CEA offering new earthquake insurance options in 2016

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The California Earthquake Authority is rolling out new options in 2016 to help make earthquake insurance more affordable and convenient for residents.

Earthquakes can strike suddenly, and the head of the CEA Glenn Pomeroy said Californians are more vulnerable than ever because fewer residents are getting coverage.

He said while damage can sometimes be visible, some damage is not so apparent at the surface.

"Cracks in foundation, homes toppling off of their foundation, in some cases being completely destroyed," Pomeroy said.

The CEA is sounding the alarm for residents who have no safety net.

At the time of the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the CEA said 30 percent of homes were covered.

Today they said it's half that.

"We tend to forget they happen. They can be devastating and it's going to happen again," Pomeroy said.

The CEA said the feedback from consumers was that earthquake insurance was too pricey and not flexible.

So this year, the authority is unveiling a new menu of options allowing people in homes, condos, rentals, or mobile homes to seek coverage.

"Now it is not a one size fits all, it's for the consumer to choose," Pomeroy said.

The CEA's website features a new calculator that allows you to enter the location of your home and its value to generate an estimate.

Costs are based on your proximity to a fault and the age of your home.

Homes constructed before the 1940s are especially vulnerable.

Homeowners who fortify their foundation are helping to minimize potential damage and can also be eligible for a discount on their insurance.