Earthquakes and California

We all know earthquakes are a daily occurrence in California. In fact, according to the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), 100 earthquakes are registered each day, luckily mostly small ones! But most of us have experienced much bigger quakes over the years.

This week is the 115th anniversary of the San Francisco quake, which with the accompanying fires, leveled most of the City by the Sea. Eighty-three years later the area was rocked by another earthquake during the "Battle of the Bay" World Series between Oakland and San Francisco.

Closer to home many residents remember the Tehachapi quake in January of 1952. Pictures and remnants of the quake are still around. Many of us lived through the Sylmar Quake in January of 1971. I was just discharged from active duty in the Marine Corp and was staying with my parents in Canoga Park, I remember the morning well.

Of course, most of us remember the Northridge Quake in 1994. It was one of those significant events that changed how we do business in the insurance industry. It was because of this quake and the incredible amount of damage, that the California Earthquake Authority was born. After this event insurance companies and the government realized that nobody could keep enough funds in reserve to pay a catastrophic quake.

So, a partnership developed between government, insurance and the private sector. The CEA now has access to over $19 billion to pay for the next major quake, which we all know from history is a question of when.

What this means to you and me is that coverage is available and affordable. Almost all of the major insurance companies are a part of CEA, the California Earthquake Authority, so now when you purchase your homeowners policy you can obtain an earthquake policy from the same company. Most policies in our area run between $200-$300 a year, a reasonable investment for people with a lot of equity to protect! Contact your local homeowners' insurance company for more details!

Marty Pay has been the local Farmers Insurance Agent for over 30 years. His office and incredible staff are at 212 W. F St. in Tehachapi. They can be reached at (661) 822-3737.