Earthquake Insurance Cost Calculator

Earthquake coverage is excluded from standard homeowners — you need a separate policy (CEA in California, private in other states). Premium scales with USGS seismic zone, building type, and the deductible percentage you choose.

Seismic Zones and Premium

USGS hazard maps drive rate-setting. California (San Andreas, Hayward, San Jacinto faults) has the highest premiums. Pacific Northwest (Cascadia Subduction Zone) is rising as awareness grows. New Madrid Seismic Zone covers MO/TN/AR/KY/IL.

Building Type Matters Most

Wood-frame homes flex and survive better than rigid structures. Unreinforced masonry (URM), soft-story apartments over open garages, and old brick chimneys raise premium 60-100%. Reinforced concrete with shear walls gets discounts up to 30%.

Deductibles 5%-25%

Earthquake deductibles are percentage-of-dwelling, not flat dollar. Common: 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%. On a $500K house, 15% deductible = $75K out-of-pocket before insurance pays. Higher deductible cuts premium 15-30%.

Retrofit Discounts

Brace-and-bolt foundation retrofits, soft-story strengthening, and seismic gas shutoff valves earn 5-25% premium discounts. California offers Brace+Bolt grants (up to $3K) and Earthquake Brace+Bolt program in select zip codes.

Last updated May 2026. Sources: CEA — California Earthquake Authority, USGS Earthquake Hazards.