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How to Get Renters Earthquake Insurance

Patrick Harwood
· · Updated Jan 16, 2026 · 2 min read
Renters earthquake insurance is not a part of a basic policy. An earthquake, designated an unusual "act of God," is only covered if you have an additional rider, or floater policy, that covers this specific event. Unlike flood insurance, earthquake coverage is not provided through the United States government.

How to Get Renters Earthquake Insurance

 

Make An Earthquake-safe File

1. Document The Major İtems That You Have On Your İtemized List Of Belongings

Photograph or videotape each item, and make a copy of any sales receipts that you have. Photographs or electronic scans of sales receipts are also acceptable.

 

2. Store Your İtemized List İn An Earthquake-safe File Or Electronic Document, Away From The Risk Of Earthquakes

This may mean that you send your list to a friend or store it on a website.

 

3. Update Your List Of İtems At Least Once A Year To Ensure That You Have A List Of Most Of The İtems That You Own

 

Evaluate Your Earthquake Risk

1. Discover Your Region's Likelihood To Have An Earthquake

Contact your state or local government agencies to obtain their assessments of the level of earthquake risk.

 

2. Visit Fema.gov To Confirm Your State's Earthquake Risk Level With The Federal Emergency Management Agency

 

3. Assess The Likelihood Of Damage That Could Come From Earthquakes

Mudslides and landslides are generally covered by earthquake insurance. The cracking, shrinking or buckling of terrain may be covered as well.

 

Get Renters Earthquake Insurance

1. Contact A Reputable İnsurance Company With Whom You Have An İnsurance Policy, And Ask For An Earthquake İnsurance Quote

This will have be an additional rider or floater policy to your regular insurance.

 

2. Get And Compare Earthquake İnsurance Quotes From Three Other Companies At Netquote.com

 

3. Determine Which Company Offers The Best Deal, Contact A Representative And Purchase İnsurance

 
Tips and Warnings
  • Renters earthquake insurance is typically provided based on a mandatory 5 percent deductible off the total value of your belongings.

    This is the minimum deductible allowed.

  • Don't try to get insurance from the wrong company. California earthquake insurance is only allowed through companies that participate in the California Earthquake Authority(CEA).
  • Don't expect insurance to cover all types of damage. Damage that comes from explosions, fires, or floods is not covered by earthquake insurance.
 

You Might Also Like :: How to Get Commercial Renters Insurance

 

How to Get Renters Earthquake Insurance

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Written by

Patrick Harwood

Patrick Harwood has been a professional writer and editor since 2004, specializing in articles about spectator sports, personal finance and law. He has contributed to family of magazines and websites.

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Patrick Harwood

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