For many homeowners living in the Northeast, earthquake insurance coverage is probably one of the rarer

insurance products that customers are seeking. When you think about weather in the Northeast, you typically envision

snow, hurricanes, heavy rain and brutal wind—not earthquakes. That is why when a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck

in Tewksbury, N.J., on April 5, 2024, insurance agents may have seen an uptick in their inquiries about earthquake

insurance.

While the Northeast is not typically known for seismic activity, this recent episode serves as a stark reminder that

earthquakes, though rare, can and do happen. Prior to this recent activity, the last earthquake that happened in

the Northeast region was the 1998 Pymatuning earthquake in Pennsylvania. Even further back, New York saw the 1944

Cornwall–Massena earthquake and NewHampshire had two earthquakes in the 1940s that happened back-to-back—and

that’s just in the 20th century.

Even though the 2024 New Jersey earthquake wasn’t as devastating as other seismic events, there were still damages

and interruptions, including ruptured gas lines, broken water mains and even a sinkhole. The 2024 New Jersey earthquake

raises an important question: Are you prepared for the next one?

Standard homeowners insurance and renters insurance policies typically exclude earthquake damage, necessitating an

endorsement to the homeowners policy or a separate policy for protection against the financial fallout of an earthquake.

Earthquake insurance is designed to cover the damage that your standard homeowners policy won't cover. This

specialized coverage can help one repair or rebuild their home, replace damaged personal belongings and even cover

additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after an earthquake.

In Connecticut, earthquake insurance is not a state requirement. However, the Connecticut Insurance Department urges

homeowners to consider adding it to their policies. Connecticut’s geological history includes occasional seismic activity,

making earthquake insurance a prudent addition for comprehensive coverage.

While earthquakes are not the first natural disaster that comes to mind when you think about the Northeast, recent

events have shown us that they are a risk worth considering insuring. Earthquake insurance should provide the coverage

you need to protect your home and your finances from unexpected seismic activity. Don’t wait for the next tremor to

strike, call our office today. We can offer you advice to help you determine what coverage makes the most sense with your

needs and budget.