Retrofitting Your Washington Home Can Lower Earthquake Insurance Costs
After the July 2025 earthquake swarm under Mount Rainier, more Washington homeowners are reevaluating their risk. While earthquake insurance is a smart move, many are surprised by the cost. The good news? Retrofitting your home can not only make it safer—it can also lower your premiums.
At Insurance Alliance, we work with homeowners throughout Washington to improve home safety, reduce risk, and qualify for earthquake insurance discounts.
Why Retrofitting Matters
Many homes in Washington—especially those built before 1980—weren’t designed with modern seismic safety standards in mind. These structures are more likely to shift off their foundation, collapse, or suffer severe internal damage during an earthquake.
A retrofit improves a home’s ability to resist shaking and can include:
- Foundation bolting: Secures the house to its foundation to prevent it from sliding off.
- Cripple wall bracing: Reinforces short walls between the foundation and floor to resist collapse.
- Strapping water heaters: Prevents gas leaks, fires, and water damage.
- Reinforcing chimneys and masonry: Strengthens vulnerable brickwork.
Benefits of Retrofitting
- Increased Safety
Your home is less likely to collapse, and your family is better protected. - Lower Insurance Premiums
Many earthquake insurers offer discounts to retrofitted homes, especially in high-risk areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. - Better Policy Options
Retrofitted homes may qualify for lower deductibles, higher coverage limits, and access to private markets that exclude older, non-retrofitted structures. - Improved Resale Value
Buyers are increasingly aware of seismic risk. A retrofitted home can stand out and command a better price.
How Much Does a Retrofit Cost?
In Washington, basic retrofitting for a wood-frame home typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000. For larger or more complex homes, costs can reach $10,000 or more—but the investment is often far less than the cost of earthquake damage, which can exceed $100,000+.
Some counties and cities offer rebate programs or low-interest loans to help offset costs. Ask Insurance Alliance if any incentives are available in your area.
How Insurance Alliance Supports You
We go beyond policy quotes. At Insurance Alliance, we:
- Help determine if your home is a good candidate for retrofitting
- Recommend licensed, experienced retrofit professionals in your area
- Work with insurers who offer earthquake insurance discounts for retrofitted homes
- Compare quotes from both private markets and state programs
- Offer guidance on FEMA and local retrofitting standards
We also assess your home’s risk based on soil type, elevation, foundation type, and proximity to active faults—especially relevant after July’s Mount Rainier activity.
Protect Your Home and Save on Premiums
Don’t wait for the next earthquake to expose your home’s weaknesses. Retrofitting is one of the smartest investments a Washington homeowner can make—and it can unlock more affordable earthquake insurance coverage.
Contact Insurance Alliance today for a free quote and a retrofit consultation tailored to your property.
