An earthquake is a sudden, rapid, shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and they can occur at any time of the year, day or night. Earthquake insurance reimburses you for damage caused by earthquakes, from damage to your home and personal property to temporary living arrangements. Forty-five states and territories in the United States are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes, and they are located in every region of the country.

How Can I Prepare?

To prepare for an earthquake, learn the fire evacuation and earthquake plans for buildings you occupy. In each room of your home, pick a safe place. This could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows or tall furniture that could fall. Drop, cover, and hold: practice this in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.

What Should I Do?

If you are outside when the shaking starts, find a clear spot and drop to the ground and stay away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights, etc. If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.

What Do I Do After?

Expect and prepare for potential aftershocks and landslides. Each time you feel an aftershock, drop, cover, and hold on. They can continue to occur frequently for minutes, days, weeks, and even months following an earthquake. Check for injuries and get first aid if necessary. Quickly check for damage in and around the home and get everyone out if it is unsafe.

Get Protected

Homeowners insurance is a great option to protect your home and belongings. It covers many mishaps that can happen, such as fires, lightning strikes, windstorms, and hail. Theft and vandalism are even covered by home insurance. But, a standard homeowner’s policy doesn’t typically cover seismic activity or quake damage. If you’re relying on a standard homeowners’ insurance policy, you could be in for an unfortunate surprise.

Earthquake insurance works a little differently than most insurance coverages. Rather than a flat rate deductible, your insurance provider will likely require a deductible of 5% - 25% of your home value. If your home is worth $300,000 and you have a 10% deductible, you would be required to pay $30,000 towards construction of a new home in the event an earthquake destroys your home. Talk with a Goldenwest Insurance Services agent to determine cost and protect yourself for the long term.

*All coverage is subject to each individual carrier’s underwriting guidelines