Thinking of Filing a Claim? Watch This First and consult with your agent.

What Is Life Insurance? Life insurance is essentially a promise between you and an insurance company. In exchange for regular payments—called premiums—the insurer agrees to provide a lump sum, known as a death benefit, to your loved ones if something happens to you while the policy is active. Think of it as a financial safety net for the people who depend on you. Many people say, “I have life insurance through my job, so I’m covered.” That’s true… for now. But here’s the catch: employer-provided life insurance usually stays with the company. If you change jobs—which, on average, Americans do every two years—you may need to go through a new application process to keep coverage. That’s why having your own independent life insurance policy can be so important—it ensures your protection follows you, not your employer.

An earthquake insurance policy is a specialized form of property insurance that protects your home and belongings if they’re damaged by an earthquake. Unlike standard homeowners or renters insurance, which generally does not include earthquake or earth movement damage, this coverage must be added as a separate policy or endorsement to your existing plan. Typical earthquake coverage may include: Structural damage to your home Repairs to personal property (inside your home) Debris removal Additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable (But be sure to read your own policy — coverages and exclusions vary between insurers.)