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Do You Have Earthquake Insurance?

Earthquakes and Tennessee aren’t two words that sound like they go together, but there’s recent data about earthquakes that suggests homeowners should stand up and take notice. There hasn’t been a major earthquake in this area in over 200 years, but the U.S. Geological Survey published a report this week putting Tennessee on the list of 16 states that are at the greatest risk of having a major earthquake

Check Your Policy

It’s always a good idea to review all of your insurance policies, especially your homeowners since your house is typically your greatest investment.  We saw a lot of people suffer after the great Nashville flood of 2010.  Since then folks have become knowledgeable about how and where to get flood insurance.  Unfortunately it came after the disaster happened.  Now is the time to check your policy for earthquake coverage.  More than likely your policy doesn’t cover it, which is why it’s a great idea to find out what your options are for getting it.  A lot of companies don’t offer earthquake insurance.  Talk with your agent and find out if their company offers it.  While rates vary, the cost of earthquake insurance can be as little as a few dollars per month.  Well worth the cost considering how much is at stake.

When shopping around ask if your prospective insurer makes the earthquake policy an add-on to your present homeowners policy or does it have to be a separate policy. That can drive up costs.

Who’s At Risk

As you can see on this map, Tennessee is in the green area which is a mid range risk.  However there is a major fault line that runs along the Tennessee-Missouri-Arkansas-Illinois line.

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According to the USGS there are 16 states that have the highest risk for earthquakes.  Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky and South Carolina. With the update, new high-risk areas were added to some of those states.

Be Safe Not Sorry

Living in a time of great technology allows us to know the risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes.  Granted we don’t have as much to worry about as people in California, but it only takes one decent tremor to destroy everything you’ve worked toward.  The time to take action is now.

 

 

 

 

 

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Our agents write often to give you the latest insights on owning a home or property in the local area.