Earthquake Prep

Plan & Prepare

Earthquakes can happen randomly, putting you and the people you love in danger. An earthquake can destroy your home and cause collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If a recent earthquake damaged your home, GeoVera is here to help. Please get in touch with us to report your claim, and a Claims adjuster will be assigned immediately.

The fastest and easiest way to report a loss is online:

Start Here to report a claim.
Protect your property from further damage.
Keep accurate records of all expenses.

Or you can call to report your claim: 1 (800) 631-6478

Stay Prepared

Before

Prepare for an earthquake before it happens, practice:
Create an emergency plan
Prepare your home and property
Have a supply kit ready [Download PDF]

During

Protect your self right away
- Drop
- Cover
- Hold
In a car? Pull over and set your parking brake
In a bed? Turn face down and cover your head with a pillow
Outdoors? Stay away from buildings
Inside? Stay inside and avoid doorways

After

Serious damage could have occurred to buildings, leaking gas, water lines and power lines
Expect aftershocks and be ready to drop, cover and hold.
If you are in a damaged building move out quickly
If you are trapped send a text or bang on a wall
If you are in an area that experiences tsunamis go inland or to higher ground

Preparing your home and property for an earthquake

Lock your cabinets
Keep a clear path to the exits
Know how to protect yourself
Relocate or anchor any large/heavy objects
Secure water fixtures and any flammable or toxic substances
Secure any fixtures or electronics that can hurt someone, cause damage, or break

Fast Answers about Earthquake Losses

How the Claims Process Works

Immediate steps you can take:

STEP 1

Take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Promptly submit your claim by reporting the loss details via this website or by calling your agent or insurance company.
Protect the property from further damage.
Keep accurate records of all expenses such as temporary repairs and additional living expenses.
Itemize the damaged or stolen property including the manufacturer, brand name, age, place of purchase and purchase price.
Report burglary/theft claims to the appropriate authorities so there is a police report on file.

What to expect once a claim is submitted:

STEP 2

The claim will be assigned to a GeoVera Advantage Insurance Services claims professional.
The GeoVera Advantage Insurance Services claims professional will make initial contact with the policyholder within one business day to review the claim details.
- During the initial contact the claims professional will discuss the following with the policyholder:
  - Confirm the facts of the loss and gather additional information
  - Review the applicable policy coverages, limits and deductibles
  - Determine the need for a field inspection and assign a field adjuster if needed
  - Explain the claim handling process including information about the field adjuster if one has been assigned
  - Explain how to protect the property from further damage
  - Outline any additional information or documentation necessary to resolve the claim
If the claim has been assigned to a field adjuster the field adjuster will contact the policyholder directly to set up an appointment to conduct the inspection.

Investigation, estimation, and evaluation of damages:

STEP 3

The GeoVera Advantage claims professional will gather all the pertinent information necessary to evaluate the claim. This includes receipts, photos, repair estimates and the field adjuster’s report if one has been assigned.
The claims professional will evaluate the claim based on the damages, policy coverage and deductibles.
If necessary the claims professional will contact the appropriate parties to obtain any additional information needed to evaluate the damages.

Claim Resolution:

STEP 4

After the claims professional has completed their evaluation, the policyholder will be contacted to review the damage evaluation and applicable policy coverage in order to resolve the claim.