Earthquake Insurance
Earthquakes can happen with little or no warning, and the damage they cause can be very different from the types of losses covered by a standard homeowners, condo, or renters policy.
Earthquake damage is generally not covered by a standard residential property policy. Separate earthquake insurance can provide protection for certain damage caused by an earthquake, subject to the policy's terms, conditions, exclusions, deductibles, and limits.
If you are a homeowner, condominium owner, or renter, earthquake coverage can be an important part of evaluating your overall property protection, especially in earthquake-prone states like California.
What can earthquake insurance cover?
Coverage varies by insurer and policy, but earthquake insurance may provide protection for:
Dwelling damage Certain earthquake-related damage to the insured residence.
Other structures Depending on the policy, certain covered structures may be insured.
Personal property Coverage for certain belongings damaged by an earthquake.
Additional living expenses Depending on the policy, coverage may help with additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable following a covered earthquake loss.
Additional coverage options Some policies may offer additional protection for specific circumstances or types of property.
The exact coverage available depends on the policy, the property, and the insurer.
What isn’t covered?
Earthquake insurance doesn’t cover every loss associated with an earthquake.
Depending on the policy, exclusions or limitations may apply to:
Certain types of earth movement
Flood or rising water
Tsunami Landslide or mudslide
Damage that isn't directly attributable to a covered earthquake
Certain types of personal property
Normal wear and tear or deterioration
Other exclusions specified by the policy
Some related risks may require separate insurance. For example, flood insurance is generally separate from both homeowners and earthquake insurance. If you are concerned about flood exposure, please explore coverage at the link here:
What about fire after an earthquake?
This is an important distinction.
If an earthquake causes a fire, the resulting fire damage may be handled differently from direct earthquake damage under your insurance program. Standard homeowners policies generally cover fire, while earthquake policies address earthquake-related damage according to their own terms.
The exact circumstances and applicable policy language matter.
I’ll help you understand how the different pieces of your insurance program work together rather than assuming that every loss following an earthquake is treated the same way.
What can I do?
Earthquake insurance is ultimately a decision about risk tolerance as much as insurance coverage.
I can help you review your existing homeowners, condo, or renters insurance, identify where earthquake damage is excluded, and compare the coverage options available for your situation.
Together, we can look at the potential financial impact of an earthquake, including the estimated cost to rebuild your home, your personal property, additional living expenses, the structure and location of your property, your deductible, your ability and willingness to absorb a large loss, and other insurance already in place. From there, we will determine whether separate earthquake coverage makes sense for you and design appropriate coverage.
Don’t wait until the ground moves to find out what's covered.
Let’s review your existing insurance and talk about whether earthquake coverage makes sense for your home, your belongings, and your financial situation.
At this link, please select Earthquake under the Personal category when submitting your quote request.
Carriers I offer coverage with:
Earthquake insurance available in*:
California
Texas
Washington
*Licensing does not guarantee that every insurance product or carrier is available in every state. Carrier appointments, underwriting requirements, product availability, and eligibility vary by state and by individual risk.
If I am not currently licensed to offer the insurance solution(s) you are seeking in your state, I may be able to obtain the necessary licensing or connect you with a licensed professional who can assist you.