Does Earthquake Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

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March 11, 2025

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
“If an earthquake causes a flood, will my earthquake insurance policy cover the damage?”

The answer? No.

Earthquake insurance does not cover flood damage—even if the flood was triggered by an earthquake. Understanding this coverage gap is crucial to ensuring your home is fully protected from natural disasters.

When Does an Earthquake Lead to Flooding?

An earthquake can cause secondary disasters that result in flooding, such as:
🌊 Tsunamis or tidal waves triggered by seismic activity
💥 Dam failures that release massive amounts of water
🚰 Broken water mains leading to street and basement flooding

While these events may start with an earthquake, the actual damage is caused by flooding—and that is where your coverage matters.

Why Earthquake Insurance Doesn’t Cover Flood Damage

Insurance companies classify earthquake damage and flood damage as two separate risks.

Even if the flood was triggered by an earthquake, it is still classified as flood damage—which means your earthquake insurance policy will not cover it.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

To fully protect your home, consider adding flood insurance to your coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurers offer flood policies that specifically cover:
✔️ Structural damage from floodwaters
✔️ Water damage to personal property
✔️ Cleanup and repair costs after flooding

If you live in an area prone to earthquakes and flooding, having both earthquake and flood insurance is essential for full financial protection.

Don’t Get Caught Without the Right Coverage!

Many homeowners assume their earthquake insurance will cover all disasters related to an earthquake—but that’s not the case.

📢 Make sure you’re fully covered before the next disaster strikes!
🔍 Get a free earthquake insurance quote today at 👉 EarthquakeAgent.com