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What is Earthquake Coverage?

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Did you know that your homeowner policy does not automatically cover damage caused by an earthquake?

What is an earthquake? 

An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault.  The tectonic plates are always slowly moving, but they get stuck at their edges due to friction.  When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there is an earthquake that released energy in waves that travel through the earth’s crust and the cause the shaking that we feel.

I know you are probably thinking this isn’t California, why do I need earthquake coverage?

Well it is true, here in Massachusetts we normally do not get earthquakes very often.  There have been a few small ones here and there.  But if we can have small ones why can’t we have bigger ones?  Well we can. 

In order to protect yourselves in the event of an earthquake you need to add the coverage to your homeowner policy, the endorsement is called Earthquake homeowner form HO 04 45.

The endorsement states that for an additional premium the company will insure for direct physical loss to property covered under Section 1 caused by an earthquake including land shock waves, or tremors before, during or after volcanic eruption.  One or more earthquake shocks that occur within a 72 hour period will count as a single occurrence.  There is usually a 5% deductible that is applied to the destroyed or damaged property. 

You want to be insured in the event of an earthquake.  Premium for the earthquake coverage varies per company.  Please contact us here at Gordon Atlantic Insurance for a quote today.

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