Earthquake Insurance

The most important thing to know about earthquake insurance is that it's not part of your basic homeowners policy. Which means that, without a specific earthquake policy, you're not covered.

Who needs it?

Earthquakes are a real danger, and not just for Californians. In fact, earthquakes occurred in 39 states during the 20th century. And approximately 90 percent of Americans live in areas considered "seismically active."

For some people, earthquake insurance isn't necessary. For others it can mean the difference between full recovery and financial ruin.

How much does it cost? (Cost not addressed)

Because earthquake insurance is a type of catastrophic coverage, most policies carry a relatively high deductible, usually anywhere from 5 to 15 percent of the coverage you purchase.

How much should you buy?

Simply put, you should have enough insurance to cover the costs of completely rebuilding your house. The coverage should be based on replacement and reconstruction costs, brought up to the newest building code levels, and not on the fair market value of your property. Minimal contents coverage is often included and can be increased through endorsement.

Homeowners can be impacted by an earthquake in more parts of the U.S. than you might think. If you're at risk, having the coverage that can help you rebuild your life is a worthwhile expense.

Request a no-obligation Earthquake Insurance quote now.

See also:

• Are you prepared for an Earthquake?
• Preparing for Disasters

You might also consider :

• Single Family insurance
• Condo/Townhouse insurance
• Rental Property insurance