Earthquake Insurance in the Greater New York Metro Area
Foundational Protection for an Overlooked Threat
Earthquakes may not be an everyday occurrence in New York, but the risk is real especially for older foundations, unreinforced masonry homes, and densely developed neighborhoods like Tuckahoe, Scarsdale, and Bronxville.
At Refine Risk, we help clients in Westchester County and beyond understand the silent financial risk that earthquakes pose and how to structure the right protection.
Why Earthquake Insurance Matters
Your standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. This means any structural damage to your home, shifting of your foundation, or cracks in walls or support beams would fall entirely on your shoulders without this additional protection.
With rising home values across the Tri-State Area, that’s a risk many families can’t afford to ignore.
What Does Earthquake Insurance Cover?
| Coverage Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Dwelling Coverage | Repairs to the structure of your home, including foundation, walls, chimneys, etc. |
| Personal Property | Damage to your belongings inside the home due to structural movement |
| Loss of Use | Expenses for temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable |
| Debris Removal | Clearing rubble or collapsed structures after a quake |
| Engineering Inspection | Structural assessment and safety inspections after a seismic event |
Deductibles are often calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, usually ranging from 5% to 20%. For example, a $600,000 home with a 10% deductible would require you to pay the first $60,000 in repair costs out of pocket before your policy kicks in.
Who Should Consider Earthquake Insurance?
Earthquake insurance is often overlooked in the Northeast, but specific local conditions suggest more homeowners should consider it. You should explore a quote if:
- You live in older homes with stone or block foundations
- You own property in Tuckahoe, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, or surrounding fault-prone areas
- Your home sits near underground construction zones or train lines (vibration risks)
- You’ve noticed hairline cracks, shifting floors, or minor tremors over time
- You have significant equity or long-term ownership plans
Remember, earthquakes don’t have to be headline events to cause real damage. Even minor seismic activity can crack foundations, shift support beams, or damage basements.
The Real Cost of Not Having Coverage
Consider these scenarios:
| Scenario | Without Earthquake Insurance | With Earthquake Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation damage from minor seismic activity | You pay out of pocket for all repairs | Your deductible triggers coverage |
| Wall cracks and shifting of structure | Entirely your financial responsibility | Covered based on dwelling limit |
| Temporary relocation due to home instability | Hotel and meals on your dime | Reimbursed under “loss of use” coverage |
Earthquake Activity in the Northeast
While not California-level, the USGS and NYS Geological Survey have identified several seismic zones within the greater NYC region, including fault lines running through the Hudson Valley and Ramapo region.
The risk may feel remote but low-frequency does not mean low impact.
How to Get Started
If you’re unsure whether earthquake insurance is right for you, we can help assess your home’s risk, replacement cost, and deductible options. Many of our carriers now offer affordable standalone policies or earthquake endorsements that integrate with your homeowners plan.
To get started on your quote, call our office or visit our quotes page.