When people think of Arizona’s natural disasters, images of wildfires, flash floods, or intense dust storms might come to mind. Earthquakes usually don’t make the list — but that doesn’t mean the state is immune. While Arizona isn’t as seismically active as neighboring California, it does experience occasional tremors. This leads many homeowners to wonder whether purchasing earthquake insurance is a smart investment or an unnecessary expense. Let’s take a closer look.
Are Earthquakes a Real Risk in Arizona?
Yes — though they’re relatively infrequent and typically less intense than in California or Nevada, Arizona does experience earthquakes. According to the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS), the state has recorded hundreds of small quakes over the past century. Most are minor and go unnoticed, but a few have been strong enough to rattle nerves and cause structural damage.
Arizona’s most seismically active regions are in the northern part of the state, including areas near Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, and the Arizona Strip. That said, smaller quakes have also been recorded near Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma.
While the likelihood of a major earthquake in Arizona is lower than in California, it’s not zero. And as the region continues to grow and develop, the potential financial impact of even a moderate quake could be significant for homeowners.
What Does Standard Homeowners Insurance Cover?
One of the most important facts to understand is that standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. If your home suffers structural damage, foundation cracks, or personal property losses due to an earthquake, your typical home insurance policy won’t pay for repairs or replacements unless you’ve purchased a separate earthquake insurance policy or added an endorsement.
This leaves many homeowners vulnerable to out-of-pocket expenses if a quake strikes. Given this coverage gap, the decision to buy earthquake insurance comes down to balancing risk tolerance with financial protection.
What Does Earthquake Insurance Cover?
Earthquake insurance typically covers:
- Structural Damage to Your Home: Repairs to walls, foundations, roofs, and other parts of your home damaged by an earthquake.
- Personal Property: Replacement or repair of belongings like furniture, appliances, and electronics that are damaged.
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Costs for temporary housing, meals, and other necessities if your home is uninhabitable after a quake.
- Detached Structures: Coverage for garages, sheds, fences, and other structures on your property.
It’s important to note that earthquake policies usually come with higher deductibles than standard homeowners insurance — often ranging from 10% to 25% of your home’s insured value. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 15% deductible, you’d pay the first $45,000 of covered damage before insurance kicks in.
How Much Does Earthquake Insurance Cost in Arizona?
Compared to California, earthquake insurance in Arizona is relatively affordable, largely because the risk is lower. Premiums typically range from $100 to $300 per year for a standard home, depending on factors like location, home construction, insured value, and chosen deductible.
Homeowners in areas with higher seismic activity, like Flagstaff or Kingman, may pay more than those in Phoenix or Tucson. It’s also worth noting that older homes or homes built with unreinforced masonry may cost more to insure because they’re more susceptible to quake damage.
Should You Buy Earthquake Insurance in Arizona?
Whether earthquake insurance is “worth it” depends on your personal situation. Consider these factors when deciding:
- Location: Do you live in an area with higher seismic activity?
- Home Structure: Is your home older or built from materials vulnerable to quake damage?
- Financial Preparedness: Could you afford to pay for major repairs or rebuilding costs out of pocket?
- Risk Tolerance: Are you comfortable assuming the risk of an unlikely but potentially costly event?
For many Arizona homeowners, especially those in lower-risk areas, the peace of mind that comes with earthquake insurance can outweigh its modest annual cost. If you live in or near a known fault zone, the investment becomes even more sensible.
While Arizona isn’t known for its earthquakes, the risk isn’t non-existent. Earthquake insurance isn’t typically required, and many residents choose to go without it. However, with standard home insurance policies excluding quake damage, it’s worth evaluating your personal risk and financial situation.
For homeowners who value financial security and peace of mind — especially those in northern Arizona or living in older homes — earthquake insurance can be a smart addition to their overall protection plan.
As with any insurance decision, consult with your insurance agent or broker to review your options and determine whether earthquake coverage makes sense for your home and family.
