Quake Coverage

William George’s column “A Matter of Getting Us Covered” (Op-Ed Page, Oct. 25), though insightful in many ways, is vague in others and leaves the impression with consumers that if they don’t have earthquake insurance, they’re out of luck.

George says that “. . . California insurers probably won’t have to pay for last week’s earthquake-caused property damages unless policyholders have specific earthquake coverage,” and he goes on to describe the consequences of fire damage in the great quake of 1906.

The fact is, at least for Farmers, that our homeowners’ insurance policies specifically include coverage for direct loss by fire or explosions resulting from earthquakes.

It is important for consumers to know that even though they might not have earthquake insurance, fire and certain types of other damage resulting from earthquakes might be covered under their regular homeowners’ policies.

EDWARD E. MATHEWS

Vice President

Corporate Relations

Farmers Insurance Group

Los Angeles