Is Earthquake Insurance Required by Law in California?
No, California does not legally require earthquake insurance, but the constant risk of earthquakes can make this coverage worth exploring.
California experiences more than 500 earthquakes each year that are strong enough to be felt by people. With 32 known fault lines present, the possibility of damage is always present, which could make earthquake coverage important to California residents.
Your typical homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. Instead, you would need to purchase separate earthquake insurance to help pay for repairing or replacing personal belongings after a quake. In most cases, this coverage is available through the California Earthquake Authority in partnership with participating insurance companies.
While earthquake coverage isn’t required, California homeowners may want to carefully assess their risk by factoring in their location, home structure, and financial stability.
Key takeaways
- Earthquake insurance isn’t legally required, but often recommended: While California law doesn’t mandate earthquake insurance, many residents may end up needing it. Earthquake insurance could offer financial protection after a quake. While no home is completely earthquake-proof, retrofitting and having insurance together help reduce potential losses.
- Earthquake insurance isn’t covered under a standard HO-3 policy: Standard homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover earthquake damage. Interested California residents would need to purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy.
- Coverage cost varies: The cost of your earthquake insurance premium may depend on several factors including your home’s location, construction type, and chosen policy limits.
- Assess your personal risk: Assessing your personal risk using fault line maps and home structure details can help guide coverage decisions. Consult with a licensed insurance producer before making determinations.
Why homeowners worry about earthquakes in California
Homeowners in CA often worry about earthquakes because they are unpredictable and can happen across the entire state. California sits on several fault lines, including the San Andreas Fault, making earthquakes routine. Most are minor, but occasionally a stronger one could shake homes, crack walls, or damage roofs. That unpredictability can leave many uneasy.
Past earthquakes like the 1994 Northridge and 1989 Loma Prieta quakes remind Californians how damaging and costly earthquake damage can be. Many families lost homes, spent months repairing residential buildings, or faced high costs to rebuild. These memories still shape how Californians think about safety, financial protection. For many, standard homeowner's insurance may not be enough coverage.
However, your standard homeowner’s policy does not cover earthquake damage. Some residents may consider buying separate California earthquake insurance, which helps cover losses from earthquakes, including help with repairs and rebuilding.
Is earthquake insurance legally required in California?
Many Californians ask the same thing: is earthquake insurance mandatory? The answer is no; it’s a personal choice. The state does not require anyone to buy it. However, many insurance companies that sell homeowners policies in California may offer the option for earthquake coverage. This gives every homeowner the chance to choose extra protection, if they would like to purchase it.
Understanding the risks of living without earthquake insurance
A large share of Californians live without an earthquake insurance policy, leaving many exposed to significant financial risk when a quake strikes. It may be worth exploring the potential costs of any major repairs, comparing them against the cost of your projected earthquake insurance premium.
Regardless of whether California homeowners purchase earthquake insurance or not, homeowners may want to inspect their home after any earthquake to catch early signs of damage.
Evaluating the costs and benefits of earthquake insurance
The cost of earthquake insurance in California could vary widely depending on the home’s age, location, construction style, and the coverage limits chosen.
Premiums for earthquake insurance in California can run from $800 to $1,000 [1] per year. Knowing the average annual cost could help homeowners get a clearer sense of what to expect when comparing policies.
However, price is only one part of the decision. The scope of coverage matters just as much. Some earthquake policies will not cover repairs to fences, sheds, or garages. They typically also include homeowners insurance deductibles that range from 5 to 25% [2] of the home’s insured value. Homeowners should also check whether personal belongings, temporary living costs, and code-related repairs are included.
When comparing costs and benefits, make sure you’re consulting with a licensed insurance producer to determine your eligibility and explore available options.
Determining your personal risk and coverage needs
Property owners may ask themselves: Do I need earthquake insurance in California, given the state’s frequent seismic activity? The answer is different for everyone and depends on several factors, including where you live, how your home is built, and what level of financial protection you want.
When working with a licensed insurance producer, you may first want to know how close your home is to an active fault line. The California Geological Survey provides detailed online maps that show earthquake hazard zones. Check your address on these maps to understand how likely ground movement could affect your property.
The construction of a home is also an important consideration. Wood-frame houses typically withstand shaking better than brick or unreinforced masonry buildings. Older homes, especially those built before modern seismic codes, may be more susceptible to structural damage. Soil composition also matters. Homes on soft or filled earth might experience more intense shaking than those on bedrock.
Each homeowner should work with a licensed insurance producer to assess personal and financial circumstances before selecting coverage. Evaluate available savings for repairs, and determine whether your home’s structure or location intensifies risk. Homes near fault lines or built on weak soils might require higher coverage limits or higher deductibles.
Even after you select your coverage, California homeowners may want to revisit your risk every few years. Updated maps and construction improvements could change how much coverage you could need. Regular reviews keep your protection current with real conditions, not assumptions.
Navigating common misconceptions about earthquake insurance
Think your homeowners policy covers earthquake damage? It probably doesn't. Most standard policies exclude earthquake coverage entirely.
Another common misconception is that homes can be made completely earthquake-proof. While retrofitting and reinforcing structures can reduce damage, no building can fully withstand powerful shaking.
Other homeowners may dismiss earthquake insurance as unnecessary because they believe major quakes rarely occur. However, without proper coverage, homeowners might have to pay the entire cost of rebuilding.
Earthquake insurance policies do have limits and exclusions. They might not cover pools, fences, or detached structures, and deductibles can be higher than those in standard home insurance policies [2]. Earthquake insurance could help absorb major losses that would otherwise be unmanageable.
Still have questions?
Interested to learn more about earthquake insurance and home safety in California? Here are some common questions homeowners often ask when deciding whether to get coverage.
What percent of California homeowners have earthquake insurance?
Only about 10% of California homeowners currently have earthquake insurance. Most rely on standard homeowners policies, which do not cover earthquake damage. This can leave many families exposed to high repair costs if a strong quake occurs.
What happens if your house is destroyed by an earthquake?
If your home is destroyed and you do not have earthquake insurance, you must pay for repairs or rebuilding yourself. Government aid is often limited and usually comes as a loan, not a grant. With insurance, your policy could help cover the cost of reconstruction and temporary living expenses.
Are all California homes earthquake-proof?
No home is completely earthquake-proof. However, newer home foundations built under modern building codes are often designed to withstand strong shaking better than older structures. Retrofitting older homes could help reduce damage.
What part of California is safest from earthquakes?
Areas in Northern California generally face lower earthquake risk compared to Southern California [3]. However, no part of California is entirely free from seismic activity. Check local hazard maps to get a clearer picture of your specific risk.
When was the last damaging earthquake in California?
The last widely felt damaging earthquake occurred in Ridgecrest in 2019, causing property damage across Kern and San Bernardino counties. Smaller quakes have occurred since then, but most have caused minimal damage.
Sources
- Information from QuakeInsurance.
- Information from the California Department of Insurance.
- Information from the United States Geological Survey.
Figures reflect averages from publicly available sources as of October 2025.
This article is for informational purposes only and was compiled from sources not affiliated with Hippo. While we believe this information to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For any insurance-related decision, please consult your licensed insurance producer.
