Earthquakes are unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t protect your home and your finances from the potential impact. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, including purchasing earthquake insurance.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Earthquake Risk and Insuring Against It:

It’s not just about California. While the Golden State is a well-known hotspot for quakes, states like Washington, Oregon, Utah, Missouri, Tennessee, and even South Carolina face significant seismic risk. In fact, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. could experience damaging earthquake shaking, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Most homeowners policies don’t cover earthquake damage. Few people are aware of this coverage gap, and since structural damage from quakes can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more, it could devastate your finances. Keep in mind that if you have a mortgage and your home suffers a total loss, you still have to pay your monthly mortgage payment.

Few homes are insured for earthquakes. Despite the potential for losses, only about 1-in-10 homes in the riskiest states are covered for damage from earthquakes.

Earthquake insurance is available. Coverage is offered in all states and features several deductible levels to help you manage your current premiums and ultimate out-of-pocket costs.

Earthquake insurance covers more than your home. The coverage also extends to personal belongings inside your home, as well as temporary housing costs if your home becomes uninhabitable.

Take the Next Steps:

First, learn about your general risk from the latest USGS map and assess your specific risk based on the age and construction of your home. Then, there are a number of ways you can lessen the extent of potential damage to your home’s structure and contents.

Finally, consider putting your finances on solid ground with earthquake insurance. Get in touch with a Westwood agent who can help you assess your risk and suggest coverage options that can provide peace of mind.

Please Note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.