Earthquake Insurance In NoVa??

[Anonymous]

We are in the process of renewing our home owner's insurance, and earthquake insurance endorsement has increased in price from $150 a year to $678. Is this coverage really necessary? Does anyone else have earthquake coverage? Our home is on the high end in North Arlington if that makes any difference.

[Anonymous]

not needed in dmv.

[Anonymous]

I'm a geophysicist living not far from you and we don't have earthquake coverage. The problem is that a) while significant earthquakes are relatively rare on the East Coast, they do happen (e.g., the Mineral VA quake in 2011 and the more-destructive Charleston quake in 1886) and b) buildings in this area are not engineered for earthquakes the way they are out West. So while there's a low probability that we'll have a damaging earthquake any time soon, there is a higher probability of building damage should that quake occur. HTH.

[Anonymous]

What? I’ve never had this or heard of it as a thing in this area?

[Anonymous]

Here's the most recent US long-term seismic hazard map: https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/2018-long-term-national-seismic-hazard-map

We're on the edge of a moderate hazard zone, but the data on which this map is based is much more limited on the East Coast, so less accurate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a geophysicist living not far from you and we don't have earthquake coverage. The problem is that a) while significant earthquakes are relatively rare on the East Coast, they do happen (e.g., the Mineral VA quake in 2011 and the more-destructive Charleston quake in 1886) and b) buildings in this area are not engineered for earthquakes the way they are out West. So while there's a low probability that we'll have a damaging earthquake any time soon, there is a higher probability of building damage should that quake occur. HTH.

Thank you so much for your expertise. I'm going to try to get the policy without the extra insurance. We'll take our chances...

[Anonymous]

Depends on your lot geography and house construction. While apocalyptic earthquake is hardly a consideration, a small earthquake (which may happen once in a while can cause destruction for some homes where sediment is soft and slides can occur, or where gas or water lines can be harmed) or where even a little shaking can compromise construction. If you have septic or well maybe there is also extra consideration, but IDK