Earthquake Insurance Costs & Deductibles in WA
With seismic activity on the rise—like the 2025 earthquake swarm beneath Mount Rainier—Washington homeowners are increasingly exploring earthquake insurance. But how much does it cost? And what’s the deal with those high deductibles?
At Insurance Alliance, we believe in making coverage transparent and accessible. This guide breaks down the real costs and deductible structures of earthquake insurance for Washington residents, so you can make an informed decision about protecting your home.
Why Are Earthquake Insurance Costs Different?
Unlike homeowners insurance, earthquake insurance is risk-based and location-specific. Rates are influenced by:
- Proximity to fault lines (e.g., Seattle Fault, Cascadia Subduction Zone)
- Soil type (soft soil increases risk of shaking damage)
- Construction type and age of your home
- Foundation design (raised foundations are often more vulnerable)
Following the Mount Rainier swarm in July 2025, many insurance providers reviewed regional risks and pricing models. This has made shopping around—and having an expert like Insurance Alliance on your side—even more important.
Average Earthquake Insurance Premiums in Washington
Earthquake premiums vary significantly, but here’s a general range:
- Standard wood-frame home (pre-1980s): $800 – $1,800/year
- Modern, retrofitted home: $300 – $900/year
- High-value or multi-story homes: $1,500 – $3,000/year
Premiums are typically lower in areas with rockier soil, recent construction, or retrofit upgrades.
Understanding Earthquake Deductibles
One of the biggest surprises for new policyholders is the percentage-based deductible. Unlike a flat deductible (e.g., $1,000), earthquake policies in WA typically come with 10% to 25% deductibles of the insured dwelling value.
Example:
- Home insured for $400,000
- 15% deductible = $60,000
- You must pay $60,000 out of pocket before coverage begins
These deductibles are designed to keep premiums lower while covering only catastrophic damage—not cosmetic cracks or small repairs.
Some carriers allow you to choose different deductibles for:
- Dwelling
- Personal property
- Loss of use (temporary housing)
Higher deductibles = lower premiums, but also higher out-of-pocket risk. We help you find the right balance based on your budget and home value.
Can You Lower the Cost?
Yes. Here’s how:
- Retrofit your home (foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing)
- Bundle earthquake with homeowners insurance (if same provider allows)
- Shop multiple carriers—we compare quotes from both NFIP-backed and private insurers
- Choose a higher deductible if you’re comfortable with more risk
Insurance Alliance also advises you on available discounts, especially for updated plumbing, electrical, or structural improvements.
Get a Custom Quote—Not a Generic Estimate
The only way to know your actual cost is to get a personalized quote. At Insurance Alliance, we assess your:
- Zip code and proximity to active faults
- Home’s age, size, and foundation
- Risk tolerance and coverage goals
Whether you live in Olympia, Spokane, Seattle, or near Mount Rainier, we’ll find a policy that protects your home—and your wallet.
Earthquakes Don’t Wait. Neither Should You.
With seismic swarms reminding us how active Washington really is, now is the time to act. Contact Insurance Alliance for a custom earthquake insurance quote today.
