🚀 go-pugleaf

>In article <1991Dec31.235319.16673@PA.dec.com> klee@wsl.dec.com writes:
>>In case you already haven't heard, CA state homeowner's earthquake
>>insurance goes into effect January 1.  It covers $15K of structural
>>damage, no personal property loss. 

>Al Date then writes:

>I dont want ridiculously expensive earthquake insurance ($400/ year?) OR this 
>state-mandated deductible coverage ($60 a year).  I reinforced my frame house
>with a couple hundred bucks worth of sheer-wall lumber and 
>foundation tie-straps instead.  If people took the money they spent on
>insurance, they could bring their houses up to code and beyond.
>
>I complained to my insurance company (20th Century).......
>
>But I dont *need* earthquake insurance, thanks.
>
>So, another option for saving your money is just dont pay it.
>                                            ~~~~  ~~  ~~~  ~
>--Al Date
>Std disclaimers

Don't be so sure.  We too had done extensive reinforcement: sheer-wall,
heavy bolting to the sill every few feet (much more concentrated than
is standard), tie straps etc. etc.  All done by one of the best companies
in the business in this area and way over average reinforcement.
Come the 89 earthquake..... chimney down, 12 feet of foundation wall
cracked to the point of needing replacement, tears in the roof
(hence leaks etc.).  All in all a little over $30,000 of damage.
Our insurance didn't cover it because we have a 10% deductible,
so only an SBA/FEMA loan saved us.  If the state insurance had
been in place at the time, we would have been much more secure
financially.

You can't assume or predict when it comes to structures and earthquakes.
We had reinforced to the point where friends almost thought we were
being paranoid, and even with hindsight we still couldn't have
foreseen the damage which actually occurred. So, yes, do your
reinforcing, but take out that insurance too.

Anthony Bulloch

(510) 549-9127 (home)

abulloch@garnet.berkeley.edu