And maybe something will happen. 10 years ago, the danger list was pretty much "earthquake" and "tech burst".

Property Insurance protects you from Fire, Earthquake, Floods and Liability law suits.

DAMAGE TO PREMISES In the event the Premises are destroyed or rendered whollyuninhabitable by fire, storm, earthquake, or other casualty not caused by the negligence ofTenant, this California Lease Agreement shall terminate from such time except for the purpose ofenforcing rights that may have then accrued hereunder.

Portland area values down 10% last year.Since they are the only insurer giving earthquake ins to older homes, that is the breaks.Are you experiencing dramatic insurance increases as of late?

Oh and if you are in area that has: earthquakes, hurricanes, wild fire, excessive snow, there will be some extra requirements on top.  

Would it make a different to you, whether I came from...El Salvador or Haiti...or maybe..Norway?

I would thing that it would make a difference like between a 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom.Think about it, we would have basements here in Cali, if it wasn't such a risk or costly build, due to the earthquakes.

If you're going the umbrella insurance route, make sure it will cover you for several things including just the routine slip and fall (like mold or earthquake).

@Karen Margrave Are you restricted by earthquake resistant codes, not to mention design considerations for the potential topography shifts CA is noted for?

Along with the other great replies here, just wanted to point out that good neighborhoods with great schools and community can and do become bad neighborhoods with poor schools and community through redistricting, rezoning, age and obsolescence of the area, possible environmental issues, freak earthquake or flooding not covered by insurance, etc.