[techweenie]

I paid earthquake insurance premiums to State Farm from 1976 through 1994. I was approximately 10 miles from the Northridge quake epicenter. Had a foundation crack and some minor damage to the brick floor. Outside, the story was different. The driveway/motor court had had some cracks, and several opened up +1/2" -- it was like tectonic plates. It was a large concrete area, over 4K square feet, and cost about $17K to remove & replace. The foundation cracks cost about a grand to fix. Ironically, the total was equal to all premiums paid for earthquake insurance. After Northridge, the policy changes excluded "outbuildings" and other structures like driveways and put a 25% deductible on dwelling damage. I did not renew.