Earthquake Insurance
Protect your home from earthquake damage. Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover earthquakes.
Critical Information
Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover earthquake damage. You need a separate earthquake insurance policy or endorsement.
What is Earthquake Insurance?
Earthquake insurance covers damage to your home and belongings caused by earthquakes and related ground movement. It's available as a separate policy or endorsement to your homeowners insurance.
This coverage is essential in earthquake-prone areas like California, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and along fault lines.
What Does It Cover?
Dwelling Damage
Repairs or rebuilds your home's structure if damaged by an earthquake, including foundation, walls, and roof.
Personal Property
Covers your belongings like furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances damaged by earthquakes.
Additional Living Expenses
Pays for temporary housing and living costs if your home is uninhabitable after an earthquake.
Other Structures
Covers detached garages, sheds, fences, and other structures on your property.
Important Policy Features
High Deductibles
Earthquake insurance typically has high deductibles: 10-25% of the dwelling coverage limit.
Example: $300,000 dwelling coverage with 15% deductible = $45,000 out-of-pocket before insurance pays.
Masonry Veneer Exclusion
Many policies exclude or limit coverage for exterior brick or stone veneer.
Aftershock Coverage
Policies typically cover aftershocks occurring within 72 hours under one deductible.
Who Needs Earthquake Insurance?
High-Risk States
Strongly recommended if you live in:
- • California (San Andreas Fault)
- • Alaska (most seismically active state)
- • Washington and Oregon (Cascadia Subduction Zone)
- • Nevada, Utah, Idaho
- • Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas (New Madrid Seismic Zone)
Consider Coverage If:
- • Your home is near fault lines
- • You cannot afford to rebuild without insurance
- • You live in an older home more vulnerable to damage
- • Your area has experienced earthquakes in the past
California Earthquake Authority (CEA)
In California, most earthquake insurance is provided through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), a publicly managed, privately funded organization.
CEA policies offer coverage options from 5-25% deductibles and coverage limits based on your dwelling coverage.
Average Cost
Annual Premium
$800-3,000/year
Varies by location, home value, construction type, and deductible
What coverage level do you need?
Choose the protection that matches your requirements