What are the two most important things to know about earthquake insurance?<\/p>\n
Unlike Nepal, earthquakes have occurred in 39 states since 1900, and about 90% of Americans live in areas considered seismically active. For many of our neighbors in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut areas, earthquake insurance can be inexpensive \u2013 give us a call at 914-648-3005\u00a0to find out what the costs would be for your home.<\/p>\n
Most homeowner, condo and rental insurance policies do not cover damage caused by an earthquake, but coverage can be purchased as an endorsement or a separate policy. You may be able to choose to purchase earthquake insurance from the same company that provides your home insurance, from a specialized earthquake insurance provider, or from an independent organization such as the California Earthquake Authority (CEA).<\/p>\n
In all likelihood, almost the entire US would be better protected by purchasing earthquake insurance. Consider the facts:<\/p>\n
In the West:<\/strong> According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there is a 70 percent probability that one or more damaging earthquakes of magnitude 6.7 or larger will strike the San Francisco Bay area during the next 30 years.<\/p>\n In the East: <\/strong>The Earthquake Education Center at Charleston Southern University claims there’s a 40 to 60 percent chance of a major earthquake somewhere in the eastern United States in the next 20 years.<\/p>\n In the Midwest: <\/strong>According to the Insurance Information Institute, there’s a 40 to 63 percent chance the New Madrid Fault (which runs through Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee) region will suffer an earthquake with a 6.0 magnitude in the next 15 years.<\/p>\n Earthquake insurance provides coverage if your home is damaged by an earthquake. Standard homeowner and renters policies will not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance is a separate endorsement you must buy and add to your homeowner or renters policy.<\/p>\n An earthquake endorsement generally excludes damages or losses from floods and tidal waves \u2013 even when caused or compounded by an earthquake. However, if you experience a loss due to a landslide, settlement, mudflow, or the rising, sinking and contracting of earth, your endorsement may cover it if the damage resulted from an earthquake.<\/p>\n There are several options to consider when purchasing earthquake insurance, including:<\/p>\n If you are inside<\/strong> when an earthquake hits, stay inside and get under a heavy table or desk. Stay away from windows. Do not evacuate the building unless emergency personnel direct you to leave.<\/p>\n If you are outside<\/strong>, get away from buildings and power lines, and remember that stone and masonry facings can break loose and fall away from upper parts of buildings.<\/p>\n If you are in a car<\/strong>, stop safely away from structures, large trees, power lines, and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n Keep in mind:<\/strong><\/p>\nSo, What Does Earthquake Insurance Cover?<\/h2>\n
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\u00a0Earthquakes Can Happen In The Tri-State Area \u2013 Here\u2019s How You Can Protect Yourself<\/h2>\n
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\u00a0What To Do When An Earthquake Strikes<\/h2>\n
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