The CEA issues earthquake policies to owners who hold a residential property policy from a participating insurer, and that insurer markets and services the CEA policy. A homeowner cannot buy directly from the CEA.

If a homeowner's insurer does not participate, that insurer must still offer earthquake coverage, and a few companies sell stand-alone earthquake policies that are not CEA policies.

The disclosure given with a CEA policy (Section 10089.28(b)) must say: - a CEA policy is not covered by the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA); - claims may be paid in reduced amounts or in installments; - a surcharge of up to 20% of premium may apply; - coverage has limits, such as no coverage for swimming pools. These are the main trade-offs when comparing the CEA with the competitive market.