How to Get Earthquake Insurance in Pennsylvania

While Pennsylvania is not typically associated with seismic activity like California or Alaska, the common assumption that earthquakes are rare or insignificant in the state can be dangerously misleading. Over the past century, Pennsylvania has experienced more than 150 documented earthquakes, including a notable 4.8-magnitude tremor near the Ohio border in 2011 and a 3.8-magnitude event in 2022 near the Lehigh Valley. Though these events rarely cause catastrophic damage, they are enough to threaten structural integrity, especially in older homes and buildings not designed to withstand ground movement. Standard homeowners insurance policies in Pennsylvania explicitly exclude earthquake damage — leaving homeowners financially exposed. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to obtaining earthquake insurance in Pennsylvania, helping you protect your property, assets, and peace of mind.

Earthquake insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is a critical risk management tool for homeowners in areas with even moderate seismic potential. Unlike flood or wind damage, earthquake damage accumulates silently — cracks in foundations, misaligned doors, broken pipes, and compromised structural supports may not be immediately visible but can lead to costly repairs or even total loss over time. Understanding how to access, evaluate, and purchase earthquake coverage is essential for any Pennsylvania homeowner serious about long-term property protection.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assess Your Home’s Seismic Risk

Before purchasing any insurance, you must understand your home’s vulnerability. Pennsylvania lies within the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone and the New Madrid Seismic Zone’s northern extension, both of which have historically produced moderate earthquakes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) classifies most of Pennsylvania as “low to moderate” seismic risk, but localized areas — particularly near the Ohio border, the Poconos, and the Lehigh Valley — show higher susceptibility due to ancient fault lines and geological stress.

Use the USGS National Seismic Hazard Map (available at usgs.gov) to input your ZIP code and view your area’s probability of ground shaking over 30 years. Pay attention to the “Peak Ground Acceleration” (PGA) values — a PGA of 0.05g or higher indicates a meaningful risk. Even if your area is classified as low-risk, historical data shows that earthquakes can occur unpredictably. A 2020 study by the Pennsylvania Geological Survey found that 70% of the state’s population lives within 50 miles of a known fault line.

Step 2: Review Your Current Homeowners Policy

Standard homeowners insurance policies — whether issued by State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, or local Pennsylvania insurers — do not cover earthquake damage. This exclusion is standard across the U.S. insurance industry. Carefully read your policy’s “Exclusions” section, typically found under “Perils Not Covered.” If your policy mentions “earth movement,” “seismic activity,” or “ground shaking” as excluded, you are not protected.

Even if your policy includes coverage for fire, wind, or hail damage, those benefits do not extend to earthquake-related incidents. For example, if an earthquake causes a gas line rupture leading to a fire, the fire damage may be covered — but only if the fire was the direct result of a covered peril. If the primary cause is the quake, the entire claim may be denied. This is why standalone earthquake insurance is necessary.

Step 3: Determine Your Coverage Needs

Earthquake insurance policies typically cover three main areas: dwelling, other structures, and personal property. Some also offer loss of use coverage, which pays for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable.

• Dwelling coverage repairs or rebuilds your main home structure. This should match your home’s current replacement cost, not its market value.
• Other structures include detached garages, fences, or sheds. Coverage is usually 10% of your dwelling limit.
• Personal property covers belongings such as furniture, electronics, and appliances. Most policies cap this at 50–75% of your dwelling coverage.
• Loss of use pays for hotel stays or rental housing while repairs are underway, typically up to 20% of your dwelling limit.

Consider your home’s age and construction. Homes built before 1980, especially those with masonry foundations or unreinforced brick walls, are far more vulnerable. If your home has been retrofitted with seismic braces, foundation anchors, or shear walls, you may qualify for premium discounts. Document any upgrades — they are critical when applying for coverage.

Step 4: Compare Available Insurance Options

In Pennsylvania, earthquake insurance is not sold as a standalone product by most major insurers. Instead, it is typically offered as an endorsement — an add-on to your existing homeowners policy — or through the Pennsylvania Fair Plan, a state-backed insurer of last resort for high-risk properties.

Start by contacting your current insurer. Ask if they offer earthquake endorsements and request a quote. If they do not, ask for a list of partner insurers that do. Many Pennsylvania-based companies, including Erie Insurance and Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association (PMA), offer earthquake coverage through affiliated underwriters.

Alternatively, you can purchase earthquake insurance through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) model, which Pennsylvania insurers have adopted in part. The CEA’s structure includes tiered deductibles, typically ranging from 10% to 20% of your dwelling coverage. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, a 15% deductible means you pay $45,000 out of pocket before coverage kicks in. This is higher than typical homeowners deductibles, so budget accordingly.

Shop at least three providers. Use independent insurance agents who represent multiple carriers. They can compare pricing, deductibles, coverage limits, and exclusions across policies. Do not assume the cheapest quote is the best — read the fine print on what is excluded, such as foundation cracking, landslide damage, or damage to swimming pools.

Step 5: Understand Deductibles and Premiums

Earthquake insurance deductibles are significantly higher than those for other perils. While a standard homeowners deductible might be $500–$1,000, earthquake deductibles are usually percentage-based: 5% to 20% of your dwelling coverage. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums, but also greater out-of-pocket exposure after a claim.

For a $400,000 home, a 10% deductible equals $40,000. A 15% deductible equals $60,000. This means that unless damage exceeds your deductible, you pay for repairs yourself. Many homeowners mistakenly believe earthquake insurance is “free money” — it is not. It is a safety net for catastrophic loss, not minor repairs.

Premiums in Pennsylvania vary based on location, construction type, and deductible. On average, homeowners pay between $200 and $800 annually. In high-risk zones like Mercer County or Luzerne County, premiums may exceed $1,200. Premiums are also affected by your home’s foundation type — slab-on-grade homes typically cost less to insure than raised basements or crawl spaces.

Step 6: Complete the Application and Underwriting Process

Once you select a provider, you’ll complete an application. This may include:

• Home construction year and materials (brick, wood frame, steel)
• Foundation type (basement, crawl space, slab)
• Roof type and age
• Any seismic retrofits or engineering reports
• Previous claims history

Some insurers require a home inspection, especially if your property is over 40 years old. The inspector will look for signs of prior seismic damage, such as diagonal cracks in walls, uneven floors, or shifted chimneys. If damage is found, you may be required to make repairs before coverage is issued — or you may be declined coverage entirely.

Be honest and thorough. Misrepresenting your home’s condition can void your policy. If your home has known structural issues, disclose them. Some insurers offer coverage with exclusions for pre-existing conditions, which is better than being denied entirely.

Step 7: Secure and Document Your Policy

After approval, you’ll receive a policy document. Read it in full. Pay attention to:

• Effective date and expiration date
• Specific coverage limits for each category (dwelling, personal property, etc.)
• Exclusions (e.g., “no coverage for damage to landscaping or underground pipes”)
• Claim procedures and deadlines

Store your policy digitally and in hard copy. Take photos of your home’s exterior and interior — especially structural elements like foundations, load-bearing walls, and chimneys. Create a home inventory list with receipts or appraisals for high-value items (jewelry, electronics, art). This documentation is essential for proving loss during a claim.

Step 8: Maintain and Review Your Coverage Annually

Home values and construction costs change. If you renovate your home, add an extension, or upgrade your HVAC system, notify your insurer. Failure to update your dwelling coverage can result in underinsurance — meaning your payout may not cover full replacement costs.

Review your policy each year. Compare rates with other providers. New insurers may enter the market, or your current provider may adjust pricing. If you’ve made seismic improvements, ask for a re-evaluation — you may qualify for a discount.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Structural Reinforcements

Insurance is not a substitute for prevention. Investing in seismic retrofits reduces your risk and can lower your premiums. Key upgrades include:

• Installing steel braces on foundation walls
• Securing water heaters to wall studs with straps
• Reinforcing chimneys with metal ties
• Adding anchor bolts to connect the home’s frame to its foundation

Many Pennsylvania counties offer tax credits or low-interest loans for seismic retrofits. Contact your local building department or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) website for programs like the “Home Improvement Loan Program” or “Resilient Home Grants.”

2. Avoid Common Coverage Gaps

Most earthquake policies exclude:

• Damage to swimming pools, hot tubs, or landscaping
• Loss of food in refrigerators due to power outages
• Damage to sewer lines or septic systems
• Business income loss if you work from home

If these items are important to you, consider purchasing additional riders or separate policies. For example, a separate “utility line endorsement” can cover sewer line repairs after an earthquake.

3. Don’t Wait Until a Seismic Event is Imminent

Insurers often impose moratoriums on new policies after significant seismic activity. In 2011, after a 5.8-magnitude quake in Virginia, several insurers in the Mid-Atlantic region temporarily suspended new earthquake coverage applications. If you wait until you hear rumors of an impending quake, you may be locked out of coverage entirely.

4. Bundle with Other Insurance for Discounts

Many insurers offer multi-policy discounts. If you bundle earthquake coverage with your auto insurance, umbrella policy, or flood insurance, you may save 10–20% on premiums. Ask your agent about package deals.

5. Keep Records of All Communications

When applying for coverage, request written confirmation of all quotes, exclusions, and terms. Email correspondence is preferable to phone conversations. If you’re told something verbally, follow up with an email: “Per our conversation on [date], you confirmed that [detail] is included. Please confirm in writing.” This protects you in case of future disputes.

Tools and Resources

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) — Seismic Hazard Maps

https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards

Interactive maps showing historical earthquake locations, fault lines, and probability of future shaking in Pennsylvania. Use the “ShakeMap” tool to see ground motion predictions for specific ZIP codes.

Pennsylvania Geological Survey

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Geology/

State-specific data on seismic risk, fault locations, and geological reports. Includes downloadable PDFs on Pennsylvania’s earthquake history and building code recommendations.

Insurance Information Institute (III)

https://www.iii.org

Nonprofit resource with detailed guides on earthquake insurance, state-by-state regulations, and policy comparisons. Their “Earthquake Insurance 101” section is especially useful for beginners.

Homeowners Insurance Comparison Tools

Use platforms like Policygenius or Insurify to compare earthquake endorsement quotes from multiple Pennsylvania insurers. These tools allow you to filter by deductible, coverage limits, and price.

Local Building Departments

Contact your county’s building and zoning office. Many offer free seismic safety checklists and can recommend licensed contractors who specialize in earthquake retrofits. For example, Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspections provides a “Home Seismic Safety Guide” online.

Home Inventory Apps

Use apps like Encircle or Sortly to document your belongings with photos and purchase receipts. These apps sync with cloud storage and can be accessed during a claim even if your home is damaged.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Lehigh Valley Homeowner

In 2022, a 3.8-magnitude earthquake centered near Allentown caused significant damage to a 1950s brick ranch home. The foundation cracked, the chimney collapsed, and the water heater shifted, flooding the basement. The homeowner had a standard homeowners policy with no earthquake endorsement. All repair costs — over $78,000 — were paid out of pocket. After this experience, they purchased earthquake insurance with a 10% deductible and retrofitted their home with foundation anchors. Their annual premium is now $520, but they have peace of mind.

Example 2: The Lancaster County Couple

A retired couple in Lancaster County owned a 120-year-old farmhouse with a stone foundation. They were told by their insurer that earthquake coverage was not available due to the home’s age. They contacted the Pennsylvania Fair Plan, which accepted their application with a 20% deductible and a requirement to install seismic bracing. After completing the retrofit (costing $9,000), their premium was reduced by 18%. When a minor tremor in 2023 caused a small crack in the foundation, their claim was approved for $12,000 in repairs.

Example 3: The Pittsburgh Condo Owner

A condominium owner in Pittsburgh assumed their HOA policy covered earthquakes. It did not. When a 2.9-magnitude quake rattled the building in 2021, multiple units suffered drywall damage and broken pipes. The HOA’s master policy excluded earthquake damage, so individual unit owners were responsible for repairs. One owner had purchased a standalone earthquake endorsement and received $8,500 in coverage. Others paid thousands out of pocket. This prompted the HOA to reconsider coverage — and now offers earthquake endorsements as an optional rider.

FAQs

Does homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania cover earthquakes?

No. Standard homeowners insurance policies in Pennsylvania explicitly exclude damage caused by earthquakes, ground movement, or seismic activity. You must purchase a separate earthquake endorsement or policy to be protected.

How much does earthquake insurance cost in Pennsylvania?

Annual premiums range from $200 to $1,200, depending on your location, home value, construction type, and deductible. Homes in higher-risk zones like Mercer, Luzerne, or Allegheny counties typically cost more.

What is the typical deductible for earthquake insurance in Pennsylvania?

Most policies have deductibles between 10% and 20% of your dwelling coverage. For a $300,000 home, that means $30,000 to $60,000 out of pocket before coverage begins.

Can I get earthquake insurance if my home is over 50 years old?

Yes, but you may need to complete seismic retrofits before coverage is approved. Insurers may require an inspection and engineering report. Some providers, like the Pennsylvania Fair Plan, specialize in older homes.

Does earthquake insurance cover damage to my foundation?

Yes — if the damage is directly caused by an earthquake. However, pre-existing foundation issues are typically excluded. Always disclose prior damage when applying.

Is earthquake insurance worth it in Pennsylvania?

If you own a home, especially one built before 1980, or if you live near a known fault line, yes. Even moderate quakes can cause tens of thousands in damage. The cost of insurance is often far less than the cost of repairs.

Can I buy earthquake insurance after an earthquake occurs?

Technically yes — but many insurers impose temporary bans on new policies after significant seismic events. It’s best to purchase coverage before any event occurs.

Does earthquake insurance cover loss of use?

Most policies include limited loss of use coverage — typically 20% of your dwelling limit — to pay for temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable. Confirm this is included in your policy.

Do renters need earthquake insurance?

Standard renters insurance does not cover earthquake damage to personal belongings. Renters can purchase a separate earthquake endorsement for their contents. It’s especially important if you live in an older apartment building.

How do I file a claim after an earthquake?

Contact your insurer immediately. Take photos of all damage. Do not make permanent repairs until an adjuster has inspected the property. Keep receipts for temporary repairs and living expenses. Submit your claim within the timeframe specified in your policy — usually 30 to 60 days.

Conclusion

Earthquake insurance in Pennsylvania is not a luxury — it is a necessary layer of protection for homeowners who want to safeguard their most valuable asset. While the state may not be prone to frequent or massive quakes, the risk is real, unpredictable, and financially devastating if unprepared. The cost of coverage is modest compared to the potential cost of repair, and the process of obtaining it is straightforward when approached systematically.

By assessing your home’s risk, reviewing your current policy, comparing coverage options, and investing in structural resilience, you take control of your financial future. Don’t wait for the ground to shake before you act. Use the tools, resources, and best practices outlined here to secure your coverage today. Your home, your savings, and your peace of mind are worth the effort.

Remember: Earthquakes don’t announce themselves. But your preparedness can.