Earthquake insurance coverage

Most homeowners policies don't cover damage caused by an earthquake. If you live in an area where earthquakes are more likely, you may want to consider adding earthquake coverage when available.

About coverage add-ons

A standard home policy may help pay for sudden, accidental losses caused by covered events. For example, many policies include coverage for fire-related damage.

But some types of losses aren’t covered by a standard policy. These are often available as optional coverages—also called endorsements or add-ons—that you may buy for more protection.

Depending on your state and policy, earthquake coverage may be available as an optional endorsement. If added, earthquake-related damage may be covered, subject to your policy’s deductibles, limits, and exclusions.

A quick note on limits

Adding earthquake coverage doesn’t automatically increase your coverage limits. Your standard policy may still apply. For example, if your policy’s personal property limit is $100,000, that may remain the limit after earthquake coverage is added.

Earthquake coverage by policy type

Earthquake coverage may be available for several types of home policies, including:

• Homeowners insurance
• Manufactured home insurance
• Condo insurance
• Renters insurance

Here’s a high-level look at how adding earthquake coverage may apply to these policy types.

Homeowners and manufactured home insurance policies

Standard homeowners insurance and standard manufactured home insurance are designed to help protect your home and the things you own. Both may cover the following earthquake-related losses if you add earthquake coverage to your standard policy:

• Your home: roof, walls, siding, and windows
• Other structures: detached garages or sheds, and in some cases fences or pools, subject to policy terms
• Your belongings: clothing, jewelry, furniture, and electronics
• Additional living expenses: hotel stays, meals, and other qualifying expenses if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, subject to policy terms

Condo insurance

Standard condo insurance helps meet condo owners' unique insurance needs. It typically helps protect the inside of your unit and your personal belongings.

If earthquake damage is excluded on your condo policy, adding earthquake coverage may include the following protections:

• Your unit's interior: walls, floors, and cabinets
• Your belongings: clothing, jewelry, furniture, and electronics
• Additional living expenses: hotel stays, meals, and other qualifying expenses if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, subject to policy terms

Renters insurance

Standard renters insurance may help protect your personal belongings and can also help cover certain liability-related losses. If you add earthquake coverage (when available), it may help cover earthquake-related losses such as:

• Your belongings: clothing, jewelry, furniture, and electronics
• Additional living expenses: hotel stays, meals, and other qualifying expenses if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, subject to policy terms

More earthquake-related coverages

If you’re building out your earthquake protection, it can help to look beyond the endorsement itself.

Consider reviewing your current limits

You may want to discuss whether these limits still fit your needs:

• Personal property coverage limits
• Loss of use coverage limits
• Medical payments coverage limits, if included in your policy

You may also want to ask about personal umbrella liability as a separate coverage option for broader protection.

Explore optional coverages to help strengthen your protection

Depending on what’s available in your state and for your policy, these add-ons could provide more overall coverage after certain types of losses:

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

Earthquake coverage deductibles

Earthquake insurance deductibles are often higher than standard home insurance deductibles. In general:

• A lower deductible may mean a higher premium
• A higher deductible may mean a lower premium

Talk with your American Family Insurance agent to find a balance you feel comfortable with, both for the premium you pay and the out-of-pocket costs you could face if you have a claim.

Adding earthquake coverage to your standard policy

Want to explore earthquake coverage? Contact your American Family Insurance agent to:

• Confirm whether earthquake coverage is available for your policy and location
• Help you spot potential coverage gaps
• Review limits, deductible, and any optional add-ons you’re considering

You can also visit our resource hub for more homeowners insurance articles and tips. And if you’re looking for ways to save, check out our discount resources to learn more.

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.