NPR

Quake Insurance? California Wants People To Say Yes To Coverage

Almost 90 percent of Californians do not have earthquake insurance. That worries state officials and quake experts, who are renewing the push to boost insurance coverage.

On Thursday, Californians took part in an annual statewide earthquake preparedness event called The Great Shake Out. The event encouraged people to practice safety drills, check quake supplies and go over emergency plans with family, schools and employers.

While many Californians now know the mantra to "drop, cover and hold on," there's growing concern that people and companies are not adequately covered for the days after.

Glenn Pomeroy wants to sound the alarm about that lack of coverage. As CEO of California Earthquake Authority, his job is to ensure the state, and the people in it, are financially prepared for a catastrophic quake.

It's what happens in the aftermath of a quake that keeps Pomeroy up at night. "The false hope associated with planning on the federal government to come in and rebuild your

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