Earthquakes More Common than Homeowners Think

6/25/2010

The 5.0 magnitude earthquake that shook Ontario, Canada this week was felt over the border in a number of U.S. states. While damages from the incident were minimal, homeowners may want to consider whether their insurance needs are being adequately met.

A standard home insurance policy will typically not cover damage from earthquakes. Instead, homeowners must purchase separate riders offering such protection.

Earthquakes may be more commonly associated with California, but a look at the U.S. Geological Survey's website finds that most states and regions of the country have been affected by seismic activity throughout their history.

A report in the Newark Star-Ledger offers a glimpse at how widely an earthquake's effects can be felt. The relatively moderate 5.0 quake was centered north of Ottawa, Canada, but more than 350 miles away, at least one building in Hackensack was evacuated.

Since no region of the country can really be considered earthquake-proof, it makes sense for homeowners to review their current insurance to determine if they need further protection against potential damage from seismic activity.

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