Moving to Northern California: The 411 on Earthquakes for New Residents

Much of the country is experiencing a “buyer’s market” when it comes to real estate. Because of this, many people are finally realizing their dream of moving to California. Northern California insurance is a vital part of protecting the financial investment you made in purchasing your new home. Before buying a homeowner’s policy, you should consider the importance of obtaining earthquake coverage.

According to the US Geological Survey, the chance of Northern California experiencing an earthquake 6.0 or stronger in the next few decades is greater than 60 percent. How much should this worry you? Let’s consider a past earthquake of similar power. During early afternoon on October 17, 1989, a 6.9 earthquake shook the San Francisco and Monterey Bay area. This quake was centered by the Loma Prieta peak, part of the Santa Cruz Mountains. There were over 1000 aftershocks after the initial earthquake, some almost challenging the first in severity. This single event caused more than 60 deaths and 3,000 injuries, not to mention several billion dollars’ worth of damage.

Some say because Loma Prieta was so powerful, there is no need to prepare for another quake. Do you think it is possible for more quakes similar in strength to occur? Since the Loma Prieta incident, several earthquakes have rocked California, including the 7.3 Landers quake of 1992, the 7.2 in Cape Mendocino during the same year, the 6.7 in Northridge in 1994 and the 7.1 Hector Mine quake in 1999.

Do not allow yourself to be caught off guard by the earth’s rumbling. Acknowledge the danger and prepare yourself by purchasing earthquake coverage from a Northern California insurance agency.

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