Los Angeles Earthquake Damage Insurance Claim

Does a homeowners insurance policy cover earthquake damage?

No. Any standard homeowners insurance coverage or policy here in the US, does NOT cover damages sustained as a result of earthquake damage.

How soon to file an insurance claim after an earthquake damage?

Almost all insurance companies and service providers state that you need to inform them immediately after the occurrence of damage. In the case of an earthquake damage insurance claim in Los Angeles, it is no different. If you fail to notify your insurance company about the damage promptly, it might result in your claim being declared null & void. Therefore it is advised to file your claim as quickly as possible to get duly compensated by your insurance service provider.

The Timeline of Earthquake Insurance Claim

The timeline may vary depending on the specific insurance policy and the insurance company’s policies and procedures. Here is an overview:

It’s important to review your policy and contact your insurance company for specific instructions on filing an earthquake insurance claim.

What to do in case of an earthquake?

Learn what to do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during an earthquake. In most situations, you can protect yourself if you immediately DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON.

In most situations you can shield yourself If you immediately:

• DROP to your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down. Then you can usually protect yourself. While preventing falls, this stance nevertheless permits movement if necessary.
• COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under a sturdy desk or table. If there is no nearby shelter, crouch down next to a low piece of furniture that won’t fall on you or against an interior wall, covering your head and neck with your arms and hands.
• HOLD ON to your shelter (or your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking moves it out of place.

If you’re inside, stay inside

DO NOT run outside or into other rooms during an earthquake. If you remain where you are, your chances of getting hurt are lower.

To reduce your chances of getting hurt, take the following steps:

• If possible, a few seconds before the shaking intensifies, quickly move away from glass, hanging objects, bookcases, china cabinets, or other large furniture that could fall.
• If available nearby, take something to protect your head and face from falling debris and broken glass.
• If you’re in the kitchen, quickly turn off the stove and take cover at the first sign of shaking.
• Hold on and remain in bed while covering your head with a pillow, if that’s where you are. If you remain where you are, your chances of getting hurt are lower. Broken glass on the floor can cause injury if you walk or roll on the floor.

Try sitting or staying seated

• Block the wheels if you are in a wheelchair. Anything not firmly fastened to the wheelchair should be taken off.
• Use a thick book, a cushion, or your arms to provide protection for your head and neck. The goal is to prevent injuries from falls or from objects that may fall or be thrown at you.
• If you can, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk.
• If you can’t get out of a bed or chair, cover yourself with blankets and pillows to protect yourself from falling objects and stay away from external walls, windows, fireplaces, and hanging things.
• If you are trapped, remain calm. Try to get someone’s attention by hitting hard on metal parts of the structure. Doing so can increase your chances of being rescued.