Earthquake Insurance

According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 5,000 earthquakes are felt in the United States each year. Since 1900, earthquakes have occurred in 39 states and caused damage in all 50. On August 23, 2011, a 5.8 quake struck in Virginia and was felt all along the east coast. Here in Connecticut, the capitol building and surrounding businesses in greater Hartford were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Although earthquakes are not uncommon, property damage from earthquakes are not covered under standard homeowners or business insurance policies in the United States. Coverage is usually available for earthquake damage in the form of an endorsement to a home or business insurance policy. But, automobiles are covered for earthquake damage under the comprehensive portion of an automobile insurance policy.