Earthquakes? Tsunamis? Are these covered under my Homeowners insurance?

Standard Homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by earthquakes or tsunamis. Earthquake damage—such as foundation cracking, structural shifting, or interior collapse from seismic activity—requires a separate Earthquake policy. Similarly, tsunami damage is classified as flooding, which is also excluded under standard Homeowners coverage. Even if the tsunami is triggered by an earthquake, the resulting water damage would not be covered unless a Flood policy is in place. These exclusions can leave even well-insured households unexpectedly exposed in the event of a major natural disaster.

For clients with homes in seismically active or coastal regions, this creates a significant exposure that can be addressed through standalone Earthquake and Flood insurance policies. In some cases, private Flood and Earthquake carriers may offer broader coverage and higher limits than government-backed programs, which can be especially important for custom or high-end homes. We recommend a comprehensive risk assessment to determine whether additional layers of protection are warranted—and to ensure no surprises after a catastrophic event.