Earthquakes present a serious threat to many homeowners, especially those living in western states. However, earthquake insurance can be a bit confusing. Contrary to what you may believe, standard home insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by earthquakes as a default. In some cases, you may be able to obtain earthquake insurance from your insurer as an add-on to your homeowner’s policy. However, in many cases, this is not an option. Many people have to find another insurer that offers earthquake coverage.
What Is Covered By Earthquake Insurance?
Contrary to popular belief, earthquake insurance doesn’t just cover your home. Obviously, earthquake insurance does provide protection for the structure of your home but it also protects your personal belongings like furniture and clothes as well as additional living expenses if you are forced to temporarily live somewhere else while your home is being repaired. Depending on the policy, things like sheds and carports are also often covered by earthquake insurance.
How Much Does Earthquake Insurance Cost?
There is no one cost for earthquake insurance. The price you will pay for coverage is determined by a long list of different things. Some of the determining factors are:
- Your ZIP code
- The cost of your home
- The soil composition on your property
- The age of your home
- The number of stories in your home
Earthquakes are not particularly common but they can be devastating when they strike. Earthquake insurance can help give you more peace of mind, especially if you live in a western state.