The Ground Can Shift. Your Coverage Shouldn't.

No. Standard homeowner's insurance policies explicitly exclude earthquake damage. Any cracking, settling, or structural damage caused by seismic activity — including aftershocks — will not be covered unless you have a separate earthquake policy or endorsement specifically added to your coverage.

Earthquake insurance costs vary by home value, construction type, age, and proximity to fault lines. For many Midwest homeowners, a policy can cost as little as $100–$300 per year. Homes near the New Madrid Seismic Zone or with older masonry construction may cost more. We'll get you specific pricing based on your property.

Unlike standard insurance deductibles, earthquake deductibles are typically a percentage of your home's insured value — often 5%, 10%, or 15%. So if your home is insured for $300,000 with a 10% deductible, you would pay the first $30,000 of a claim yourself. We explain this clearly and help you choose the deductible level that makes sense for your budget and risk tolerance.

Given that the New Madrid Seismic Zone runs directly beneath Missouri and Illinois, most experts and geologists say yes. A major earthquake along this fault could cause catastrophic damage across multiple states. Earthquake coverage is often affordable in the Midwest, making it one of the highest-value protections available for homeowners in this region.

It depends on your policy. Some earthquake policies bundle building and contents coverage together, while others require you to purchase them separately. Contents coverage protects furniture, electronics, and personal property that is damaged during a seismic event. We'll make sure your policy covers both your home's structure and your belongings inside it.

Unlike flood insurance which typically has a 30-day waiting period, many earthquake policies activate quickly — often within a few days or immediately upon binding. However, some carriers do impose short waiting periods. We'll clarify exactly when your coverage starts so there are no surprises.