Most Maryland Homeowner Policies Don’t Have Quake Coverage

Most Marylander homeowners aren’t likely to be covered for earthquake damage under their homeowner’s policies.

The Insurance Information Institute [I.I.I.] said earthquakes are not covered under standard homeowners or business policies. However, the institute says incidental damage such as fire caused by quakes is covered in most states.

Baltimore insurance attorney Alex Brown says additional earthquake coverage can be purchased, but he would be very surprised if anyone bothered to spend the extra money.

The attorney urged those whose homes suffered earthquake damage to have it repaired because damage from uncovered events can affect payment for future events that are covered.

Tinna Quigley, a spokeswoman for the Maryland Insurance Administration, said the agency does not track how many policies have earthquake coverage.