[LWJ]

Great question. I would love to know the answer as well. If a carrier has a large percentage of PNW quake business, they are toast. Or, do they piece it out into the reinsurance market?

It is carrier dependent. I work in the industry and have no idea when it comes to personal lines.

On a commercial basis, I can tell you. I will be watching to see what the brain-trust says.

My gut-instinct says go with a small regional that has a poor marketshare in the PNW. If they have a large business in the Eastern US and small business in the West, they may recover from the hit. That said, if they buy from the same reinsurers that everyone else goes to (the market for EQ reinsurance is a few players only) you really don't know.

Last thought - State Farm used to be the absolute price leader in EQ. I don't think they offer it any more out here. If you still have a policy with State Farm, I would hesitate before you cancel.