The California Dream is Alive and Well
No doubt you’ve heard the phrase, “California Dreaming.” And no doubt it can mean a lot of different things to Californians…
For some, it’s California’s amazing weather, breath-taking sunsets, or world-class wines.
For others, it’s the natural beauty of the Pacific Coast, the majestic redwoods, or the High Sierra. Still others find themselves longing for the hustle and bustle of San Francisco or Los Angeles.
One dream many Californians have in common is a desire to put down roots, raise families, and forever call The Golden State “home.” But these are dreams that could be threatened by the many reminders that California earthquakes could potentially destroy their dreams in an instant.
The Dream Spoiler
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) tells us that the Southern California area alone is hit by about 10,000 earthquakes each year. Granted, most of those are too small to be felt. But when a moderate or severe quake strikes, and your policyholders discover their homeowners policy doesn’t cover earthquake damage, it could put a damper on their California dream.
That’s what a number of people in South Napa discovered when the magnitude-6.0 earthquake hit in 2014.
An August 11, 2016 article in the Insurance Journal relates how only about 6% of the local residents had earthquake insurance, leaving many to pay for repairs or to rebuild out of their own pockets. After financial losses like that, it’s not hard to imagine people having the conversation as to whether or not they would have to forsake their California dreams altogether.
How to Help Your Customers Protect Their Dreams
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until an earthquake hits to help your customers see the value of a CEA earthquake insurance policy. In fact, here are several “non-damaging” reminders that can help open the door to presenting how a CEA policy can help protect their dreams:
- A local news station in southern or northern California doing a story on earthquake preparedness
- Getting ready for the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills
- CEA TV commercials
- Annual policy review, ensuring your customer is aware of CEA policy enhancements
But why wait for a reminder?
Make the time now to remind your customers about the importance of being prepared for the next damaging earthquake. Help them keep their California dreams alive and well.