Personal Insurance · Bancorp Insurance
Earthquake Insurance
Your Home Policy Doesn’t Cover This.
Standard homeowners, condo, and renters policies do not cover earthquake damage. Oregon sits in the Cascadia Subduction Zone — one of the most seismically active regions in the country.
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⚠️ Important
Most homeowners, condo, and renters insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance must be purchased as a separate policy before a seismic event occurs.
Oregon’s Seismic Risk
This Risk Is Closer Than You Think
Oregon sits in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Experts have recorded more than 6,000 earthquakes in Oregon since 1841. The state ranks as the 10th most likely to experience a quake of magnitude 3.5 or greater — and even smaller tremors can cause significant damage to your home and belongings.
Cascadia Subduction Zone
Oregon lies directly in the Cascadia Subduction Zone — a major fault system capable of producing some of the largest earthquakes in North America.
Foundation & Total Loss Risk
An earthquake can damage your home’s foundation or result in a total loss. Without earthquake coverage, you would bear the entire cost of repair or rebuilding out of pocket.
Buy Before It Happens
Most insurers place a moratorium on selling earthquake coverage immediately after any significant seismic event. Don’t wait — coverage must be in place before an earthquake occurs.
What to Know
Deductibles, Cost & Timing
Earthquake insurance works differently than a standard homeowners policy. Here’s what to understand before you buy.
How Deductibles Work
Percentage-Based, Not Dollar-Based
Earthquake deductibles are a percentage of your insured amount — not a flat dollar figure. For example: $300,000 dwelling coverage with a 10% deductible means you pay $30,000 before insurance kicks in. A higher deductible can lower your premium.
Cost Factors
Varies by Home Type & Location
Costs vary based on your home’s age, construction type, soil type, and proximity to fault lines. Wood-frame homes typically cost less to insure than brick or masonry homes, as they flex better during seismic events.
Estimated Premium
Often Less Than You Think
A wood-frame home insured for $300,000 in the Portland market can be covered for as little as $200–$300 per year. That’s a small price for protection against a potentially catastrophic loss.
Buy Before It’s Too Late
Moratoriums Apply After Earthquakes
Most insurers stop selling earthquake coverage immediately after a significant seismic event. You cannot buy coverage reactively — it must be in place before an earthquake occurs to be valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earthquake Insurance Q&A
What homeowners most often ask us about earthquake coverage.
Does my homeowners policy cover earthquake damage? +
No. Standard homeowners, condo, and renters insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance must be purchased as a separate, standalone policy.
Is Oregon at risk for earthquakes? +
Yes. Oregon sits in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and ranks as the 10th most likely state to experience a quake of magnitude 3.5 or greater. Over 6,000 earthquakes have been recorded in Oregon since 1841, with significant activity in the Portland metro and Klamath Falls areas.
How does an earthquake deductible work? +
Earthquake deductibles are percentage-based, not a flat dollar amount. For example, if you have $300,000 in dwelling coverage with a 10% deductible, you’d pay $30,000 out of pocket before your insurance pays. Personal property has a separate deductible. A higher deductible typically lowers your annual premium.
What if I have to move out after an earthquake? +
Additional living expenses coverage pays for temporary housing and extra costs while your home is being repaired. This coverage typically extends for up to one year, with no dollar limit and no deductible — but only if you have earthquake coverage in place.
How much does earthquake insurance cost? +
Costs vary based on home type, age, soil, and proximity to fault lines. A wood-frame home in the Portland market insured for $300,000 can cost as little as $200–$300 per year. Brick and masonry homes cost more to insure. Older homes may require retrofitting to qualify for coverage.
Can I buy earthquake insurance after a quake is reported? +
No. Most insurers place a moratorium on selling new earthquake policies immediately following a significant seismic event. Coverage must be purchased before an earthquake occurs to be valid.
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