost in Long Beach?

Costs vary based on home value, construction type, deductible, and retrofitting. On average, CEA policies range from $800 to $2,500 per year. Private insurers may offer lower rates for homes with retrofits. Renters’ policies start at under $100 annually.

Does my homeowners insurance cover earthquake damage?

No. Standard homeowners policies explicitly exclude earthquake damage. You must purchase a separate earthquake endorsement or standalone policy.

Can I get earthquake insurance after an earthquake occurs?

Most insurers impose a 15- to 30-day waiting period after a major seismic event before issuing new policies. If an earthquake has recently occurred, you may be unable to purchase coverage until the waiting period expires.

What if I can’t afford the deductible?

If you can’t afford a 10%–15% deductible, consider a private insurer with a flat deductible option or a lower coverage limit. You can also combine earthquake insurance with a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or emergency savings plan to cover the out-of-pocket portion.

Do I need earthquake insurance if I live in an apartment?

Yes — if you own valuable belongings or need temporary housing after a quake. Landlords typically insure the building, not your personal items. Renters’ earthquake insurance is affordable and highly recommended.

How long does a claim take to process?

After an earthquake, claims processing can take 30–90 days due to high volume. Keep detailed records and follow up weekly. If delays persist, contact your state’s Department of Insurance for assistance.

Can I cancel my earthquake insurance anytime?

Yes, but you may forfeit a portion of your premium. Most policies are annual, and refunds are prorated. Cancel only if you’re moving, selling your home, or switching to a better policy.

Does earthquake insurance cover tree damage?

Generally, no. Damage from falling trees is covered under standard homeowners insurance only if the tree hits your home. If the tree falls on your driveway or yard, it’s typically excluded. Some private policies offer limited landscaping coverage — ask your agent.

What happens if my home is destroyed?

If your home is a total loss, earthquake insurance pays up to your dwelling coverage limit, minus your deductible. You’ll receive funds to rebuild or replace your home. If your coverage was insufficient, you’ll need to cover the gap out of pocket.

Conclusion

Getting earthquake insurance in Long Beach is not a luxury — it’s a foundational component of responsible homeownership in one of America’s most vulnerable seismic zones. The risk is real, the consequences of being uninsured are severe, and the tools to protect yourself are accessible. By following the steps outlined in this guide — assessing your risk, comparing policies, investing in retrofits, and maintaining your coverage — you transform fear into preparedness.

The cost of insurance may feel significant, but it pales in comparison to the financial devastation of rebuilding without coverage. Real-life examples from Long Beach residents prove that proactive planning pays off — not just in dollars, but in safety, stability, and peace of mind.

Don’t wait for the next tremor to make your decision. Take action today. Review your current coverage, request quotes from multiple providers, and schedule a structural evaluation. Your home, your belongings, and your future self will thank you.