Should you buy earthquake insurance?

As a California native, I've felt almost all of the large earthquakes in the state in my lifetime (including 1994 - Northridge and 1989 - Loma Prieta), and yet am still surprised to learn than only 1 of every 8 homeowners carries earthquake insurance. Although such insurance for multi-family buildings can be very pricey -- and is therefore rejected by many HOA boards -- for single-family homes it can be much cheaper, depending of course on building type, age and location.

The Orange County Register's Jon Lansner has a podcast interviewing Pete Moraga from the Insurance Information Network of California, which you can listen to by clicking here.

For more information on earthquake insurance, visit the California Earthquake Authority.

For more information on preparing for the next big quake, visit The Great Shakeout -- the next statewide drill is set for October 15, 2009. My 70-year-old mother, a dedicated American Red Cross volunteer, has certainly helped bring me up to speed on this issue!