Does Car Insurance Cover Earthquake Damage?
- Earthquake damage is not covered by liability or collision insurance.
- Only comprehensive insurance includes protection from natural disasters.
Need to compare rates and get coverage ahead of the next earthquake? Enter your ZIP code and get started.
Car insurance and earthquake damage
Your car is only covered for earthquake damage if you have comprehensive coverage. This part of your auto policy pays for damage from events beyond your control, like natural disasters, falling objects, or theft. However, comprehensive isn’t included automatically.
Insurers can make exceptions for rare or catastrophic events, especially in high-risk areas, so always check your policy details to be sure.
Can you add coverage right before an earthquake?
Unfortunately, no. You can’t wait until the shaking starts to get protection, and insurers are prepared for that. Here’s why:
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Binding restrictions: When a disaster is looming, insurance companies may temporarily stop allowing new policies or coverage changes. This “pause” is called a binding restriction, and it prevents last-minute updates until the risk has passed.
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No warning: Unlike hurricanes or snowstorms, earthquakes strike without notice. The USGS confirms there’s no reliable way to predict them, so there’s no forecast window to act on.[1]
Bottom line: If you want your car covered for earthquake damage, you’ll need to add comprehensive coverage in advance.
Comprehensive vs. Collision Insurance Coverage
What's the difference between collision and comprehensive insurance? Our insurance experts dive into the details of each.
How much does comprehensive coverage cost?
The cost of comprehensive coverage depends largely on your vehicle. Unlike liability coverage, which pays for injuries or damage to others, comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace your car. That means premiums are higher for vehicles that would cost more to fix or replace after a disaster, such as wildfires, floods, or hurricanes.
States by region:
- Northeast: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C.
- Southeast: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
- Southwest: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
- West: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $613 | $102 |
| USAA | $721 | $120 |
| American Family | $728 | $121 |
| GEICO | $833 | $139 |
| Progressive | $980 | $163 |
| Nationwide | $1,043 | $174 |
| Farmers | $1,086 | $181 |
| State Farm | $1,090 | $182 |
| Allstate | $1,320 | $220 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
What insurance company is the best for comprehensive coverage?
The best insurer for comprehensive coverage depends on your location, vehicle, and needs. Still, some top-rated options include USAA (especially for military families), State Farm (for strong claims support), and American Family (for flexible, affordable plans). For more detailed comparisons, see our full guide to the best insurance companies.
Need better car insurance coverage?
Homeowners Insurance and Earthquakes: What You Need to Know
Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Find out what you need to do to make sure that you and your assets are protected.
Do you need comprehensive insurance?
According to our data, 70% of drivers carry full coverage, which usually includes both comprehensive and collision coverage. If you lease or finance a vehicle, this is usually required.[2]
If your car is worth less than $4,000 and you own it outright, you might be comfortable with only the state minimum. It's really a personal choice based on your budget and your tolerance for risk. To save on premiums, consider raising your deductible—just be sure you can afford it if you need to file a claim.
📌 In California, most earthquake insurance for homes is offered through the California Earthquake Authority, and sold alongside homeowners policies—but this doesn’t apply to cars.[3] For your vehicle, comprehensive coverage is the key.
This may surprise you, but Alaska takes the top spot for the most frequent earthquakes (and holds the record for the worst one on record, back in 1954 with a 6.2 magnitude quake). California comes in second place, before Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington. They can even happen throughout the Midwest and southeastern United States. [4]
Does earthquake damage affect car insurance rates?
Yes, filing a claim for earthquake damage can lead to a rate increase, though typically less than a collision or liability claim. On average, you might see your premium rise by about $90 per year (or around $7 per month) for up to three years after filing.
Even if you don’t file a claim, your rates could still go up. Insurance companies often adjust premiums based on regional losses. If a major earthquake results in widespread claims, insurers may raise rates across the board.
What to do if your premium increases:
If your rate jumps after a natural disaster, it’s a good time to compare quotes. Prices vary by company, and switching providers could help lower your costs.
Use your ZIP code below to explore personalized rates and find the best fit for your budget.
Updating data...
| Company | No Claims | One comp claim | Two comp claims | Difference between claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American National | $570 | $587 | $590 | $33 |
| Travelers | $671 | $821 | $858 | $218 |
| USAA | $683 | $683 | $689 | $9 |
| Nationwide | $738 | $738 | $738 | $0 |
| GEICO | $771 | $782 | $796 | $32 |
| American Family | $784 | $871 | $949 | $174 |
| State Farm | $785 | $785 | $785 | $0 |
| Farmers | $893 | $942 | $1,024 | $128 |
| Progressive | $941 | $1,048 | $1,140 | $174 |
| Allstate | $1,206 | $1,244 | $1,282 | $59 |
Source: The Zebra
Get the right coverage for your needs.
How to file a car insurance claim after earthquake damage
Earthquakes can cause widespread damage, which may slow the claims process, and claims may take longer if the earthquake caused major regional damage.
Here’s what to do if you need to file a claim:
- Contact your insurer as soon as it’s safe to report the damage.
- Take photos or video of your car, especially if it was hit by falling debris or crushed in a garage collapse.
- Wait for the adjuster’s review and payout, minus your deductible.
Insider knowledge, trusted guidance.
Earthquakes and car insurance: FAQs
Compare quotes and save!
Can you predict earthquakes? USGS
Anonymized user surveys. The Zebra
Which U.S. State has the Most Earthquakes? CRMP
Earthquake Insurance. CA Dept. of Insurance
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.