Earthquake Insurance

Last updated: December 9, 2025 Recently updated

Earthquake Insurance Guide

Coverage for damage caused by earthquakes and earth movement

Not sure what coverage you need? Take our free 2-minute quiz to get personalized insurance recommendations.

What is Earthquake Insurance?

Earthquake Insurance provides essential protection for you and your family. Understanding how it works helps you make better coverage decisions.

Key Features

Coverage details and benefits
What’s typically included
Common exclusions to be aware of
Cost factors that affect premiums

Who Needs Earthquake Insurance?

Learn whether this type of coverage is right for your situation and how to determine the appropriate coverage amount.

How to Choose a Policy

Tips for comparing policies, understanding terms, and finding the best value for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about earthquake insurance answered.

Moving States Checklist - Coverage when relocating to seismic areas

Homeowners Insurance - Standard coverage that excludes earthquakes
Flood Insurance - Other gap coverage excluded from standard policies

California Insurance Guide - Earthquake coverage in high-risk state

Data Sources

Earthquake insurance data in this guide come from CEA (opens in new tab) , NAIC (opens in new tab) , and state insurance departments. Learn more about our data collection methods on our Methodology page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does homeowners insurance cover earthquakes?

No, standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage. You need a separate earthquake policy or an endorsement to your existing policy. This is essential in seismically active areas like California, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of the Midwest (New Madrid fault zone).

Why do earthquake insurance deductibles seem so high?

Earthquake policies typically have percentage-based deductibles (10-20% of dwelling coverage) rather than dollar amounts. For a $400,000 home with a 15% deductible, you’d pay $60,000 before insurance kicks in. This is because earthquake damage is often severe and widespread.

Is earthquake insurance worth it?

Consider your risk exposure and financial situation. If a major earthquake would destroy your home and you couldn’t afford to rebuild, insurance provides critical protection despite high deductibles. California’s CEA offers policies with deductible options. Compare costs to your ability to self-insure.

Property-Casualty by State

Property-Casualty requirements and costs vary significantly by state. Select your state for specific regulations, average premiums, and local resources.