Earthquakes can cause devastation any time of the year and without warning. Many homeowners don’t realize that damage from earthquakes is not typically covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

Why consider earthquake coverage?

Considering you proximity to a earthquake vault line is important. However, it is important to remember that damage can be widespread, with significant distance any from the heart of the earthquake. The distance away from the heart of the earthquake, size of the earthquake, proximity to bodies of water and what your house is built on are all factors which affect the level of damage you may experience during an earthquake. Earthquake insurance can protect you against the damaging outcome it may have on your home. Common damages caused are subsidence, slope failure, soil liquefaction.

Common issues during a earthquake

Ground shaking

Is both vertically and horizontally movement of the ground. This may causes substantial property damage. Unreinforced brick or masonry homes will sustain more damage than more flexible wood-frame homes. Older homes that have not been retrofitted for protection during an earthquake, are exposed to more chance of damage.

Soil liquefaction

Soil liquefaction is where saturated soil loses its strength and stability causing the soil to behave more like a liquid than a hard stable surface. Causing your home settle or potentially tip.

Slope failure

An earthquake can cause a slope failure (mass wasting), often associated with wetness causing gravitational stress and the land to slide. Often caused by flooding near bodies of water or through substantial rainfall. 

How will earthquake insurance help?

Earthquake coverage is designed to assist you with the cost caused by earthquake damage. Some of the associated costs covered are – repair or replacing your home, home contents replacement, mortgage payment support. This type of policy is heavily influenced state by state.

Tips to stay safe in the event of an earthquake

• Prevent bookshelves and heavy items such as TVs or furniture from falling over and causing injury or damage by attaching them to the wall.
• Do not put heavy items on shelves above your bed, couches or chairs.
• Brace your water heater(s).
• Use closed screw eyes instead of traditional picture hangers to secure pictures and other valuable artwork to the walls.

There may be enrollment periods for your earthquake insurance coverage.