Earthquake coverage: what it is (and what it usually isn’t)

• Catastrophic correlation: Earthquakes damage many homes at once, often across entire regions.
  This makes the risk fundamentally different from fire, theft, or burst pipes.
• Explicit exclusions: Most homeowners policies contain a specific exclusion for earth movement.
  This typically includes earthquakes, aftershocks, landslides, mudflow, and sinkholes.
• Policy intent: Homeowners insurance prices for everyday risk; earthquakes require separate modeling and premiums.
  If the risk were included, standard premiums would be dramatically higher.

If damage is caused by earth movement, homeowners insurance usually stops where the ground starts moving.

• Structural damage: Coverage for cracks in foundations, collapsed walls, shifting frames, and structural failure.
  Cosmetic cracking may not qualify unless it reflects underlying structural damage.
• Personal property: Coverage for contents damaged by shaking or collapse, often subject to lower sublimits.
  Items breaking due to vibration must typically be directly caused by the quake.
• Additional living expense: Temporary housing if the home is unsafe to occupy.
  Limits are usually lower and time-restricted compared to homeowners policies.

Earthquake insurance focuses on rebuilding the structure—not restoring everything inside it.

• Land damage: Cracked soil, yard damage, and ground settling are typically excluded.
  The policy insures the structure—not the land beneath it.
• Retaining walls, pools, and hardscaping: Often excluded or subject to low sublimits.
  These features are highly vulnerable but expensive to insure.
• Utility lines: Damage to buried pipes or service lines may not be covered unless endorsed.
  Losses can overlap with service-line endorsements—but not always.

Earthquake insurance reduces devastation—it doesn’t eliminate inconvenience or uncovered loss.

• Percentage-based deductibles: Often 10%–25% of the dwelling limit, not a flat dollar amount.
  A 15% deductible on a $500,000 home equals $75,000 out of pocket.
• Applied per event: One deductible usually applies per seismic event, not per claim.
  Aftershocks may or may not be considered part of the same event.
• Why deductibles are high: They control claim frequency and keep premiums affordable.
  Earthquake insurance is designed for catastrophic loss—not minor cracking.

Earthquake insurance is about surviving a major loss—not eliminating all repair costs.

• Engineering inspections: Structural engineers may be required to determine whether damage is quake-related.
  Hairline cracks alone rarely trigger payment.
• Cause analysis: Insurers distinguish earthquake damage from pre-existing settlement or wear.
  Photos and prior inspection reports matter.
• Regional backlog: After major events, inspectors and contractors are in short supply.
  Timelines are driven by availability—not urgency.

Earthquake claims hinge on engineering judgment—not surface appearance.

Is earthquake coverage ever included in homeowners insurance?
Rarely. In most states it must be purchased separately or added via a distinct policy.

Does earthquake insurance cover aftershocks?
Often yes, but policy language determines whether aftershocks are part of the same event.

Is it worth it if I have a high deductible?
It depends on your risk tolerance, location, and ability to self-fund structural repairs.