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Missouri is home to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, the nation's most active earthquake
zone east of the Rocky Mountains. Yet homeowners have been buying less and less earthquake
insurance coverage since 2004.
The Missouri Department of Insurance encourages Missourians to check with their insurance
agents to see if their property is covered by earthquake insurance. Director of the department
John M. Huff explains that earthquake coverage is a separate policy or rider.
People need to understand is that earthquake coverage is not typically on your homeowners
coverage or not on your commercial coverage on your business. It is typically an additional
rider or an additional policy.
Parts of Southeast Missouri are directly on the New Madrid Fault making this area most
exposed to an earthquake. The cost of coverage continues to rise but it is still much more
affordable then if an earthquake were to occur and damage your property.
Typically the actual premium for insurance is quite reasonable, its anywhere from as
low as $4 a month up to $40 a month even. But there are additional costs on earthquake
coverage, like deductibles that may be as high as 25 % of the value of the home.
Before purchasing earthquake insurance, consumers need to know the value of their home. They
should consider how much coverage they want and how the deductibles and premiums work.
Also when speaking to your agent ask about exclusions and sub limits on personal items.
You can always reach out to your trusted agent or call our department for more information.
Our consumer hotline reps are available at 800 726 7390 or contact us online at insurance.mo.gov.
To learn more about earthquake insurance visit insurance.mo.gov.