Last updated: February 2026
Key Takeaways
- Oregon faces severe earthquake risk from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 700-mile fault capable of producing magnitude 9.0+ earthquakes. Scientists estimate a 37% chance of a magnitude 7.1+ megathrust earthquake within the next 50 years, and a 10%–15% chance of a magnitude 9.0+ event in the same timeframe.
- Standard homeowners and renters insurance in Oregon does not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake coverage must be purchased separately as an endorsement or standalone policy.
- Oregon has no state-run earthquake insurance program. Unlike California's CEA, all earthquake coverage in Oregon comes from private insurers.
- Typical costs for homeowners range from $200–$300 per year for a wood-frame home in Portland to $1,000–$3,000+ for homes in higher-risk areas with masonry construction. Costs run $3–$15 per $1,000 of coverage depending on construction type.
- Portland has approximately 1,600 unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings that are expected to collapse or sustain catastrophic damage in a major earthquake. Renters and workers in these buildings face especially elevated risk.
- The Oregon Resilience Plan projects over $32 billion in economic losses from a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, with 650–5,000 fatalities and more than 27,000 people displaced from their homes.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. We are not licensed insurance agents or financial advisors. Consult a qualified insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.
Oregon's Earthquake Risk: Why Insurance Matters Here
Oregon sits squarely in the path of what seismologists and emergency managers describe as the most significant natural hazard facing the Pacific Northwest. The state's earthquake risk comes from multiple sources, each capable of producing devastating damage.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone
The Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) is Oregon's greatest natural threat. This approximately 700-mile fault extends offshore from northern California to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where the Juan de Fuca plate dives beneath the North American plate. The fault has been locked by friction since its last rupture on January 26, 1700 — a magnitude 9.0 event that dropped the Oregon and Washington coastlines by several feet and generated a tsunami that traveled across the Pacific to Japan.
Geological research has identified 43 earthquakes on the CSZ in the past 10,000 years. Full-margin ruptures that produce tsunamis occur on average every 480–505 years, while partial ruptures affecting primarily southern Oregon and northern California occur more frequently — on average every 240 years.
The probability estimates are sobering. Oregon's Department of Emergency Management states there is approximately a 37% chance of a magnitude 7.1+ megathrust earthquake on the CSZ in the next 50 years. USGS research indicates a 10%–15% probability of a full-margin magnitude 9.0 event in the next 50 years, and roughly a 30% probability of a magnitude 8.0+ event in southern Cascadia in the same timeframe.
A 2022 FEMA planning exercise projected that a magnitude 9.0 Cascadia earthquake would cause approximately 14,000 fatalities in Oregon and Washington, more than 100,000 injuries, and the collapse of roughly 620,000 buildings in the Pacific Northwest — including 100 hospitals and 2,000 schools. Oregon's Resilience Plan projects economic losses in Oregon alone exceeding $32 billion, nearly one-fifth of the state's gross state product.
The CSZ threat is the primary reason earthquake insurance deserves serious consideration for every Oregon homeowner and renter. For more on this fault system, see our Cascadia Subduction Zone guide.
Crustal Faults: Portland and Beyond
Oregon also faces risk from shallow crustal faults, particularly in the Portland metropolitan area. The Portland Hills Fault, the East Bank Fault, and other faults running through and near the city can produce damaging earthquakes independent of the CSZ.
The Portland metro region has been shaken by 17 earthquakes of estimated magnitude 4.0 or greater historically, including a magnitude 5.3 event in 1877, a magnitude 5.2 in 1962, and a magnitude 5.6 in 1993 near Scotts Mills that caused more than $30 million in damage. While these are smaller than a CSZ event, they demonstrate that Oregon experiences damaging earthquakes from multiple sources.
For Oregon's seismic history, see our Oregon earthquake page, and for Portland specifically, see Portland earthquake history.
Oregon's Vulnerability: URM Buildings and Tsunami Risk
Two factors make Oregon's earthquake risk particularly acute:
Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Buildings: Portland has approximately 1,600 identified unreinforced masonry buildings — structures built of brick, mortar, or clay block before the 1960s with little or no reinforcing steel. These buildings perform extremely poorly in earthquakes. Historical examples from around the world — Italy (2016), Christchurch, New Zealand (2011), Napa, California (2014), and even the 1993 Scotts Mills, Oregon, earthquake — show that URM buildings are prone to partial or complete collapse during moderate to strong shaking.
Portland's URM buildings include commercial storefronts, apartment buildings, churches, theaters, schools, and other structures that make up much of the character of neighborhoods like the Northwest District, Old Town Chinatown, and the Central Eastside. Many of these buildings house residents and businesses that could face catastrophic loss in an earthquake. Despite years of policy discussions, Portland has not yet implemented a mandatory retrofit program for URM buildings.
If you are a renter or business tenant in an older brick building in Oregon — particularly in Portland — your earthquake risk is significantly elevated. This makes personal earthquake coverage especially important.
Tsunami Risk on the Coast: A Cascadia megathrust earthquake would generate a devastating tsunami affecting Oregon's entire coastline. Coastal communities would face both the earthquake shaking itself and tsunami inundation, with waves arriving as quickly as 15–30 minutes after the earthquake begins. Earthquake insurance does not cover tsunami or flood damage — separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer is needed for that. Coastal Oregon residents should seriously consider both earthquake and flood coverage.
Oregon's Earthquake Insurance Market
Oregon has no state-run earthquake insurance program comparable to California's CEA. All earthquake coverage comes from private insurers, creating a more varied but less standardized market.
How Earthquake Insurance Is Sold in Oregon
| Method | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Endorsement to homeowners/renters policy | Your existing insurer adds earthquake coverage as a rider to your policy | Available from many standard insurers in Oregon, but not all |
| Standalone earthquake policy | A separate policy from a specialty carrier, independent of your homeowners insurance | Available from GeoVera, Palomar, Arrowhead, and other specialty carriers |
| Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy | Broader catastrophe coverage including earthquake, flood, and landslide | Available through surplus lines brokers; less common, typically more expensive |
Most Oregon homeowners purchase earthquake coverage either as an endorsement from their existing insurer or as a standalone policy from a specialty carrier. The endorsement route is simpler — one bill, one insurer — but may offer less flexibility in coverage options and deductible choices. Standalone policies from specialty carriers often provide more customizable coverage.
Oregon Earthquake Insurance: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State-run program | None — private market only |
| Regulator | Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) |
| DFR contact | 888-877-4894 |
| Typical deductible range | 10%–20% of coverage limit (most common: 10% or 15%) |
| Loss of Use coverage | Typically included with no dollar limit and no deductible; extends up to one year after a loss |
| Post-earthquake moratorium | Most insurers stop selling new earthquake policies for a period after a significant seismic event |
| Property inspection | May be required, especially for older homes; some homes may need retrofitting to qualify |
| Retrofitting discounts | Available from some insurers for seismically upgraded homes |
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation provides consumer guidance on earthquake insurance.
What Does Earthquake Insurance Cost in Oregon?
Oregon earthquake insurance costs are determined primarily by your home's construction type, age, location, soil conditions, and proximity to known fault lines. Deductible selection also has a major impact on premium.
Oregon Earthquake Insurance Cost Factors
| Factor | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|
| Construction type | Wood-frame homes cost the least to insure; brick and masonry cost significantly more. Wood flexes during shaking, while masonry is rigid and prone to cracking. |
| Home age | Older homes built before modern seismic building codes (especially pre-1974 in Oregon) cost more. Homes built after 1993, when Oregon increased its seismic zone classification, are most resilient. |
| Location | Properties in western Oregon (closer to the CSZ and crustal faults) cost more than eastern Oregon. Portland metro, coastal areas, and regions with soft soils pay the highest premiums. |
| Soil type | Homes on soft, loose soils — including alluvial deposits and fill — experience amplified shaking and potential liquefaction. This significantly increases premiums. |
| Deductible | Higher deductible = lower premium. A 15% deductible costs less than 10%, and 20% costs less than 15%. |
| Retrofitting | Seismic upgrades (foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing) can reduce premiums. Some insurers offer specific retrofit discounts. |
Estimated Annual Premiums for Oregon Homeowners
| Home Type & Value | 10% Deductible | 15% Deductible | 20% Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood-frame, $300,000 (Portland) | $450–$900 | $300–$650 | $200–$450 |
| Wood-frame, $400,000 (Portland) | $600–$1,200 | $400–$850 | $275–$600 |
| Masonry/brick, $300,000 (Portland) | $900–$2,700 | $650–$1,900 | $450–$1,350 |
| Wood-frame, $300,000 (Coastal OR) | $600–$1,500 | $425–$1,050 | $300–$750 |
| Wood-frame, $300,000 (Eastern OR) | $200–$500 | $140–$350 | $100–$250 |
Estimates derived from Oregon DFR survey data, industry ranges of $1–$15 per $1,000 of coverage, and insurer-reported data. Wood-frame homes in Portland fall toward the lower end of the rate range ($1.50–$3/per $1,000); masonry homes fall toward the higher end ($3–$9+/per $1,000). Actual premiums vary by specific insurer, home features, and exact location.
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation's 2009 survey of the Portland market found that earthquake coverage for a wood-frame home insured for $300,000 with $150,000 in personal property coverage could be purchased for $200–$300 annually. While costs have increased since 2009, wood-frame homes in Portland remain among the more affordable properties to insure against earthquake damage.
Renter Earthquake Insurance Costs in Oregon
For renters, earthquake coverage in Oregon is much more affordable since you're only insuring personal property and additional living expenses — not a building structure. Expect to pay roughly $50–$200 per year depending on the coverage limits you select and your location. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to earthquake insurance for renters.
What Oregon Earthquake Insurance Covers
A typical Oregon earthquake insurance policy — whether purchased as an endorsement or standalone policy — includes these components:
Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home structure after earthquake damage. This includes attached structures such as a garage. Your dwelling coverage limit should match or exceed the replacement cost of your home.
Personal property / contents coverage pays to repair or replace belongings damaged by earthquake shaking — furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, and other personal items. Separate deductibles may apply for dwelling and contents. For a $300,000 home with $150,000 in personal property coverage and a 10% deductible, the dwelling deductible is $30,000 and the contents deductible is $15,000.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) / Loss of Use pays for temporary housing, meals, and related expenses if your home is uninhabitable. In Oregon, this coverage is typically provided with no dollar limit and no deductible, extending for up to one year after the loss. This is one of the most valuable components of an earthquake policy — check with your agent to confirm the terms of your specific policy.
Other structures coverage pays for detached structures such as fences, retaining walls, driveways, and detached garages. Availability and terms vary by insurer.
Building code upgrade coverage pays the additional cost of rebuilding to current building codes. This is particularly important in Oregon, where homes built before 1993 were constructed to seismic standards that are now known to be inadequate for the region's true earthquake risk.
What Oregon Earthquake Insurance Does Not Cover
- Tsunami and flood damage — Separate flood insurance is required. Coastal Oregon homeowners should purchase flood insurance through the NFIP (FloodSmart.gov) or a private flood insurer.
- Landslide and erosion damage — Even when triggered by an earthquake. Some DIC policies may provide broader coverage.
- Volcanic eruption damage — Despite Oregon's proximity to Cascade volcanoes like Mount Hood, volcano damage is a separate peril.
- Vehicle damage — Covered by comprehensive auto insurance.
- Damage below the deductible — The deductible is based on coverage limits, not loss amounts.
Understanding Oregon's Earthquake Insurance Deductibles
Oregon earthquake deductibles work the same way as in other states: they are a percentage of your coverage limit, not a flat dollar amount, and not a percentage of the loss.
Oregon Earthquake Deductible Examples
| Coverage | Coverage Limit | Deductible % | Deductible Amount | You Pay First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwelling | $300,000 | 10% | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Dwelling | $300,000 | 15% | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Dwelling | $400,000 | 15% | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Contents | $150,000 | 10% | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Contents | $150,000 | 15% | $22,500 | $22,500 |
Most insurers in Oregon sell coverage with 10% or 15% deductibles, according to the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation. Higher deductibles (20%–25%) are available and reduce premiums, but increase your out-of-pocket exposure.
Separate deductibles may apply for dwelling and personal property — meaning a single earthquake could require you to satisfy two deductibles if both your home and your belongings are damaged. This is standard practice, but it's important to understand before purchasing.
A key point: earthquake insurance is catastrophe insurance. It's designed to prevent total financial ruin from a devastating event, not to cover every crack in the wall. A $30,000 deductible is substantial, but it pales in comparison to a $200,000 or $300,000 rebuilding cost that you'd face entirely on your own without any coverage at all.
Who Sells Earthquake Insurance in Oregon?
Major Earthquake Insurance Providers in Oregon
| Provider | Policy Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| GeoVera | Standalone | Flexible Limit and Single Limit options; includes dwelling, contents, loss of use, building code upgrade; demand surge coverage (costs increase after a catastrophe); online quoting; A.M. Best rated "A" (Excellent) |
| Palomar | Standalone | Multiple policy options; available in OR and 16 other states; discounts for retrofitted pre-1973 homes; covers additional structures and pools |
| GEICO (via Arrowhead) | Standalone | Offered through Arrowhead General Insurance Agency; customizable coverage including loss of use and loss assessment; online quotes |
| AAA Oregon/Idaho | Via agent | AAA acts as an agent for other carriers; available to AAA members |
| State Farm | Endorsement | Earthquake rider added to existing homeowners policy |
| Farmers | Endorsement | Earthquake endorsement; availability varies by location |
| Safeco (Liberty Mutual) | Endorsement | Long-standing Oregon presence; standard earthquake endorsement |
| Various surplus lines carriers | DIC policies | Broader catastrophe coverage; available through insurance brokers; may cover earthquake + flood + landslide |
When shopping for earthquake insurance in Oregon, get quotes from at least two or three sources — your existing homeowners insurer (for an endorsement) and one or two specialty carriers (for standalone policies). Compare not just premiums but also deductible options, Loss of Use terms, building code upgrade coverage, and any exclusions or sub-limits.
The Demand Surge Problem: Why Replacement Costs Spike After a Major Earthquake
One factor that Oregon homeowners should consider carefully is demand surge — the dramatic increase in construction costs that occurs after a catastrophic event when thousands of homes need repair simultaneously.
After a Cascadia earthquake, the demand for building materials, skilled labor, and temporary housing across Oregon and Washington would far exceed supply. Construction costs could increase by 30%–50% or more, meaning a home that costs $300,000 to rebuild under normal conditions might cost $400,000–$450,000 after the earthquake.
This is why some insurers, like GeoVera, specifically include demand surge coverage in their policies. If your policy doesn't include it, consider whether your dwelling coverage limit is high enough to account for post-disaster cost inflation. Building code upgrade coverage also helps, since rebuilding to current codes typically costs more than replicating the original construction.
Earthquake Insurance vs. FEMA Disaster Assistance in Oregon
| Factor | Earthquake Insurance | FEMA Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Available now to anyone who purchases a policy | Only available after a presidential disaster declaration |
| Dwelling repair/rebuild | Covered up to your policy limit (minus deductible) | Maximum $43,600 for housing assistance (FY2025); most receive less |
| Personal property | Covered up to your policy limit (minus deductible) | Limited assistance for essential items; SBA loans available |
| Temporary housing | Loss of Use coverage, typically no deductible, up to 1 year | Rental assistance available but capped and temporary |
| Repayment | No — you paid premiums for this benefit | FEMA grants: no. SBA loans: yes, with interest |
| Rebuilding to code | Building code upgrade coverage available | Not specifically addressed |
| Demand surge | Some policies include demand surge coverage | Not addressed |
| Total potential benefit | Up to your full policy limits ($300,000+) | Maximum ~$43,600 in grants; larger amounts only via loans |
Oregon's Department of Emergency Management warns that in the event of a Cascadia earthquake, communities should expect to be without services and assistance for at least two weeks — potentially longer. FEMA assistance, when it arrives, is designed for immediate survival needs. It is not designed to rebuild your home or replace your belongings. FEMA Individual Assistance provides details on eligibility and process.
Special Considerations for Oregon Homeowners
Coastal Oregon: Earthquake + Tsunami = Double Threat
If you own a home on the Oregon coast, you face both earthquake shaking and tsunami inundation risk. Earthquake insurance covers the shaking damage; flood insurance covers the tsunami damage. You may need both policies for comprehensive protection. Be aware that standard earthquake policies explicitly exclude tsunami, and standard flood policies don't cover earthquake shaking.
Pre-1974 Homes: Higher Risk, Higher Cost
Oregon adopted a state building code in 1974, but at that time Portland was classified as Seismic Zone 2 — a relatively low-risk designation. In 1993, the building code significantly increased Portland's seismic classification to Zone 3, reflecting a much better understanding of the Cascadia threat. Homes built before 1993, and especially before 1974, were not designed to withstand the level of shaking now expected from a major Cascadia event.
If you own a pre-1993 home, consider having it evaluated by a structural engineer for seismic vulnerabilities. Common retrofit measures include bolting the house to the foundation, bracing cripple walls, and securing the chimney. These improvements reduce your actual risk and may qualify you for insurance discounts.
Portland: Over 160,000 pre-1974 Homes
Portland still has more than 160,000 homes built before 1974, predating statewide building codes. While most Portland homes are wood-frame construction — which is relatively earthquake-resistant — the sheer number of older homes means widespread damage is expected in a major earthquake. Fortunately, most Portland homes are not unreinforced masonry, but they may still have vulnerabilities like unbolted foundations and unbraced cripple walls.
Renters in URM Buildings
If you rent an apartment or commercial space in one of Portland's approximately 1,600 identified URM buildings, your earthquake risk is significantly higher than average. These buildings are, in the words of seismic experts, highly vulnerable to partial or complete collapse during a major earthquake. While you can't control whether the building gets retrofitted, you can control whether your personal property and additional living expenses are protected by earthquake insurance. For renters, the cost is modest. See our guide to earthquake insurance for renters.
Sources
- Oregon Department of Emergency Management. "Cascadia Subduction Zone." oregon.gov
- Oregon Division of Financial Regulation. "Earthquake Insurance." dfr.oregon.gov
- City of Portland. "Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Buildings." portland.gov
- City of Portland. "Unreinforced Masonry Buildings (URM) List." portland.gov
- USGS. "Earthquake Probabilities and Hazards in the U.S. Pacific Northwest." USGS Fact Sheet 2025-3050. September 2025. pubs.usgs.gov
- Washington County, Oregon. "Cascadia Subduction Zone." washingtoncountyor.gov
- GeoVera. "Affordable Oregon Earthquake Insurance." geovera.com
- NW Insurance Council. "Earthquake." nwinsurance.org
- Axios Portland. "Portland's 1,600 Buildings at Risk in Next Big Earthquake." July 2024. axios.com
- OPB. "Portland's Push to Address Unreinforced Masonry Buildings Peters Out." September 2020. opb.org
- FEMA. "Individuals and Households Program Fact Sheet." March 2025. fema.gov
- Federal Register. "Notice of Maximum Amount of Assistance Under the Individuals and Households Program." October 2024. federalregister.gov
- CNBC Select. "Earthquake Insurance: Is It Worth It?" July 2025. cnbc.com
- GEICO. "Earthquake Insurance: Affordable Earthquake Home Insurance." geico.com
- NBC News. "Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake Could Be Even Worse Than Feared." April 2025. nbcnews.com
- National Association of Counties. "Pacific Northwest Counties Prepare for 'The Big One.'" August 2025. naco.org