Protect your home from the damage standard insurance usually doesn’t cover.

Most homeowners are surprised to learn this:

Standard homeowners insurance typically does NOT cover earthquake damage.

That means if an earthquake damages your:

• Foundation
• Walls
• Roof
• Garage
• Personal belongings

…you could be responsible for the repairs yourself unless you have separate earthquake coverage.

At Ted Hamm Insurance Agency, we help homeowners understand what earthquake insurance actually covers, who needs it, and how to avoid costly coverage gaps before a disaster happens.

🏠 What is Earthquake Insurance?

Earthquake insurance is a separate policy—or endorsement added to your homeowners insurance—that helps cover damage caused by earthquakes and ground movement.

Depending on the policy, coverage may help pay for:

• Structural repairs to your home
• Damage to attached structures
• Personal belongings
• Temporary living expenses if your home becomes unlivable
• Debris removal and repairs related to quake damage

⚠️ Why Earthquake Coverage Matters

Even smaller earthquakes can cause:

• Cracked foundations
• Chimney collapse
• Shifted framing
• Broken gas or water lines
• Interior structural damage

And unlike storms or fires, earthquake damage is usually excluded from standard home insurance policies.

👉 That’s where many “we thought we were covered” situations happen.

📍 Do I need earthquake insurance?

That depends on:

• Where your home is located
• Soil conditions
• The age and construction of your home
• Your financial ability to absorb major repairs yourself

While earthquake insurance is especially important in states like California, earthquakes can happen in many parts of the country—including areas near fault lines that homeowners may not realize exist.

🧠 Our approach is simple:

We help you understand the real risk.

We’ll help you:

• Review your current homeowners policy
• Identify whether earthquake coverage makes sense
• Compare available options
• Understand deductibles and limitations
• Avoid paying for coverage you don’t actually need

No fear tactics. No pressure. Just real answers.

💡 What does earthquake insurance usually cover?

Coverage can vary by carrier and policy, but earthquake insurance may include:

Dwelling Coverage

Helps repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged by an earthquake.

Personal Property Coverage

Helps replace belongings damaged during a covered earthquake event.

Loss of Use Coverage

Helps pay for temporary housing and living expenses if you can’t safely stay in your home.

Other Structures

May help cover detached garages, sheds, fences, or similar structures on your property.

⚠️ Important things to understand

Earthquake policies often work differently than standard homeowners insurance.

Higher deductibles

Earthquake deductibles are usually percentage-based rather than flat dollar amounts.

Example:
A 15% deductible on a $500,000 home could mean paying the first $75,000 of damage before insurance applies.

Coverage varies significantly

Not all policies cover:

• Masonry veneer
• Pools
• Landscaping
• Older foundations
• Certain types of construction

That’s why reviewing the details matters.

👷 Who should consider earthquake insurance?

Earthquake coverage may make sense if you:

• Own a home in an earthquake-prone area
• Have significant home equity
• Would struggle to pay for major repairs out-of-pocket
• Own an older home
• Want additional financial protection and peace of mind

❓ Quick Answers

Does homeowners insurance cover earthquakes?

Usually no. Most standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage unless separate coverage is added.

Is earthquake insurance expensive?

Cost depends on your location, home value, construction type, and deductible selection.

Can I add earthquake coverage to my current policy?

In many cases, yes. Some carriers offer endorsements while others use separate policies.

What’s the deductible for earthquake insurance?

Earthquake deductibles are commonly percentage-based and can vary significantly between policies.

Is earthquake insurance only for California?

No. While California has the highest exposure, earthquake risk exists in many other regions as well.

🛡️ Let’s make sure you understand your risk before you need coverage.

Earthquake insurance isn’t about expecting disaster.
It’s about understanding what your homeowners policy actually covers—and what it doesn’t.

Talk with the team at Ted Hamm Insurance Agency to review your options and decide what makes sense for your home, your location, and your comfort level.