How do I decide whether or not to get earthquake insurance?
You should consider the following factors when deciding whether or not to get earthquake insurance:
- proximity to active earthquake faults
- seismic history of the region (frequency of earthquakes)
- time since last earthquake
- building construction (type of building and foundation)
- architectural layout
- materials used
- quality of workmanship
- extent to which earthquake resistance was considered by the designer
- local site conditions (type and condition of soil)
- slope of the land
- fill material
- geologic structure of the earth beneath
- annual rainfall
- value of the building and its contents
- cost of the insurance and restrictions on coverage (i.e. the deductible).
You will probably need an expert to evaluate your situation. The USGS is unable to make recommendations, but your homeowner’s insurance agent may be able to provide additional information.
Related
What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area? What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area?
According to information supplied in the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast 3: Los Angeles area: Within the next 30 years the probability is: 60% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.7 46% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7 31% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 will occur in the Los Angeles region. San Francisco Bay area: Within the next 30 years the probability is...
What is the difference between earthquake early warning, earthquake forecasts, earthquake probabilities, and earthquake prediction? What is the difference between earthquake early warning, earthquake forecasts, earthquake probabilities, and earthquake prediction?
The USGS uses these four terms to refer to four different things. Early warning is a notification that is issued after an earthquake starts. Probabilities and forecasts are comparable to climate probabilities and weather forecasts, while predictions are more like statements of when, where, and how large, which is not yet possible for earthquakes. Here are more detailed descriptions of each...
How are engineers working to make roads and buildings safer? How are engineers working to make roads and buildings safer?
Earthquake engineers are working to make roads and buildings safer in the event of major earthquakes. This includes both improving the design of new buildings and bridges as well as strengthening older units to incorporate the latest advances in seismic and structural engineering. The Federal Emergency Management Agency plays a central role in funding research and development for the purpose of...
Related
What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area? What is the probability that an earthquake will occur in the Los Angeles Area? In the San Francisco Bay area?
According to information supplied in the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast 3: Los Angeles area: Within the next 30 years the probability is: 60% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.7 46% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7 31% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 will occur in the Los Angeles region. San Francisco Bay area: Within the next 30 years the probability is...
What is the difference between earthquake early warning, earthquake forecasts, earthquake probabilities, and earthquake prediction? What is the difference between earthquake early warning, earthquake forecasts, earthquake probabilities, and earthquake prediction?
The USGS uses these four terms to refer to four different things. Early warning is a notification that is issued after an earthquake starts. Probabilities and forecasts are comparable to climate probabilities and weather forecasts, while predictions are more like statements of when, where, and how large, which is not yet possible for earthquakes. Here are more detailed descriptions of each...
How are engineers working to make roads and buildings safer? How are engineers working to make roads and buildings safer?
Earthquake engineers are working to make roads and buildings safer in the event of major earthquakes. This includes both improving the design of new buildings and bridges as well as strengthening older units to incorporate the latest advances in seismic and structural engineering. The Federal Emergency Management Agency plays a central role in funding research and development for the purpose of...