Earthquake Insurance Coverage

Standard home policies don't typically cover earthquake-related losses. This exclusion may be okay if you don't live in an earthquake-prone area. If you do, consider updating your policy with the following earthquake coverages.

About Coverage Add-Ons

A standard home policy may help pay for sudden, accidental losses caused by covered events. For example, standard home policies typically include fire-related damages. Therefore, fire-related losses may be covered if your standard policy covers house fires.

Coverages not included in a standard home policy are insurance add-ons. You may buy insurance add-ons and add them to your standard policy for more protection. 

Earthquake coverage is an insurance add-on. When you add earthquake insurance to your standard policy, earthquake damages become covered losses.

However, those losses are still subject to your standard policy's limitations. For example, if your standard policy covers personal property up to $2,000, those limits remain the same. Earthquake insurance helps apply your standard coverages to earthquake damages. 

Earthquake Coverage by Policy Type

Buying earthquake coverage helps remove your standard home policy's earthquake-damage exclusions. Earthquake-related damages become losses that may qualify for coverage.

Your standard home insurance policy provides protections based on your primary policy type. Whether you rent or own, you may be able to buy earthquake coverage. It's usually available for apartments, condos, homeowners and manufactured homes.

The following briefly explains the benefits of adding earthquake coverage to your standard home policy for each policy type.

Home Insurance Policies

Standard homeowners insurance and standard manufactured home insurance provide similar protections. Each may cover the following earthquake-related losses when you add earthquake coverage to your standard insurance. 

• Your home: roof, walls, siding and windows
• Other structures: detached garages, sheds, fences and pools 
• Your belongings: clothing, jewelry, furniture and electronics 
• Living expenses: hotel stays, food and other qualifying expenses if your home is deemed uninhabitable by your insurer 

Condo Insurance

Standard condo insurance helps meet condo owners' unique insurance needs. Typically, it helps protect the unit's interior and the policyholders' belongings. However, covered losses exclude earthquake damages.

Adding earthquake coverage to your condo policy may include the following protections.   

• Your home's interior: walls, floors and cabinets
• Your belongings: clothing, jewelry, furniture and electronics
• Living expenses: hotel stays, food and other qualifying expenses if your home is deemed uninhabitable by your insurer 

Renters Insurance

Standard renters insurance may cover your personal belongings and accidental damages you've caused to your unit. Adding earthquake coverage to your standard renters policy may help provide the following protections.

• Your belongings: clothing, jewelry, furniture and electronics
• Living expenses: hotel stays, food and other qualifying expenses if your home is deemed uninhabitable by your insurer

More Earthquake-Related Coverages

Increasing the following standard home coverage limits may help cover more earthquake-related losses.

• Personal property coverage limits 
• Loss of use coverage limits 
• Personal and medical liability limits

Buying one or more of the following coverages with earthquake coverage may help add more earthquake-loss protection to your policy.   

• Matching siding insurance
• Service line coverage 
• Sewer backup, septic backup or sump overflow 

Earthquake Coverage Deductibles

Earthquake insurance deductibles are usually higher than standard home insurance deductibles. Opting for the lowest deductible often leads to higher insurance premiums. Speak with your agent to help ensure you're comfortable with your premiums and out-of-pocket claim expenses.

Adding Earthquake Coverage to Your Standard Policy

Contact your American Family Insurance agent to add earthquake coverage to your home insurance policy today. They can also review your policy for coverage gaps to help you get the earthquake protection you need.

For more information, visit our resource hub. There, you'll find articles that may help you learn how to protect yourself from unexpected losses. You can also find details on filing claims for a smoother, faster process.

Visit our discount resources to learn more about our savings programs. For example, if you have a smart device installed in your home, you may qualify for a home insurance discount. You may also be eligible for bundle savings if you have more than one American Family Insurance policy. The more you let us help you protect, the more you may be able to save.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. You should contact a professional for advice specific to your situation. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.

*Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of December 2023). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.