Month: January 2026

01/20/26

Do You Need Earthquake Insurance?

Uncategorized
Homeowners Insurance
Personal Insurance

Do I Need Earthquake Insurance?

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, earthquake insurance is an important consideration—even if your mortgage lender does not require it. Standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically exclude damage caused by earthquakes, earth movement, or ground shaking.

Earthquake insurance helps protect you from potentially devastating out-of-pocket expenses related to structural damage, personal property loss, and additional living costs after a major seismic event. Coverage is available for homeowners, condo owners, and renters, and policies can be tailored to suit your specific location, soil type, and home construction.

How Much Earthquake Insurance Do I Need?

The amount of earthquake insurance you need depends on several factors, including the cost to rebuild your home, local construction costs, and your risk tolerance. When selecting coverage, you’ll want to consider:

  • Dwelling coverage to repair or rebuild your home after an earthquake
  • Personal Property coverage for belongings damaged or destroyed
  • Loss of Use coverage if your home becomes uninhabitable
  • Deductible options, which are often percentage-based rather than flat dollar amounts

An EPB&B agent can help evaluate your home’s replacement cost and guide you through deductible and coverage options, so you’re prepared without overpaying.

Key Earthquake Insurance Coverage Points Include: 

  • Helps repair or rebuild your home after earthquake-related damage
  • Covers personal belongings damaged by seismic activity
  • Provides additional living expenses if you must temporarily relocate
  • Can include coverage for debris removal and certain structural upgrades
  • Offers protection from major financial loss following a catastrophic event

Common Earthquake Insurance Endorsements to Consider:

Earthquake insurance policies can often be enhanced with optional endorsements to better protect your home and finances. At EPB&B, our Account Managers understand each carrier’s policy details and can help you identify valuable additions.

Common options may include higher personal property limits, lower deductibles, coverage for masonry or unreinforced structures, and supplemental loss-of-use coverage. For condo owners, earthquake coverage can be coordinated with your association’s master policy to avoid gaps. These enhancements can provide meaningful protection when it matters most.

Earthquake

January 17, 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of the Northridge earthquake, one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history, causing more than $20 billion in damage at the time.  Experts agree we are long overdue for another major earthquake. When the Northridge earthquake struck, approximately 40% of homeowners carried earthquake insurance. Today that number has dropped to less than 15%.

Contact the team at EPB&B and we will help make your property earthquake ready.

01/06/26

Homeowner, Renter, or Landlord; Which Insurance Policy Is Right For You?

Insurance for Individuals
Homeowners Insurance

Your insurance needs change depending on your living situation and stage of life. The Personal Lines Team at EPB&B is here to help you select the right coverage; whether you own, rent, or lease out a property. Understanding the key differences between dwelling insurance policies can help keep you protected.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is designed for individuals who own and live in their home. The dwelling coverage you choose should reflect the current or future cost to repair or rebuild your home after a covered loss.

When selecting coverage, it’s also essential to consider Other Structures (such as fences, sheds, and driveways), Personal Property, Loss of Use, and Liability.

Coverage points include:

  • Repairs or replaces your home following a covered loss.
  • Covers personal belongings that are not built-in, including furniture, appliances, clothing, jewelry, and household items.
  • Provides coverage for temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
  • Protects your assets if you are found liable for an accident, such as a slip-and-fall or dog bite.

Dwelling Fire / Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance is intended for property owners who rent or lease their home to others, even if rent is not being collected.

Coverage points include:

  • Repairs or replaces the physical structures on the property, including the home, workshops, fences, driveways, and walkways.
  • Covers owner-owned property provided for tenant use, such as appliances or furniture (optional coverage.)
  • Provides coverage for lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
  • Protects your personal assets if you are found liable for injuries or damage occurring on the property (for example, if a tenant is injured and the property owner is found responsible.)

Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is for individuals who do not own their residence and want to protect their personal belongings, carry liability coverage, and be prepared to relocate if they must due to a covered loss temporarily.

It’s important to note that a landlord’s insurance policy does not cover a renter’s personal property.

Coverage points include:

  • Covers your personal belongings inside the rental unit if they are damaged or destroyed by a covered loss.
  • Provides temporary living expense coverage if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
  • Protects your personal assets if you are found liable, such as accidental damage to the property or injury to others.
  • May extend coverage to personal items stolen from your vehicle or a stolen bicycle, subject to your deductible.

which insurance

It’s important to note that this is a very high-level view of Dwelling Insurance.  Most policies have many additions or endorsements that can be added to enhance your insurance policy to fit your needs.  At EPB&B, our team is proficient in diverse insurance policy offerings and we are here to help you find the right coverage for your living situation.