Most of us face the possibility of experiencing an earthquake in our lifetime. Nearly 90% of Americans live in areas prone to active earthquakes, and earthquakes have occurred in 39 states since 1900. Some may think they don’t need to worry about earthquake insurance, or it’s okay to put it off, but it’s important to ensure you, your loved ones, and your home are as safe as possible if and when an earthquake happens.

If your home is in Tulsa, earthquake insurance is affordable—contact Everything Insurance Group to find out how much it will cost.

When it comes to earthquake insurance, there are two essential things to know to keep your home covered and your mind at ease.

1. The majority of home insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage.
2. You may still need earthquake insurance even if you do not live in an earthquake-prone area.

There Are Many Options for Earthquake Insurance

It is possible to purchase earthquake coverage as an endorsement or a separate policy if your home, condo, or rental insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage or adequate earthquake damage.

There are several sources of earthquake insurance, including the company that currently provides your home insurance. You can also reach out to a specialized earthquake insurance provider, or an independent organization like the California Earthquake Authority (CEA).

If you don’t live in an earthquake-prone area, it’s still beneficial to have some form of insurance, even if it’s supplemental insurance.

Is Earthquake Insurance Essential in Oklahoma?

Most people in Oklahoma live in an active earthquake zone, but even if you’re not in an earthquake-prone area, it’s a good idea for every U.S. citizen to have some earthquake insurance for protection. Here are some facts to consider:

There’s a 70 percent probability that one or more damaging earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.7 or greater will strike the San Francisco Bay area during the next 30 years, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This can cause significant structural damage. 

According to the Earthquake Education Center at Charleston Southern University, there’s a 40 to 60 percent chance of a major earthquake happening somewhere in the eastern part of the United States within the next 20 years.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, there’s a 40 to 63 percent chance that the New Madrid Fault (which runs through Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee) region will experience an earthquake with a 6.0 magnitude within the next 15 years.

Depending on the magnitude, location, and residual impact from the earthquake, locations like Oklahoma could see potential damage from quakes in the coming years from internal or external disasters. Given the likelihood of this possibility, Oklahoma residents are recommended to seek earthquake insurance in their areas.

How Does Earthquake Insurance Work?

Earthquake insurance covers damage to your home caused by an earthquake. Unless you live in more earthquake-prone areas, most standard homeowner and renter policies do not cover earthquake damage.

Damages or losses from floods, tidal waves, and other natural disasters are usually not included under your standard earthquake insurance or endorsements. If you experience a loss as a result of a landslide, settlement, mudflow, or rising, sinking, and contracting of the earth due to an earthquake, a comprehensive earthquake supplemental insurance or endorsement is likely to cover it.

The FAQs We Can Answer—Give Us A Call:

• Are other structures, such as garages, covered by the policy? 
• When your home is badly damaged or destroyed, will your policy cover the contents and additional living expenses? 
• Does coverage include any exclusions or limitations?
• Do you have to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in?

Here’s How You Can Prepare for an Earthquake in Oklahoma

• Secure your water heater, gas appliances, and other fixtures. 
• Ensure that furniture like armoires are securely fastened to the wall. 
• Set up a meeting place outside the home where family members can gather once the danger has passed. 
• Assign a family member or friend to serve as a point of contact and communication for you and your family members. 
• Keep flashlights, batteries, candles, and a portable radio.
• Make sure everyone knows how to turn off utilities, including electricity, water, and gas.
• A good earthquake insurance company will help you identify possible repairs and improvements that will make your home safer and minimize damage.

When An Earthquake Hits

If your building or house is structurally sound, seek cover under a heavy table or desk if you are inside when an earthquake hits. Stay away from windows. Avoid evacuating the building unless instructed to do so by emergency personnel. If you’re in a building or home that’s not structurally sound, it may be best to exit the building quickly.

However, if you find yourself outdoors, be careful of falling debris. Stay away from buildings and power lines, and remember that stone, brick, furnishings, and masonry material can fall from buildings. If you’re in a vehicle, stay inside only if you’re not surrounded by trees, power lines, or buildings that can fall. Avoid structures, large trees, power lines, and other hazards.

Important Things To Remember

• Be sure gas lines are checked before using candles, as well as water and electric connections, sewage connections, and chimneys in your home. 
• Except for emergencies, don’t tie up the phone lines. 
• Beware of aftershocks that can be as strong or last as long as an initial earthquake, and can do more damage. Keep your family together and stay alert. You’ll need food and water for the short term. Keep water and perishable goods stored where you can reach them after an earthquake occurs. 

Find out how we can help you get the best price and value on earthquake insurance.

Oklahoma Earthquake Insurance Coverage

Home: Coverage for home damage

Living Expenses: If your home is deemed unlivable after a disaster, this covers your living expenses.

Personal Property: If your possessions are damaged, this covers most personal property.