If you live in Bakersfield, you've probably felt the ground shake a few times. Maybe it was the magnitude 5.2 earthquake in August 2024 that rattled dishes in your kitchen cabinets, or one of the hundreds of smaller tremors that happen here every year. Either way, you know something that many Californians prefer to ignore: earthquakes are a real, ongoing threat in Kern County. The question isn't whether you need earthquake insurance—it's whether you can afford to go without it.
Here's what most people don't realize until it's too late: your standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake damage. Not a single crack in your foundation, not a collapsed chimney, not the contents of your home that ended up in pieces on the floor. If a major quake hits, you're on your own unless you have a separate earthquake policy.
Why Bakersfield Faces Higher Earthquake Risk
Bakersfield sits in a uniquely vulnerable position. According to USGS data, there's an 89% chance of a major earthquake within 50 kilometers of Bakersfield in the next 50 years. That's not a maybe—that's a statistical near-certainty. The area experiences about 1,100 earthquakes per year on average, with around 919 of those registering magnitude 1.0 or higher.
The region's seismic activity stems from multiple sources. You've got the White Wolf Fault, which caused the catastrophic 7.5 magnitude earthquake in 1952 that killed 12 people and caused hundreds of millions in damage. Then there's the San Andreas Fault to the west, which scientists now predict has a 50% probability of producing a large earthquake within the next 30 years—sooner than previous estimates.
But here's something you might not know: Kern County's extensive oil fields may actually increase earthquake risk. Research by the USGS has investigated whether the 1952 earthquake might have been triggered by oil production in the Wheeler Ridge field. While oil extraction didn't create the energy for that earthquake, scientists believe it may have altered conditions along the fault, allowing accumulated stress to release. The mainshock occurred just 98 days after initial oil production began at depths reaching 3 kilometers, within about 1 kilometer of the White Wolf Fault.
Understanding the California Earthquake Authority (CEA)
In California, most earthquake insurance comes from the California Earthquake Authority, or CEA. This is a publicly managed, privately funded organization created after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, when many private insurers fled the earthquake insurance market. The CEA partners with your existing homeowners insurance company to offer earthquake coverage as a separate policy.
For a typical Bakersfield home valued at $500,000, you're looking at annual premiums between $1,200 and $3,000, though costs can range from as low as $50 to as high as $7,500 depending on your specific situation. Several factors affect your rate: the age and construction type of your home, the soil it sits on, how many stories it has, and whether it meets current building codes. Older homes, especially those built with brick or masonry, face significantly higher premiums because they're more vulnerable to earthquake damage.
One critical detail that catches people off guard: deductibles. CEA policies typically come with deductibles ranging from 5% to 25% of your coverage amount. If you have a $500,000 policy with a 15% deductible, you'll pay the first $75,000 in damages out of pocket. Yes, you read that right—$75,000. This is why some homeowners choose higher deductibles to lower their premiums, planning to cover minor damage themselves while protecting against catastrophic losses.
What Earthquake Insurance Actually Covers
A CEA earthquake policy covers your home's structure, your personal belongings, and additional living expenses if you need to relocate while your home is being repaired. It also includes loss-of-use coverage, which helps pay for temporary housing, meals, and other expenses when your home is uninhabitable.
What's not covered? Here's where it gets tricky. Earthquake insurance doesn't cover damage from flooding or tsunamis that might result from an earthquake—you need separate flood insurance for that. It also doesn't typically cover landscaping, pools, fences, or detached structures like sheds unless you purchase additional coverage. Masonry veneer, chimneys, and patios often have limited coverage or aren't covered at all under basic policies.
Is Earthquake Insurance Worth It in Bakersfield?
Let's do the math. If you pay $2,000 per year for earthquake insurance and go 30 years without a major quake, you've spent $60,000 on a policy you never used. That stings. But if a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hits and causes $200,000 in damage to your home, and you have a 15% deductible on a $500,000 policy, your insurance covers $125,000 while you pay $75,000. Without insurance, you pay the full $200,000—or you lose your home.
The decision ultimately comes down to your financial situation and risk tolerance. If you couldn't afford to rebuild your home out of pocket, earthquake insurance is essential. If you're still paying a mortgage, remember that you'll still owe that money even if your home is destroyed—the bank doesn't forgive your loan because of an earthquake. For most Bakersfield homeowners, especially those in older homes or those who've experienced the 2024 earthquake swarm firsthand, the peace of mind is worth the premium.
How to Get Started with Earthquake Insurance
Start by contacting your current homeowners insurance agent. Since CEA works through existing insurance companies, your agent can provide a quote and add earthquake coverage to your policy. Use the CEA's online premium calculator to get a rough estimate before you call—it helps to know what ballpark you're in.
When comparing policies, pay close attention to the deductible options. A higher deductible lowers your premium but increases your out-of-pocket costs after an earthquake. Think about what you could realistically afford to pay in an emergency. Also ask about retrofitting discounts—if you've bolted your house to its foundation or braced your cripple walls, you may qualify for lower rates.
One final tip: don't wait until after you feel a significant earthquake to buy coverage. Most policies have a waiting period before they take effect, and insurers may temporarily stop issuing new policies after a major seismic event. The best time to get earthquake insurance is before you need it. In Bakersfield, with its documented history of seismic activity and ongoing tremors, that time is now.
