Earthquake Insurance Nevada
Protect your home in Nevada's seismic zones—from Reno's fault lines to Las Vegas tremors
You might be reeling after a tremor near the Las Vegas valley or reading news about shifting faults near Reno — the reality is that even in Nevada's desert climate, quake-risk is very real. If you own a home or condo in Nevada, the thought "what if my standard homeowners policy doesn't cover earthquake damage?" can be overwhelming. This article walks you through how earthquake insurance in Nevada works, what it costs, and what to watch for — so you can face the risk with more clarity (and less anxiety).
Quick Facts
- Nevada ranks 3rd in the U.S. for major earthquakes (magnitude 5.0 or higher).
- Standard homeowners or renters insurance usually excludes earthquake damage — you'll need a separate endorsement or policy for earthquake coverage.
- Deductibles are often set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage (10%-20%) rather than a flat dollar amount.
- You should secure coverage before a quake — after an event some insurers may suspend new earthquake policies or endorsements.
What It Is
Earthquake insurance in Nevada is a specialized form of property-insurance that protects you against damage caused by seismic events or earth movement, which your regular homeowners, renters or condo policy typically excludes. According to the Nevada Division of Insurance (NDI), many underlying policies will exclude earth movement unless you add an earthquake endorsement.
In practical terms, this means that if your house in Carson City or Henderson suffers structural damage from shaking, landslide, or ground settlement directly linked to an earthquake, the earthquake insurance may kick in. However, it will not cover everything — for example, fire damage resulting from an earthquake might still be covered under your homeowners policy, not the earthquake endorsement.
Because Nevada sits atop multiple fault lines and seismic zones, including areas around Reno, Carson City and Las Vegas, the risk is higher than many homeowners realize.
Who Needs This?
If you own a single-family home in the Reno-Sparks or Carson City region (where probabilities of seismic events are higher) you may face significant risk and financial exposure.
If your property is older, built with unreinforced masonry, or sits on a hillside prone to landslide or settlement — even more reason to consider coverage.
If you're a condo-owner in Las Vegas or surrounding Clark County and the building is on a slab or in a seismic-risk zone, your standard owners association policy may not address your personal property or the building's full exposure.
If you've experienced a nearby seismic event and are worried about aftershocks, securing earthquake insurance now can give peace of mind — because waiting until after a big quake could mean you're shut out of the market (moratoriums may apply).
Specialized Earthquake Coverage for Your Situation
Looking for earthquake insurance tailored to your specific Nevada property type or location? We've created detailed guides for unique situations:
How It Works in Nevada
Check your current policy
Review your homeowners or condo policy to see whether "earth movement" or "earthquake" is excluded. The NDI's consumer guide emphasizes this step.
Request earthquake endorsement
Ask your agent or insurer for an earthquake endorsement or standalone policy. Many Nevada insurers offer earthquake coverage as an add-on endorsement to the underlying property policy.
Pick deductible and limits
In Nevada, deductibles are commonly set as a percentage of the dwelling value (such as 10% or 15%). For example, if your coverage is $400,000 and the deductible is 15%, you'd be responsible for $60,000 before the insurer pays.
Submit before seismic event
After a major earthquake, many insurers may place a moratorium of 30–60 days on new coverage in the affected region.
Understand exclusions
Most policies define "earthquake" as shaking or trembling of the earth caused by tectonic activity, volcanic activity or similar causes. Damage due to flooding or surface water from an earthquake may not be covered.
Know claims timeline
Under Nevada regulations (NAC 686A.665), insurers must acknowledge a claim within 20 working days and either pay or deny within 30 working days of receiving proof of loss.
Costs and Pricing
What Affects the Cost
- Location: Homes in higher seismic-risk zones (e.g., Washoe or Carson City counties) tend to cost more to insure.
- Construction type: Wood-frame homes generally cost less than unreinforced masonry or older structures.
- Age and retrofitting: Older homes or those with poor foundation/soil conditions may trigger higher premiums.
- Deductible percentage: A higher deductible (say 20%) reduces premium but increases your out-of-pocket risk. (Example: $300,000 dwelling coverage with 20% deductible means $60,000 owed by you before coverage).
- Coverage limit selected: The higher the rebuilding/contents value, the higher the premium.
Sample Numbers
According to industry estimates, premiums in Nevada for earthquake insurance can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per year, depending on the factors above.
| Coverage Value | Deductible % | Out-of-Pocket Example |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | 10% | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | 15% | $45,000 |
| $400,000 | 20% | $80,000 |
💡 Pro Tip
If your home is valued at $350,000, compare quotes for 10% vs. 20% deductibles — the premium savings for 20% might not justify the extra risk.
⚠️ Critical
Never assume your homeowners policy already covers quake damage — most exclude it explicitly.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- ✓Provides financial protection against costly repairs or rebuilding after a seismic event
- ✓Helps you recover personal property damage and possibly additional living expenses while your home is repaired
- ✓Offers peace of mind in a high-risk state like Nevada — where seismic hazards are real
- ✓Encourages risk awareness and may incentivize seismic retrofitting (which can reduce losses)
- ✓Pre-event coverage allows you to avoid the rush and moratorium risk post-quake
Disadvantages
- ✗High deductible percentages mean you still carry substantial risk out-of-pocket
- ✗Premiums may be expensive, especially if your home is older, poorly constructed, or in a high-risk zone
- ✗Some events (e.g., flood, fire, land subsidence) may still be excluded — your earthquake policy may not cover everything you think it does
How to Get Started
1. Review current policy
Gather your current property insurance policy and check for exclusions or endorsements related to "earthquake," "earth movement," or "seismic."
2. Contact licensed agent
Contact your licensed insurance agent in Nevada and ask for earthquake insurance quotes — specifying your home location (city e.g., Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas) and construction type.
3. Compare quotes
Compare quotes across deductible levels (10%, 15%, 20% etc.), coverage limits (dwelling + contents + additional living expenses), and any optional add-ons (e.g., building code upgrade coverage).
4. Review policy carefully
Review the proposed policy/endorsement closely: definition of earthquake, what is excluded (land damage, sinkholes, floods triggered by quake), claims process, moratorium clause. Reference the NDI's "Earthquake Insurance Nevada Consumer's Guide."
5. Finalize coverage
Once you choose a policy: pay the premium, review your declarations page, update your home inventory (photograph valuables), and ensure you understand the deductible and claim filing steps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming homeowners policy covers earthquakes
Don't skip the earthquake endorsement thinking you're already protected.
Choosing too high a deductible
You may face a $50,000+ out-of-pocket cost when you can't afford it.
Waiting until after a seismic event
Insurers can stop issuing new policies in affected areas for 30–60 days.
Not reading the fine print
Exclusions around land movement, flooding, or other related damage may apply.
Ignoring retrofitting recommendations
Homes with known risk factors (e.g., unreinforced masonry, soil instability) may cost more or be harder to insure.
FAQ Section
Does homeowners insurance in Nevada cover earthquake damage?
Typically no. Standard homeowners, renters or condo insurance policies generally exclude damage caused by earthquakes or earth movement. You must purchase a separate earthquake endorsement or policy.
How high is the risk of a major quake in Nevada?
Quite significant. For example, according to the state consumer guide, the probability of a major earthquake in the Reno/Sparks region was estimated at about 67% within 50 years, and for Carson City around 70%.
What is a typical deductible for earthquake insurance in Nevada?
Deductibles are often a percentage of the dwelling coverage (commonly 10%–20%). For instance, if your dwelling coverage is $300,000 and deductible is 15%, you would owe $45,000 before the insurer pays.
Does earthquake insurance cover landslides or ground settlement?
Some policies do cover earth movement events like landslide, settlement or mudflow if they are directly attributable to an earthquake. But exclusions may apply for land subsidence or sinkholes not triggered by quake.
Can I buy earthquake insurance after a quake has already struck?
It's possible, but risky. Many insurers may impose a moratorium on new earthquake coverage in the impacted region for 30–60 days after a major event.
How do I file a claim if I suffer quake damage in Nevada?
First notify your insurer immediately. Under Nevada regulations (NAC 686A.665), the insurer must acknowledge your claim within 20 working days and either pay or deny within 30 working days of receiving completed proofs of loss.
Will earthquake insurance cover temporary housing or hotel bills while my home is repaired?
Possibly, if your endorsement includes Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage. You'll need to review your specific policy and confirm what is included. Many policies have dwelling + contents + ALE options.
Nevada-Specific Resources
Nevada Division of Insurance
Consumer guide to earthquake insurance (includes definitions, coverage info, risk data)
Visit Nevada DOI →Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Title 57 Insurance Code
For broad regulatory framework of insurance in Nevada
Read Nevada Statutes →Nevada Seismological Laboratory (University of Nevada, Reno)
For data on seismic risk and fault mapping in Nevada
Visit Seismological Lab →Verify Insurance Company License
Check if your insurer is properly licensed in Nevada
Verify a License →Protect Your Nevada Home from Earthquakes
Get specialized coverage for your property type—from condos to homes near fault lines