Earthquake Insurance in Columbia, MO

What Is Earthquake Insurance?

Earthquake insurance is a standalone policy that covers damage to your home, personal belongings, and additional living expenses resulting from seismic activity. Standard homeowners insurance policies explicitly exclude earthquake damage, leaving a potentially catastrophic gap in your coverage.

While earthquakes may not be top of mind for many Missourians, the New Madrid Seismic Zone — one of the most active fault zones in the central United States — runs through southeastern Missouri. Even a moderate earthquake could cause tens of thousands of dollars in foundation damage to homes across the state.

At Insurance Plus, we take protecting your home seriously, and that means not leaving any gaps uncovered. Your home is likely your most valuable asset, and earthquake insurance provides an important layer of protection.

Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Earthquakes

In Missouri, earthquake insurance is sold as a standalone policy — it's not included in or available as an add-on to your homeowners policy. Homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage entirely, so it's critical to understand this gap and take steps to close it.

The primary coverage on an earthquake policy is the dwelling coverage limit, designed to repair or rebuild the main structure of your home. Many policies also provide coverage for personal property and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.

Understanding Earthquake Deductibles

Earthquake insurance deductibles work differently than standard homeowners deductibles. Instead of a flat dollar amount, earthquake deductibles are typically a percentage of your dwelling coverage — often ranging from 2% to 20%.

For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 with a 5% earthquake deductible, you'd be responsible for the first $15,000 of earthquake damage before your coverage kicks in. We'll help you choose a deductible that balances affordability with adequate protection.

What's Typically Covered