Insurance helps protect your home and personal belongings if a catastrophic event occurs. In recent years, Tennessee has recorded more than 300 earthquakes in a year. The financial burden from an earthquake can be devastating, but insurance can help you recover and move forward.

Earthquakes are unique in that they're not covered under standard insurance policies, like homeowners or business insurance. That's why it's even more important to work with a Tennessee independent insurance agent to get protection. Here's what coverages you can get for earthquakes and how an agent can help.

Is Tennessee at Risk of Earthquakes?

Tennessee is among the top sixteen states that are at risk of experiencing an earthquake. In particular, the eastern part of the state is part of the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, and the western part is part of the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), which are both prone to more frequent earthquakes.

Historically, Tennessee earthquakes have not produced catastrophic damage, but there is still good reason to have earthquake insurance just in case. 

In fact, scientists predict that there's up to a 40% chance that Tennessee will experience an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 or greater in the next 50 years. There's another prediction that a 7.7. magnitude earthquake along the NMSZ would result in damage to 265,000 buildings and $69 billion in economic loss to the state. 

Does My Tennessee Homeowners Insurance Include Any Coverage for Earthquakes?

Unfortunately, damage from earthquakes is excluded from Tennessee homeowners insurance policies. On occasion, you can add earthquake coverage as an endorsement to your existing policy but it varies based on the carrier. 

In addition, renters and business owners do not receive earthquake coverage in their standard policies. Earthquake coverage must be purchased separately, which your agent can help you do. 

Will My Car Be Protected by My Auto Insurance?

It is possible to receive coverage for your vehicle against earthquake damage if you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage. In Tennesse, drivers are only required to have bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, but comprehensive coverage can be purchased separately.

Comprehensive coverage is typically referred to as "other than collision" coverage because it helps pay for any damage that occurs to your vehicle from an event other than a collision. For this reason, comprehensive coverage is beneficial to have for catastrophic events and other unexpected situations.

What Are My Insurance Coverage Options to Protect against Earthquakes?

Even though earthquake coverage is excluded in standard homeowners insurance, it can be purchased as a separate policy. Similar to home insurance, the coverage under an earthquake policy helps pay for damage to the dwelling or structure of your home and personal belongings.

Earthquake policies can be customized to fit your needs. Your policy may cover the following:

• The structure of your home or business
• Detached structures on your property
• The interior of your home
• Business inventory
• Damage from events that result from an earthquake, like a hillside collapsing
• Temporary living expenses
• Emergency repairs
• The foundation of your home
• Land restoration costs

It's also important to understand what your earthquake insurance will not pay for. Several exclusions exist that you should be aware of.

• Fire damage: Covered by your homeowners insurance
• Vehicle damage: Covered by your comprehensive auto insurance
• Flood damage: Covered by flood insurance, which must be purchased separately from homeowners insurance
• Sinkholes: Coverage can be purchased separately

How Can I Prepare for an Earthquake?

Preparing for an earthquake can help minimize the amount of damage your home sustains and keep you and your family safe. Here's what you can do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Before an earthquake

• Have an emergency plan with your family that includes a contact that is out-of-state.
• Determine a safe place to meet.
• Have a supply kit that includes food, clothes, and other necessities.
• Secure heavy items in your home like televisions, shelves, and objects on your walls.
• Make any needed improvements to the structure of your home if it's weak and may collapse.
• Purchase earthquake insurance.

During an earthquake 

• Avoid doorways and attempting to run out of your home.
• Don't stand under or near collapsible items or furniture.
• Drop to the ground and hold onto something secure.
• Cover your head.
• Stop driving if you're in your vehicle.

After an earthquake

• Check your water, gas, and electrical lines for any damage.
• Do not go into damaged buildings.
• If your home has been significantly damaged, call your independent agent to start filing a claim.
• Document any damage with photos and videos.

How Can a Tennessee Independent Insurance Agent Help?

Earthquakes in the US amount to around $4.4 billion annually in losses. Living in Tennessee, you're in a high-risk earthquake zone, and not having insurance can cost you everything. A Tennesee independent insurance agent is the easiest way to get coverage, fast and at an affordable price.

Agents will speak with you, free of charge, before providing you with a customized quote. They shop multiple carriers so you don't have to. They also understand when it's best to add an endorsement or purchase a separate policy. Let an agent do the hard work for you and find you protection for your home and belongings against earthquakes.