Earthquake Insurance
Protection against earthquake damage for your home and belongings.
Typical cost: $800 – $5,000+ per year
What Is Earthquake Insurance?
Earthquake insurance covers damage to your home, personal property, and additional living expenses resulting from earthquakes. Standard homeowners policies specifically exclude earthquake damage, leaving homeowners in seismic zones vulnerable to catastrophic financial loss without a separate earthquake policy.
How It Works
Earthquake policies typically have high deductibles—10-20% of the dwelling coverage limit. This means on a $500,000 home, your deductible could be $50,000-$100,000. Despite the high deductible, earthquake insurance protects against total loss scenarios where rebuilding costs far exceed the deductible amount.
Who Needs It
While California gets the most attention, earthquake risk exists in 42 states. The New Madrid Seismic Zone affects the central US, and the Cascadia Subduction Zone threatens the Pacific Northwest. If you live in any seismically active area, earthquake insurance is worth serious consideration.
What's covered
Dwelling Coverage
Pays to repair or rebuild your home's structure after earthquake damage, subject to your deductible.
Personal Property
Covers belongings damaged or destroyed by earthquake activity, including furniture and electronics.
Additional Living Expenses
Pays for temporary housing, meals, and related costs while your home is being repaired after an earthquake.
Loss Assessment
Covers your share of earthquake damage to common areas if you live in a condo or homeowners association.
Building Code Upgrades
Pays additional costs to bring your home up to current building codes during post-earthquake reconstruction.
Masonry Veneer
Some policies specifically cover brick and stone veneer damage, which is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Protects against catastrophic loss not covered by homeowners insurance
- Essential in high-risk seismic zones like California and Pacific Northwest
- CEA policies available to California homeowners through participating insurers
- Covers additional living expenses during lengthy rebuilds
- Building code upgrade coverage ensures modern safety standards
- Peace of mind in unpredictable seismic events
Considerations
- Very high deductibles (10-20% of dwelling coverage)
- Premiums can be expensive in high-risk zones
- Limited availability from private insurers in some areas
- Does not cover land or external damage like landslides
- Older homes may be difficult or expensive to insure
- Fire following earthquake may be covered under homeowners instead
Frequently asked questions
Related coverage
Protect your home and belongings from damage, theft, and liability.
Affordable coverage for your personal property and liability as a renter.
Comprehensive vehicle coverage including collision, liability, and more.
Coverage for motorcycles including collision, theft, and accessories.
Marine insurance covering watercraft, liability, and on-water accidents.
Protection for recreational vehicles, motorhomes, and travel trailers.
Stay informed
Weekly insurance tips and coverage insights. No spam.