Standard renters insurance does not cover earthquake damage
Most renters insurance policies exclude earthquakes entirely. If an earthquake damages your belongings — your furniture, electronics, clothes, or anything else inside your apartment — your standard policy will not pay for those losses. The same goes for damage to the building itself, though that is usually the landlord's responsibility anyway.
This exclusion exists because earthquake risk is concentrated in specific geographic areas and can be catastrophic. Insurance companies price policies based on risk. In earthquake-prone regions, adding earthquake coverage to every standard policy would make those policies unaffordable for most renters. Instead, insurers offer earthquake coverage as a separate add-on, which you purchase only if you need it.
You can verify what your own policy covers by looking at the "exclusions" or "what we don't cover" section of your policy documents. If you have not received a full policy yet, your insurance company's website usually has a sample policy you can read, or you can call and ask directly whether earthquakes are excluded.
Key Takeaways
- Standard renters insurance policies exclude earthquake damage to your belongings, even in states where earthquakes are common.
- Earthquake coverage is sold as a separate add-on policy or rider, not as part of a standard renters policy.
- The cost and availability of earthquake coverage depend on your location and the insurance company; some insurers do not offer it in high-risk areas.
- You must purchase earthquake coverage before an earthquake occurs — you cannot add it after damage has happened.
- Earthquake policies typically have higher deductibles than standard renters insurance, sometimes $1,000 or more per claim.
How earthquake coverage works as an add-on
If you want protection against earthquake damage, you purchase it as a separate policy or rider attached to your renters insurance. A rider is an add-on to your existing policy; a separate policy is its own standalone contract. Either way, you pay an additional premium on top of your standard renters insurance.
When you add earthquake coverage, you choose a deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance pays anything. Earthquake deductibles are usually much higher than standard renters deductibles. While a standard renters policy might have a $500 deductible, an earthquake rider might require you to pay $1,000, $2,500, or even 15 to 20 percent of your coverage limit. This means you only recover money from the insurance if your losses exceed that threshold.
The premium you pay for earthquake coverage varies based on your location, the age and construction of your building, and the coverage limit you choose. In California, where earthquake risk is highest, premiums are typically higher than in states where earthquakes are rare. Some insurance companies do not offer earthquake coverage in certain high-risk areas at all.
Where you can purchase earthquake coverage
Most major renters insurance companies offer earthquake coverage as an add-on, though not all of them do. Companies like State Farm, Allstate, Geico, and Progressive all offer it in most states, but you need to ask — it is not automatic. Some smaller or regional insurers do not offer it at all.
In California, the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is a public agency that sells earthquake insurance to renters and homeowners when private insurers will not. If your current insurance company declines to offer earthquake coverage, or if you cannot find a company that will, CEA may be an option. You can learn about CEA coverage and pricing on their website or by contacting your insurance agent.
To add earthquake coverage to your existing renters policy, contact your insurance agent or log into your online account with your insurance company. You will answer questions about your building and location, choose a deductible, and see the monthly or annual cost. You can then decide whether to add it. If you are shopping for a new renters policy, you can ask about earthquake coverage as part of the initial quote.
What earthquake coverage actually pays for
Earthquake coverage pays for damage to your personal belongings caused directly by earthquake shaking, ground movement, or collapse. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, dishes, books, and other items inside your rental unit. If an earthquake causes your television to fall and break, or your bookshelf to topple and destroy items, earthquake coverage would pay for those losses (minus your deductible).
Earthquake coverage does not pay for damage caused by things that happen after the earthquake, such as fire, flooding, or broken gas lines. If an earthquake ruptures a gas line and causes a fire, the fire damage is not covered under earthquake insurance — it would be covered under a separate fire policy, which most renters already have as part of their standard policy. Similarly, if an earthquake causes a water main to break and flood your apartment, that flooding is not covered by earthquake insurance.
Earthquake coverage also does not cover the building structure itself — walls, roof, plumbing, electrical systems. That is the landlord's responsibility and their property insurance problem, not yours.
States and regions where earthquake coverage matters most
Earthquake risk is not evenly distributed across the United States. California has the highest risk and the most active earthquake insurance market. Oregon, Washington, Utah, Nevada, and parts of the Midwest and South also experience earthquakes, though less frequently than California.
If you live in California, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, or San Diego, earthquake coverage is worth considering. If you live in Oregon or Washington near the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the risk is real but less frequent. If you live in most of the East Coast, Midwest, or South, earthquake risk is low enough that most renters do not purchase coverage.
You can check the U.S. Geological Survey earthquake hazard maps online to see the estimated earthquake risk for your specific location. This can help you decide whether the cost of earthquake coverage is worth it for you. If you live in a low-risk area, the premium may not be worth paying. If you live in a high-risk area, the cost of replacing your belongings after an earthquake could far exceed the annual cost of coverage.
What to do if you decide not to buy earthquake coverage
If you decide earthquake coverage is too expensive or unnecessary for your situation, you have other options for protecting your belongings. Keep an inventory of your possessions with photos or video, and store that inventory somewhere safe — a cloud storage account, a safe deposit box, or a copy at a friend's house. If an earthquake damages your belongings, this inventory helps you document what you lost, which can be useful for tax purposes or insurance claims.
You can also reduce your risk by securing heavy furniture to walls, storing breakable items low to the ground, and keeping your most valuable items in a safe place. These steps do not replace insurance, but they reduce the chance that an earthquake will destroy your belongings in the first place.
If you rent in a high-risk area and cannot afford earthquake coverage, at least understand what your standard renters policy does cover — theft, fire, wind, and other perils. That coverage still protects you from many common losses, even if earthquakes are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add earthquake coverage after an earthquake happens?
No. Insurance companies will not sell you earthquake coverage after an earthquake has occurred or after you know one is coming. You must purchase it before any earthquake damage happens. If you are thinking about adding it, contact your insurance company now.
Does earthquake coverage pay for damage to my car?
No. Renters insurance, including earthquake coverage, only covers your personal belongings inside your rental unit. Damage to your car is covered by your auto insurance policy, not your renters policy. You would need to file a claim with your auto insurer.
If my landlord's building is damaged in an earthquake, do I have to pay rent?
That depends on your state's laws and the severity of the damage. If the building is uninhabitable, most states do not require you to pay rent until it is repaired or you move out. If the building is still habitable but has minor damage, you may still owe rent. Check your state's tenant rights laws or contact a local tenant advocacy organization for guidance specific to your situation.
How much earthquake coverage should I buy?
Most renters insurance policies let you choose a coverage limit — the maximum amount the insurance will pay. A common approach is to estimate the replacement cost of your belongings and choose a limit close to that amount. Many renters choose $20,000 to $40,000 in coverage, though your needs may be different. Your insurance agent can help you decide.
Does earthquake coverage include my security deposit?
No. Earthquake coverage pays for damage to your personal belongings, not for money you have already paid to your landlord. Your security deposit is a separate matter between you and your landlord and is not affected by your renters insurance.