A California homeowner wants earthquake coverage. Which statement is MOST accurate about earthquake insurance in California?

a.Earthquake coverage is offered through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) or by some private insurers; deductibles are typically a percentage of the dwelling limit, often 10%-25%
b.Earthquake coverage is written through the federal NFIP, which applies the same $250,000 dwelling cap, $100,000 contents cap and 30-day waiting period it uses for flood, and is sold by the same Write Your Own carriers
c.Earthquake coverage carries the same flat dollar deductible as the fire peril, typically $500 per occurrence, because the Department of Insurance requires one uniform deductible for every residential property peril
d.Earthquake coverage is automatically included in every HO-3 sold in California at no separate premium, so the mandatory offer under Insurance Code §10081 reaches only renters and condominium unit-owner forms

Explanation

California insurers that sell residential property coverage must offer earthquake insurance. Most policies are written through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), a publicly managed, privately funded pool, although private market options also exist. Earthquake deductibles are notably high and typically expressed as a percentage of the dwelling Coverage A limit, commonly 10% to 25%, not a flat dollar amount. NFIP is for flood, not earthquake.

Law Reference: California Insurance Code §10081 (CEA); CEA program rules

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