Most insurance companies, including American Family Insurance, sell policy endorsements that provide coverage for building and personal property damage caused by an earthquake. A basic homeowners policy does not pay for earthquake damage, so you must have the endorsement if you want coverage.

The "comprehensive" coverage in an auto insurance policy generally pays for earthquake damage to a vehicle. Following are answers to frequently asked questions about insurance coverage and damage caused by earthquake.

American Family Insurance policyholders who have earthquake damage should report their claims to our 24-hour Claims Customer Care Center at 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326) or their American Family Insurance agent.

Earthquake - Homeowners

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• Civil authorities have ordered me to evacuate my home. Does my policy pay for food and lodging during this time?

  • If you have an earthquake endorsement, you have coverage for additional living expenses for up to two weeks if you are denied access to your home by the civil authorities. This includes reasonable motel and food expenses. Keep copies of the receipts for your adjuster. If you don't have the earthquake endorsement, however, coverage is generally not available.

• Can I get an emergency advance payment?

  • Yes. If you have earthquake coverage and need emergency funds, we can provide you an advance payment. This advance payment is applied to your final claim settlement.

• If I don't have earthquake insurance, should I still report my claim?

  • Yes, you should still report your claim. While the earthquake may have caused some damage to your home, other damage may have been caused by a peril covered by your homeowners policy, such as fire. An adjuster inspects the damage and determine the cause - or causes - of your damage.

• Is there anything I can do to help with the claim process?

  • Use plywood, tarps or other materials to prevent additional damage to your home. Keep receipts of any materials/services purchased to make these repairs so you can submit them to your adjuster. Also, take photos of any damage to your home and personal belongings before disposing the items. Share copies of the photos with your adjuster. Remember, if the damage resulted from an earthquake, you must have earthquake insurance to receive payment for repairs.

• Who do I call to make repairs?

  • You are free to select any contractor or repair shop you wish. It is usually best to select one who has operated in the area for several years, is insured and bonded and will give you a written guarantee for the work performed.

Earthquake - Auto

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• Who do I call to make repairs?

  • You are free to select any contractor you wish. It is usually best to select one who has operated in the area for several years, is insured and bonded and will give you a written guarantee for the work performed.

Have a question that you couldn't find here? Contact your American Family Insurance agent with your additional questions.

Return to Storm FAQ's.