CaliforniaApplication guide2026

Hillside earthquake insurance

Hillside, steep slope, fill, and unusual soil conditions can change underwriting questions, inspection requests, and deductible availability.

What you need to know

Hillside earthquake insurance

Hillside homes face compound earthquake risk: ground shaking plus slope instability, landslide, and differential settlement. Carriers specifically ask about hillside, steep slope, fill, and unusual soil in applications. Known hillside conditions typically add a pricing surcharge; unknown conditions add a smaller surcharge until the broker can clarify.

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:

  • Hillside, steep slope, fill, or unusual soil: yes, no, or unknown
  • Slope percentage or description if available
  • Any prior landslide, slope failure, or settlement
  • Foundation type and any retaining wall or slope stabilization documentation
  • County and address for local hazard zone verification
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.