@annmackay,
In California, the only option for earthquake insurance is a State of California government policy. Yes, that's right, a "public option," as insurance companies are unwilling to underwrite earthquake damage. Hmmm---remind you of anything else?
BTW, in Southern California, I see the insurance companies doing the same thing with wild fires. The insurance to live in these areas, even thought the property costs are lower (not the building cost, of course), the insurance rates for fire are sky-high.