If you have experienced earthquake damage, take precautions by following the tips below, and call us at 1-800-572-7914 to file a claim as soon as possible if you have earthquake coverage in your insurance policy.

• Make personal safety your first priority. During an earthquake, buildings may collapse or slide off their foundations.
• Listen to the local radio for up-to-date information.
• Be prepared for aftershocks, which may cause additional damage and bring down weakened structures.
• Stay out of your home if it is severely damaged. Don't go inside until local authorities say it’s safe for you to return.
• Check for damage to gas, electric, or sewage systems, as well as your chimney, when you are able to do so safely.
• Don’t use damaged systems until professionals have checked them. If gas is leaking, turn it off at the main shut-off valve, leave the building immediately, and call a professional for service.
• Watch out for broken glass, sharp objects and exposed electrical wires.
• If you must drive, use caution. Look out for downed electrical wires and debris, and remember bridges and roads may be damaged.

Call 1-800-303-2591 as soon as possible to file a claim if you have damage from an earthquake and have purchased earthquake insurance from your insurance provider. Provide at least a general description of your damage. A representative will walk you through your claim, recording the details.

If you have serious damage, we will make every effort to get to you within 48 hours.

After it is safe to do so, you are responsible for taking action to avoid further damage. If you can, clean up broken glass and cover broken windows with heavy-duty tarps or plywood to prevent additional water damage.

If you aren't sure about what temporary repairs are necessary to ensure safety after an earthquake strikes, PublicAdjusters.com can help. As part of documenting the damage for your claim, save all receipts from any temporary fixes and take a lot of photographs.

We will talk to you about your earthquake coverage because standard home insurance policies do not automatically provide it. In most states, however, homeowners may add the coverage as an endorsement. In some states, separate earthquake insurance policies must be purchased.

If you have purchased earthquake insurance, your policy typically covers the cost to repair common earthquake damage—including damage to roofing and walls, and most of your belongings. Some restrictions apply. For example, your policy typically does not cover damage to fences, patios, landscaping, broken glassware or art objects.

In addition, you may have a higher deductible for earthquake damage than you have on your primary property policy. We will advise you what’s covered and the deductible you have, so you know what to expect when we file your claim.

If you can’t live in your home, your insurance company will pay additional living expenses, as noted in your policy, while the damage is assessed and your home is being repaired or rebuilt. If repairs take longer than the period of time covered by your policy, you may be eligible for additional assistance from federal emergency programs.

If you don’t have earthquake insurance, you may qualify for grants from FEMA.

As soon as possible, members of PublicAdjusters.com  will make a thorough list of items that the earthquake damaged. We can process your claim faster if you assist us in providing a list of damaged personal property. Document the damage with photos, video, bills and receipts. Also, don’t throw out damaged items—especially expensive items.  As for the building damage, we will scope and evaluate the damage and prepare the report necessary for the insurance company.