Earthquake endorsement
Add-on coverage for earthquake shaking damage, excluded on standard homeowners policies.
Plain definition
Earthquake coverage is usually sold as an endorsement or separate policy with a percentage deductible applied to dwelling value. It covers structural damage from earth movement as defined—aftershocks, landslides may have sublimits or exclusions depending on form.
Why it matters
In seismic zones, one earthquake can exceed mortgage equity. Without endorsement, even total structural loss may be uninsured on HO-3.
Example
A magnitude 6.5 quake cracks the foundation. Earthquake coverage pays covered repairs after a 15% dwelling deductible on a $400,000 home ($60,000 out of pocket before insurance contributes).
Common misunderstanding
Fire following earthquake may be covered on the base policy even when shake damage is not—read how your state and form split those perils.
Policy language always controls. This is educational content, not advice. See our disclaimer.