Texas Earthquake Insurance
(Learn how to find the right earthquake policy for you.)
Written by
Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
According to The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), most Texas homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by earthquakes. The Texas Department of Insurance regulates most insurance in the state and publishes guidelines on a number of insurance topics. Since your current auto, home, or commercial policy probably excludes earthquake damage, you may be interested in separate Texas earthquake insurance policies.
If you are concerned about damage to your home and property, it is a good idea to check your current policy for exclusions. You can contact a member agent in the Trusted Choice® network for help reviewing your current insurance policies. These professionals will also suggest sensible coverage and give you multiple Texas earthquake insurance quotes to compare. A member agent can provide you with personal service, competitive price quotes, and professional advice before and after you purchase a policy. Find your independent member agent today.
Primary Causes of Earthquakes in Texas
- Explosive volcanic eruptions
- Shifting tectonic plates and faults
- Changes in substructures from manmade activities
While all of the volcano sites in Texas are currently extinct, the state has numerous tectonic plates and almost constant seismic activity. The Balcones fault in central TX and portions of the more mountinous western region experience the most shifting. As the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," becomes more common, scientists are concerned that the incidence of earthquakes may be increasing.
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How Much Does Texas Earthquake Insurance Cost?
There is no average rate for Texas earthquake insurance. The cost will depend on your location and the value of the property you want to insure. The TDI does mention that separate earthquake policies are usually inexpensive because earthquake damage is rare in the state.
Are There Earthquakes in Texas?
Texas earthquakes are not common, but they do happen throughout the state. Recently a 4.1 magnitude quake struck the eastern Texas town of Timpson. A few days later, the same area suffered another 2.8 magnitude quake. Older homes and buildings, constructed with less stringent building codes, may be particularly susceptible to damage from earthquakes and tremors.
Historical Earthquake Trends
According to the U.S. Geologic Survey (UGS), earthquakes have been recorded in many different parts of the state since 1882. Most of these recorded quakes were of a low to moderate intensity, but they still caused widespread damage. In the case of earthquakes which occurred before modern equipment could measure them, scientists speculated on the intensity based on the damage reports. Most of the reported earthquakes were felt in eastern Texas, the Texas Panhandle, and western Texas.
Earthquakes may not be covered by typical property insurance policies. One of the first things your Trusted Choice member agent will address is the existing coverage that your home, auto, and business policies provide. It will probably be fairly inexpensive to find Texas earthquake insurance policies from a top rated insurer.
How Do You Find Texas Earthquake Insurance Quotes?
Most Texans seldom consider the risk of earthquakes. They are more likely to be aware of the likelihood of hurricanes or floods. Nevertheless, earthquakes do occur from time to time and the resulting damage could produce catastrophic losses. A member agent in the Trusted Choice network can answer your questions, suggest the right coverage, and give you free competitive price quotes from multiple companies. With over 27,000 locations across the United States, there is probably one near you. Contact a member agent right away to get the process started.