Even if an association carries earthquake insurance, individual unit owners need to carry their own earthquake insurance to cover loss to personal property, living expenses while the association repairs the building and special assessments levied by the association to pay for repairs.

The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers basic coverage to owners of condominiums. Coverage can be purchased through a homeowner's own insurance agent and can be purchased regardless of any insurance carried by the association. With limitations, it pays for:

• damage to personal property

• upgrade to current building codes

• emergency living expenses

• interior damage

• special assessments levied by condominium associations to pay for earthquake related repairs

Homeowners can calculate the cost of a CEA policy with their "Premium Calculator."

Other Insurance. Owners should also carry an HO-6 insurance policy.