Earthquake Insurance Coverage Information
Key Takeaways
Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Earthquake Damage
Earthquake coverage must be purchased as a separate policy or added to your homeowners policy by endorsement. It is not included in any standard homeowners insurance plan.
Earthquake Insurance Covers Your Home, Personal Property, and Other Structures
If an earthquake damages your house, belongings, or detached structures on your property, a separate earthquake policy helps pay for repairs and replacement.
Your Homeowners Policy May Cover Fire That Follows an Earthquake
A standard homeowners policy can cover fire damage triggered by a quake and additional living expenses if that fire makes your home uninhabitable during repairs.
What is an earthquake?
An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of underground rock. Earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse and heavy items to fall, resulting in injuries and damage to property.
Is earthquake insurance required?
If you have a mortgage on your home, you must carry homeowners insurance. But in most cases, the choice to buy earthquake insurance is completely up to you. Earthquake insurance covers some of the losses and damages caused to your home, personal items, and other structures on your property in the event of an earthquake.
Will my home insurance policy cover earthquakes?
No. Earthquake coverage is not included in homeowner's insurance. It is sold separately from homeowners or must be added to your policy by endorsement. However, a standard homeowners policy may cover losses from fire following a quake and, if such a fire makes your home unlivable, it may cover the additional living expenses incurred while you live elsewhere during repairs. Get a quote for earthquake insurance.
Being prepared before an earthquake
In the smartphone age, we have lots of resources in the case of a hurricane, flood or whatever may come, the help and resources you need are always at your fingertips. Government services and relief agencies now provide mobile apps, news feeds, and websites for disaster alerts, real-time updates, and first aid how-to guides. If a natural disaster should strike, you can prepare your smartphone for emergency help.
