Earthquakes, Insurance Gaps and Business Continuity in the Bay Area

Risk 2026-10-20 · By BNI San Francisco Bay

Seismic risk is part of doing business in the Bay Area. Many owners discover coverage gaps only after a disruption.

A common gap

Cal OES warns that inadequate insurance can cause major financial loss in a disruption and reminds owners that some disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, require separate coverage beyond a standard policy.

Questions to ask your insurance professional

• Does my policy cover earthquake, flood and smoke damage?
• Do I have business interruption coverage and for how long?
• Is my equipment and inventory valued correctly?
• What documentation do I need after a loss?

Build a continuity plan

Cal OES advises small businesses to identify regional threats and write a business continuity plan that explains how operations will continue after a disaster. Include cyber risks, which are elevated in a tech-heavy economy.

Who to involve

Your insurance agent, attorney, accountant and IT provider should all know the plan. BNI chapters can connect you with trusted professionals in each field.

Sources

• The 5-Day Rule: Emergency Planning (American Canyon Chamber)
• Emergency Planning for Bay Area Small Businesses

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