Earthquake insurance for pre-1980 homes
1980 is the critical threshold in California earthquake underwriting for a simple reason: the 1971 Sylmar earthquake and subsequent code updates fundamentally changed construction requirements. Homes built before these changes are more vulnerable and are priced accordingly. The gap can be partially closed with retrofit documentation.
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:
- Year built: before 1980 triggers the age surcharge in most underwriting models
- Foundation type: raised, slab, stem wall — raised without retrofit is highest risk
- Retrofit completion: bolting and cripple wall bracing — year, contractor, permit
- Masonry: chimney present? Reinforced? Unreinforced masonry anywhere in the structure?
- Prior damage: any earthquake, foundation, or structural claims since construction
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.
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.