Last updated: February 2026
Key Takeaways
- Washington has the second-highest earthquake risk in the United States, driven by three distinct seismic threats: the Cascadia Subduction Zone offshore, deep intraslab earthquakes beneath Puget Sound, and shallow crustal faults like the Seattle Fault.
- Standard homeowners and renters insurance does not cover earthquake damage. You must purchase a separate earthquake policy or endorsement to protect your home and belongings.
- Washington has no state-run earthquake insurance program like California's CEA. All earthquake coverage comes from private insurers, either as policy endorsements or standalone policies.
- Typical costs range from $1.50 to $15 per $1,000 of coverage, putting the annual premium for a $400,000 home at roughly $600–$3,000+ depending on location, construction type, and deductible selection.
- Deductibles are percentage-based — usually 10%–25% of your coverage limit. For a $400,000 home with a 15% deductible, you'd pay the first $60,000 of repair costs yourself before insurance pays anything.
- Scientists estimate a 10%–15% probability of a magnitude 9.0+ Cascadia earthquake in the next 50 years, and roughly an 85% probability of a magnitude 6.5+ deep earthquake in the Puget Sound region in the same timeframe.
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.
Washington's Three Earthquake Threats
Washington's seismic risk is unusually complex because the state faces not one but three distinct types of earthquakes, each with different characteristics, different probabilities, and different implications for the damage your home might sustain.
1. Cascadia Subduction Zone (Megathrust) Earthquakes
The Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) is a roughly 700-mile fault running offshore from northern California to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It sits where the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate dives beneath the North American plate at a rate of about 1.6 inches per year. The fault is currently locked by friction, slowly building strain that will eventually be released in a massive earthquake.
The last full-margin Cascadia earthquake occurred on January 26, 1700, producing an estimated magnitude 9.0 event that dropped the Pacific Northwest coastline by several feet and generated a tsunami that struck Japan. Geological evidence shows that these full-margin ruptures occur on average every 400–600 years, though intervals have been as short as 200 years and as long as 1,000 years.
Current probability estimates from the USGS and other researchers suggest a 10%–15% chance of a full-margin rupture (magnitude 9.0+) in the next 50 years. For a partial-margin rupture — still catastrophic, with magnitudes between 8.0 and 8.6 — the probability may be 37%–43% in the same timeframe, particularly for the southern portion of the fault zone.
A Cascadia megathrust earthquake would produce intense ground shaking lasting 3–5 minutes across the entire Pacific Northwest — fundamentally different from the brief, sharp jolts of crustal earthquakes. For western Washington, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia, the damage potential is immense.
For more on this fault system, see our Cascadia Subduction Zone guide.
2. Deep Intraslab Earthquakes
Deep earthquakes occur within the subducting Juan de Fuca plate itself, at depths of 30–70 miles beneath the surface. These are the most frequent source of damaging earthquakes in Washington's recent history.
The 2001 Nisqually earthquake — a magnitude 6.8 event centered near Olympia at a depth of about 33 miles — is the most recent example. It caused an estimated $2 billion in damage (some estimates range up to $4 billion) and generated approximately 9,500 insurance claims totaling about $315 million in insured losses. Previous significant deep earthquakes struck in 1949 (magnitude 7.1, near Olympia) and 1965 (magnitude 6.5, between Seattle and Tacoma).
USGS researchers estimate an 85% probability of a magnitude 6.5 or greater deep earthquake in the Puget Sound region in the next 50 years. These events are, statistically, the most likely source of the next damaging earthquake in the Seattle metropolitan area.
For recent seismic activity in the state, see our Washington earthquake history page.
3. Shallow Crustal Earthquakes
Shallow crustal earthquakes occur on faults within the upper crust, at depths of less than about 20 miles. Washington has numerous crustal faults, many of which were not discovered or fully characterized until recent decades. Key faults include the Seattle Fault, the South Whidbey Island Fault, the Tacoma Fault, and the Saddle Mountain Fault.
The Seattle Fault runs directly beneath the city, roughly along a line from the southern edge of Elliott Bay through the south end of Lake Washington. Geological evidence indicates it produced a magnitude 7+ earthquake approximately 1,100 years ago that caused massive landslides into Lake Washington and generated a local tsunami in Puget Sound.
USGS researchers estimate a 17% probability of a magnitude 6.5 or greater crustal fault earthquake in the Puget Sound region in the next 50 years. While less probable than deep earthquakes, shallow crustal events can produce much stronger ground shaking at the surface because they originate so close to populated areas.
For earthquake history in the Seattle metro area, see our Seattle earthquake page.
Washington's Earthquake Insurance Landscape
Unlike California, which has the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) — a publicly managed, not-for-profit entity providing standardized earthquake coverage — Washington has no state-run earthquake insurance program. All earthquake coverage in Washington comes from private insurers.
This means the market is more fragmented: premiums, coverage terms, deductible options, and policy structures vary significantly from one insurer to another. The benefit is flexibility; the downside is that comparison shopping requires more effort.
How Earthquake Insurance Is Sold in Washington
There are two primary ways to obtain earthquake coverage in Washington:
Endorsement to your existing homeowners or renters policy: Some standard homeowners insurers will add earthquake coverage as a rider or endorsement to your existing policy. This is often the simplest route, but not all insurers offer it in Washington, and those that do may have restrictive terms.
Standalone earthquake policy from a specialty carrier: Companies like GeoVera (which markets its Washington product as QuakeInsurance), Palomar, and Arrowhead specialize in earthquake coverage. These standalone policies are independent of your homeowners insurance, meaning you can shop for the best earthquake coverage separately. GeoVera's "Single Limit" policy, for example, combines dwelling, other structures, personal property, loss of use, and building code upgrade coverage under a single limit with one deductible.
Washington Earthquake Insurance: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State-run program | None — private market only |
| Regulator | Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) |
| OIC contact | 800-562-6900 |
| Coverage availability | Endorsements through some standard insurers; standalone policies from specialty carriers |
| Typical deductible range | 10%–25% of coverage limit |
| Minimum deductible (typical) | 10% (varies by insurer) |
| Loss of Use coverage | Included in most policies; terms vary |
| Building code upgrade | Available from some carriers (e.g., GeoVera) |
| Property inspection | May be required before issuing a policy, especially for older homes |
| Post-earthquake moratorium | Most insurers stop selling new earthquake policies for a period after a significant seismic event |
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner provides consumer guidance on earthquake insurance and can help resolve disputes.
What Does Earthquake Insurance Cost in Washington?
Earthquake insurance premiums in Washington vary dramatically based on location, home characteristics, and deductible selection.
Washington Earthquake Insurance Cost Factors
| Factor | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|
| Location / fault proximity | Homes in King County (Seattle) typically cost more than Pierce County (Tacoma), which costs more than Spokane County |
| Soil type | Homes on soft fill, tidal flats, or river deltas pay more than homes on bedrock |
| Home age | Pre-1970s homes without seismic retrofits pay significantly more (20%–30%+) than modern construction |
| Construction type | Wood-frame homes generally cost less than masonry; unreinforced masonry costs the most |
| Replacement cost | Higher home values mean higher premiums |
| Deductible selection | Choosing 20% instead of 10% can cut premiums roughly in half |
| Retrofitting | Homes with foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, or other retrofits may qualify for discounts |
Estimated Annual Premiums for Washington Homeowners
| Home Value | 10% Deductible | 15% Deductible | 20% Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $900–$2,250 | $650–$1,600 | $450–$1,125 |
| $400,000 | $1,200–$3,000 | $850–$2,100 | $600–$1,500 |
| $500,000 | $1,500–$3,750 | $1,050–$2,650 | $750–$1,875 |
| $600,000 | $1,800–$4,500 | $1,250–$3,200 | $900–$2,250 |
Estimates based on reported industry ranges of $1.50–$15 per $1,000 of coverage. Actual premiums depend on specific location, home characteristics, and insurer. Lower end reflects eastern Washington / lower-risk areas; higher end reflects western Washington / higher-risk areas with older construction.
For renters, earthquake coverage in Washington is significantly cheaper — typically $50–$200 per year — because you're only insuring personal property, not a building structure. See our guide to earthquake insurance for renters for details.
What Does Washington Earthquake Insurance Cover?
A typical earthquake insurance policy in Washington includes the following coverage components:
Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home's structure, including attached structures like a garage. This is the core of any homeowners earthquake policy.
Other structures coverage pays to repair or replace detached structures on your property — a detached garage, shed, fence, or retaining wall. Not all policies include this; check your specific terms.
Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace your belongings — furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing — damaged by earthquake shaking.
Loss of Use / Additional Living Expenses pays for temporary housing, meals, and related costs if your home becomes uninhabitable. The terms vary by insurer — some policies have no deductible for this coverage, while others apply the same percentage deductible.
Building code upgrade coverage pays for the added cost of bringing your rebuilt home up to current building codes. This is particularly important for older homes, which may have been built to standards that are no longer sufficient. Not all policies include this automatically — GeoVera includes it; others may offer it as an optional add-on.
What Washington Earthquake Insurance Typically Does Not Cover
- Flood damage — Even flood caused by an earthquake (tsunami, dam failure, water main breaks). This requires separate flood insurance. Visit FloodSmart.gov for NFIP information.
- Landslide damage — Some policies exclude landslide even when triggered by an earthquake. A Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy may provide broader coverage.
- Vehicle damage — Covered by comprehensive auto insurance, not earthquake insurance.
- Damage below your deductible — With a 15% deductible on a $400,000 policy, the first $60,000 in damage comes out of your pocket.
Understanding the Deductible: Washington's Biggest Coverage Decision
The deductible on a Washington earthquake policy is the single most important financial decision you'll make when purchasing coverage. Here's why.
Earthquake deductibles are calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit — not as a percentage of the loss and not as a flat dollar amount. This creates a counter-intuitive situation where moderate damage may result in zero payout.
How Percentage Deductibles Work in Practice
| Home Coverage Limit | Deductible % | Deductible Amount | Damage Must Exceed Before Insurance Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | 10% | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| $300,000 | 15% | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| $400,000 | 10% | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| $400,000 | 15% | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| $500,000 | 10% | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| $500,000 | 20% | $100,000 | $100,000 |
The implication is clear: earthquake insurance is catastrophe insurance. It is designed to protect you from a total loss or near-total loss, not to cover minor to moderate damage. A $40,000 foundation repair on a $400,000 home with a 10% deductible would result in zero insurance payout.
However, if a major Cascadia event causes $250,000 in damage to that same home, the insurance would pay $210,000 (after the $40,000 deductible) — the difference between financial recovery and potential ruin.
FEMA Disaster Assistance: What It Does and Doesn't Do
A common reason Washington homeowners skip earthquake insurance is the belief that federal disaster assistance will cover their losses. This is a serious misconception.
FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides a maximum of $43,600 in housing assistance for FY2025. This cap applies per household per disaster — it is not per year. And the average actual grant is significantly less than the maximum. For context, the 2001 Nisqually earthquake caused damage estimates of $2 billion — yet total insured losses were approximately $315 million, meaning most of the damage was uninsured.
Additionally, much of the federal disaster relief available to homeowners comes in the form of SBA (Small Business Administration) disaster loans, not grants. These loans — typically at below-market interest rates — must be repaid. Taking on tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in new debt after losing your home is a dramatically different financial outcome than receiving an insurance payout.
FEMA assistance also requires a presidential disaster declaration, which is not guaranteed for every earthquake. A moderate earthquake that causes widespread but not catastrophic damage may not trigger a declaration — leaving affected homeowners entirely on their own.
Who Sells Earthquake Insurance in Washington?
Major Earthquake Insurance Providers in Washington
| Provider | Policy Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| GeoVera / QuakeInsurance | Standalone | Single Limit policy with one deductible; includes dwelling, contents, loss of use, building code upgrade; online quoting available; A.M. Best rated "A" (Excellent) |
| Palomar | Standalone | Flexible Limit and Single Limit options; available in WA and 16 other states; covers additional structures; discounts for retrofitted pre-1973 homes |
| GEICO (via Arrowhead) | Standalone | Offered through GEICO's partnership with Arrowhead General Insurance Agency; customizable coverage; online quotes |
| State Farm | Endorsement | Earthquake rider added to existing homeowners policy; availability varies by location |
| Farmers | Endorsement | Earthquake rider; availability varies |
| USAA | Endorsement | Available to military members and families; earthquake coverage added to homeowners policy |
| Allstate | Endorsement | Earthquake endorsement available in some areas |
| Various surplus lines carriers | DIC policies | Broader catastrophe coverage including earthquake, flood, landslide; available through insurance brokers |
Not all insurers offer earthquake coverage in all parts of Washington. In higher-risk areas, you may find that your standard homeowners insurer does not offer an earthquake endorsement, and a standalone policy from a specialty carrier is your best or only option.
Making the Decision: Is Earthquake Insurance Worth It in Washington?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are the key questions to ask yourself:
Can you afford to rebuild your home without insurance? If your home is destroyed or severely damaged, could you cover the repair or rebuilding costs — which could run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars — out of savings or other resources? If not, earthquake insurance provides a critical safety net.
What is your home's vulnerability? Older homes, homes on soft soil, unreinforced masonry construction, and homes with unbolted foundations are significantly more vulnerable to earthquake damage. If your home falls into any of these categories, the case for insurance is stronger.
What is your equity exposure? If you've paid off most or all of your mortgage, you have significant equity at risk. Losing a paid-off home to earthquake damage without insurance means losing that entire investment. Homeowners with large mortgages still face the risk of owing more than a damaged home is worth.
Can you absorb the deductible? Be realistic about whether you could cover the deductible in the event of a claim. If a 15% deductible on your policy equals $60,000, and you don't have access to that kind of money, you might consider a lower deductible even though the premium is higher.
How would you handle displacement? If your home is uninhabitable for months after a major earthquake — and after a Cascadia event, it could be — Loss of Use coverage could be the single most valuable part of your policy. This is especially relevant in a scenario where widespread damage creates housing shortages across the region.
Sources
- USGS. "Earthquake Probabilities and Hazards in the U.S. Pacific Northwest." USGS Fact Sheet 2025-3050. September 2025. pubs.usgs.gov
- Oregon Department of Emergency Management. "Cascadia Subduction Zone." oregon.gov
- Wikipedia. "Cascadia subduction zone." Accessed February 2026. en.wikipedia.org
- Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. "Earthquake Insurance." insurance.wa.gov
- NW Insurance Council. "Earthquake." nwinsurance.org
- Insurify. "Washington Earthquake Insurance: Is It Worth It?" insurify.com
- GeoVera. "Affordable Washington Earthquake Insurance." geovera.com
- Mosaicia. "Washington Earthquake Insurance (Coverage Options)." mosaicia.com
- FirstMark Insurance Group. "What Does Earthquake Insurance Cost in Washington?" January 2026. firstmarkinsurance.com
- PNW Insurance Group. "Earthquake Insurance in Washington State." pnwinsurancegroup.com
- National Association of Counties. "Pacific Northwest Counties Prepare for 'The Big One.'" August 2025. naco.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