Puget Sound risk
Earthquake insurance in Washington
Standard homeowners, condo and renters policies in Washington exclude earthquake damage. Earthquake coverage is added by endorsement or a separate policy, usually with a deductible of 10% or more of the dwelling limit — so the decision is about protecting against a catastrophic loss, not small cracks.
Why it matters in the Puget Sound
Short answer: The region is exposed to shallow crustal faults such as the Seattle and Tacoma faults, deep intraslab quakes like 2001's Nisqually earthquake, and the Cascadia subduction zone offshore.
Washington's Emergency Management Division publishes preparedness guidance for all three.
How to decide
Short answer: Compare the percentage deductible with what you could afford to lose, then weigh the premium against that protection.
- What is your equity in the home?
- Could you rebuild without coverage after a major quake?
- Is the home bolted and braced (older homes)?
- For condos: what is the HOA's earthquake deductible, and could it be assessed to you?
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover fire after an earthquake?
Fire following an earthquake is generally covered by a standard homeowners policy even though the earthquake shaking damage is excluded. Check your policy wording.
Sources
- Washington Emergency Management Division — Earthquakes
- WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner — Homeowners insurance
Explanations on this page are general. Your policy documents control what is and isn't covered.
Keep exploring
- Home insuranceWhat Washington homeowners insurance covers — dwelling, belongings, liability, living costs — and what it doesn't. Get a home insurance quote from a Federal Way agent.
- SeattleSeattle home insurance for craftsman and older homes: knob-and-tube and old plumbing, steep-slope landslide areas, sewer backup, earthquake and high rebuild costs.
- Condo insurance (HO-6)Condo insurance (HO-6) covers your unit's interior, belongings and liability, plus loss assessments from the HOA. What the HOA master policy covers — and what it leaves to you.
- Home insurance deductibles, explainedHow home insurance deductibles work, flat vs. percentage deductibles, why earthquake deductibles are different, and how to choose the right deductible.
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