Understanding Earthquake Insurance Policies in Washington
Living in Washington means enjoying stunning landscapes—and living with seismic risk. From the Cascadia Subduction Zone to active volcanoes like Mount Rainier, the threat of a major earthquake is ever-present. Yet many homeowners are unclear about what earthquake insurance actually covers and how it fits into their broader protection plan.
At Insurance Alliance, we help Washington homeowners navigate earthquake insurance policies with clarity and confidence, especially in light of July 2025’s earthquake swarm beneath Mount Rainier.
What Is Earthquake Insurance?
Earthquake insurance is a separate policy (or endorsement) that covers damage caused by ground shaking—something that’s not covered by standard homeowners insurance. Even if your house is insured against fire, theft, or wind, you won’t be covered for cracked foundations, collapsed walls, or broken sewer lines caused by an earthquake.
A comprehensive earthquake insurance policy typically includes:
- Dwelling Coverage – Repair or rebuild your home if it’s structurally damaged.
- Personal Property Coverage – Replace your belongings like electronics, appliances, and furniture.
- Loss of Use/Additional Living Expenses – Pays for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable.
- Code Upgrade Coverage – Covers the added cost of bringing your home up to current building codes after a quake.
Why Washington Homeowners Should Pay Attention
The July 2025 earthquake swarm under Mount Rainier produced nearly 400 small quakes, some registering over magnitude 2.3. While these didn’t cause surface damage, they reinforce that Washington is seismically active—and overdue for larger events.
Cities like Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Bellingham all sit near fault lines. And many older homes weren’t built to current seismic standards, making them especially vulnerable.
Key Features of Earthquake Insurance Policies
- High Deductibles
Earthquake insurance usually comes with deductibles ranging from 10% to 25% of your dwelling limit. For a $500,000 home, that’s $50,000 to $125,000 out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in. - Separate from Homeowners Insurance
Even if you’ve bundled other coverage, earthquake protection is purchased separately and evaluated based on location, soil type, and construction. - Exclusions Apply
Most policies don’t cover:
- Landscaping damage
- Detached structures (unless separately insured)
- Flooding (which requires a separate flood insurance policy)
- Policy Waiting Periods
Earthquake coverage usually has a brief waiting period. And if you wait until after seismic activity starts, you may be temporarily ineligible for new coverage.
Why Choose Insurance Alliance?
At Insurance Alliance, we simplify complex policies. Our local Washington agents:
- Explain each coverage component in plain language
- Help you select the right deductible based on your home’s value and your financial situation
- Compare quotes from top carriers—including both admitted insurers and specialty markets
- Offer risk assessments and retrofitting tips to improve insurability and reduce costs
We also provide guidance on private vs. state-backed earthquake insurance, so you can make the right decision for your property and budget.
Get the Coverage You Deserve Before the Next Quake
Earthquakes in Washington aren’t a matter of “if,” but “when.” Don’t wait until the ground shakes to secure your protection. Contact Insurance Alliance today to understand your options and get a quote tailored to your home’s location and structure.
