Almost every homeowners and renters policy in the country excludes earthquake damage, and Washington is one of the most seismically active states in the U.S. The Cascadia subduction zone off the coast is capable of a magnitude-9 event, and the Seattle and Puget Sound faults add shallow-quake risk closer to home. Earthquake insurance is a separate policy or endorsement that fills that gap. As an independent agency, Maru compares standalone quake carriers and endorsements so Washington homeowners aren't left rebuilding out of pocket.
What earthquake insurance covers
| Coverage | What it protects |
|---|---|
| Dwelling | Repairs or rebuild of your home's structure after quake damage |
| Personal property | Belongings damaged when the ground shakes |
| Loss of use | Temporary housing and living costs while your home is repaired |
| Building code upgrades | Extra cost to rebuild to current code (where offered) |
| Emergency repairs | Immediate work to prevent further damage |
Earthquake policies exclude flood and tsunami; those require separate flood coverage. We'll coordinate both where you're exposed.
How the percentage deductible works
Instead of a flat dollar deductible, earthquake policies apply a percentage of your dwelling limit. On a home insured for $500,000 with a 15% deductible, you'd cover the first $75,000 of damage before the policy pays. That's why quake insurance is best understood as catastrophe protection — it exists so a major event doesn't wipe out your equity, not to cover hairline cracks. We help you weigh deductible options against premium so the trade-off fits your budget and risk.
Why it matters in Washington
Older homes, masonry, and un-retrofitted foundations are the most vulnerable to Northwest seismic activity, and a quake can strike with no warning and no way to shop coverage afterward. Retrofitting — bolting the house to its foundation and bracing cripple walls — can reduce both damage and premium. In Florida, earth-movement risk is more about sinkholes than tectonic quakes, which we address through separate sinkhole and catastrophic-ground-collapse coverage on the home policy.
Frequently asked questions
Isn't earthquake damage covered by my homeowners policy?
Why is the deductible so high?
Do I need it if my home is newer?
Does earthquake insurance cover the resulting fire or flood?
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (License #22261820) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.
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