Earthquake Insurance in Denver Colorado

Denver, Colorado Earthquake Insurance

Earthquake insurance provides coverage for damage caused by earthquakes and related ground movement. Standard homeowners insurance policies exclude all earthquake damage, making this separate coverage necessary for complete protection of your Denver area home.

Why You Need Earthquake Insurance in Denver, Colorado

While Colorado may not be as well-known for earthquakes as California, the state sits near several fault lines and experiences regular seismic activity. The largest recorded earthquake in Colorado was a magnitude 6.6 event near the New Mexico border in 1882. More recently, smaller quakes have been felt near Greeley, Trinidad, and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal area. Human activities such as wastewater injection from oil and gas operations have been linked to increased seismic activity in certain regions. Standard homeowners insurance excludes all earthquake and earth movement damage, leaving you responsible for repair costs without separate coverage. Foundation and structural repairs can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. Federal disaster assistance, when available, is typically a loan that must be repaid.

Earthquake Insurance Coverages

Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage is the most important component of your earthquake insurance policy. It pays to repair or rebuild your home's structure when damaged by earthquake shaking or ground movement, including foundation damage, cracked walls, and collapsed roofs.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage replaces belongings damaged during an earthquake, including furniture, electronics, appliances, and other possessions destroyed by shaking, falling objects, or structural collapse.

Other Structures Coverage

This coverage extends protection to detached structures on your property such as garages, sheds, fences, and retaining walls damaged by earthquake activity.

Additional Living Expenses

If your home becomes uninhabitable due to earthquake damage, additional living expenses coverage pays for temporary housing, meals, and other necessary costs while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.

What Are Earthquake Insurance Deductibles?

Earthquake insurance typically has higher deductibles than standard homeowners insurance. Deductibles are usually expressed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit rather than a flat dollar amount. In Colorado, earthquake insurance deductibles commonly range from 10% to 20% of your home's insured value. For example, if your home is insured for $400,000 with a 15% deductible, you would pay $60,000 out of pocket before insurance coverage begins. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your premium but increases your out-of-pocket costs when filing a claim.

How to Purchase Earthquake Insurance in Colorado

You can purchase earthquake insurance by adding supplemental coverage as an endorsement to your existing homeowners policy, or by purchasing a standalone policy. Many homeowners insurance companies offer earthquake endorsements, while specialized carriers focus exclusively on earthquake coverage. Coverage typically includes damage from aftershocks occurring within 72 hours of the initial earthquake.

Is Earthquake Insurance Worth It in Denver, Colorado?

Several factors help determine whether earthquake insurance makes sense for your situation. Consider your proximity to known fault lines—areas in western Colorado, central mountain regions, and near Greeley have experienced notable seismic activity. Older homes built before modern seismic codes may be more vulnerable, as are brick and masonry construction types. High-value properties where rebuilding costs would be financially devastating warrant serious consideration. Even if earthquake risk seems low, the coverage provides peace of mind against unexpected disasters.

How Much Does Earthquake Insurance Cost in Colorado?

Earthquake insurance in Colorado typically costs between $100 and $500 per year for moderate coverage. Your exact premium depends on your home's location, construction type, age, value, and chosen deductible. Brick homes generally cost more to insure than wood-frame construction. Given the relatively low cost, many Colorado homeowners find earthquake insurance provides valuable protection for a small investment.

Get an Earthquake Insurance Quote in Denver, Colorado

Our earthquake insurance agents serve Denver, Colorado and surrounding areas including Aurora, Golden, Lakewood, Thornton, and Westminster. Contact Seguros Ideal Inc today for a free quote.