Alaska Earthquake Insurance: Complete Guide for Homeowners

Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Homeowners can enjoy the coastal mountains, unspoiled tundras, and rivers. Yet there’s a hidden danger you might not have guessed: earthquakes.

Earthquakes can happen anytime and anywhere. They can be terrifying and leave behind substantial damage. Considering earthquakes are common throughout most of the state, Alaska earthquake insurance should be something you think about.

If you don’t already have a policy, here’s what you need to know about the cost and coverage options of earthquake insurance in Alaska.

We can also help you compare homeowners insurance policies when you use Insurify to compare rates. In less than five minutes, you could have a dozen or more policy quotes. See how much you could save today!

Do You Need Alaska Earthquake Insurance?

An earthquake insurance policy can protect your home and belongings from the damage and destruction of an earthquake.

The federal government doesn’t require earthquake insurance coverage. Many lenders don’t require it, either. So, do you need it? You might think your homeowners or renters policy is enough. However, standard homeowners and renters policies don’t cover earthquake damage.

The Insurance Information Institute includes Alaska as one of the states with the highest risk of quakes. According to the Alaska Earthquake Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the state has more earthquakes than any other part of the U.S.

Although Alaska.gov reports the state is the most seismically active region in the U.S., the risk is generally higher in Anchorage and other Southcentral locations. Visit the Earthquake Hazard Map from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to see the risk where you live.

What Alaska Earthquake Insurance Covers

Earthquake insurance in Alaska covers the repair and replacement of your home and personal belongings due to earthquake damage. It typically includes:

• Dwelling coverage for your home

• Attached structures, such as a garage

• Unattached structures, like a shed or detached garage

• Furniture, electronics, and other personal property

• Debris removal

• Additional living expenses if you can’t live in your home while it’s being repaired

Policies can vary. Call your insurance provider to find out what’s covered and what isn’t in the event of an earthquake.

What Earthquake Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Earthquake insurance in Alaska doesn’t usually cover fire or water damage following a quake. If a water line or gas pipe bursts, your homeowners policy usually kicks in to cover that type of damage.

An earthquake policy doesn’t cover vehicle repairs, either. Your Alaska auto insurance may pay for earthquake damage to your vehicles, so ask your agent about what your policy might include.

Average Cost of Alaska Earthquake Insurance

Because the seismic activity is higher in Alaska, earthquake insurance tends to come with higher premiums. Your price depends on several factors:

• Age and location of the home

• Construction material

• Costs to rebuild the home

• Policy deductible

Earthquake coverage for older homes or brick-built homes tends to cost more. You can expect to pay around $1.25 per thousand in value for a brand-new home. For an older home, you could pay up to 25 percent or more of that amount.

How to Get a Quote

Earthquakes are common in Alaska. According to Alaska’s Division of Insurance, only about 15 percent of homeowners buy earthquake insurance. That leaves many residents without the protection they need.

Many insurance companies let you add an earthquake insurance endorsement to your Alaska home insurance policy. To get a quote, contact your current homeowners or renters insurance agent.

Alaska Earthquake Insurance - Frequently Asked Questions

Alaska Earthquake Insurance: The Bottom Line

Alaska earthquake insurance can protect you financially. Policies can be expensive, which is why many homeowners in the state don’t purchase earthquake coverage.

The risk of quakes in Alaska is higher than in other regions of the U.S. If there’s a small or big earthquake or additional damage from aftershocks, you may not have enough money set aside to cover repairs. Buying a policy can get you the coverage you need to protect the financial investment you made in your home.