CaliforniaApplication guide2026

Earthquake Brace + Bolt insurance

EBB program records — completion certificates, contractor documentation, and permit numbers — are exactly the retrofit documentation earthquake underwriters look for.

What you need to know

Earthquake Brace + Bolt insurance

The California Residential Mitigation Program's Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant program provides up to $3,000 toward foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing for qualifying pre-1979 raised-foundation homes in high-hazard ZIP codes. Completing EBB creates a documented paper trail — certificate, contractor name, permit — that strengthens any earthquake insurance application.

Key application fields

What the Best Earthquake wizard captures

The application documents all the details underwriters look for. Gathering the following before applying produces a stronger submission and faster broker review:

  • EBB completion certificate and year
  • Contractor name and permit or program number
  • Scope of work completed: bolting, cripple walls, or both
  • Pre- and post-EBB photos if available
  • ZIP code eligibility — check at earthquakebracebolt.com
Why independent broker review matters

From indication to bindable options

The Best Earthquake Insurance application gives a preliminary annual range anchored to CDI data, then submits a completed Covwell application to Bollinsure for broker review. A licensed California broker reviews your construction, retrofit, and loss details and shops multiple carrier markets to find the best available terms.

The indication is not a bindable quote — final coverage is subject to underwriting, carrier eligibility, and policy terms. But starting with a strong, complete application gives the broker the best possible foundation for market submission.

How this fits the application

Ready to submit?

The 5-step application wizard takes approximately 5–8 minutes to complete. It walks through property and applicant details, coverage terms and deductible selection, construction and foundation type, retrofit and loss history, and a review-and-sign step where you can preview the completed PDF before submitting.

Your completed application is reviewed by a licensed broker who follows up — often the same business day — with market options and next steps.