Nevada Consumer’s Guide to Earthquake Insurance Now Available
By Jake Sunderland
CARSON CITY — The recent earthquake activity around the Hawthorne area in Northern Nevada should act as a reminder to Nevadans to check that they have adequate earthquake coverage for their home or business. Nevada is one of the most active states for earthquakes and ranks third in the country for earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or higher.
The Nevada Division of Insurance would like to remind Nevada consumers that most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover earthquakes.
“It is important for our fellow Nevadans to understand that earthquakes can occur anywhere and at any time in Nevada,” Insurance Commissioner Brett Barratt said. “I urge Nevada home and business owners to be adequately prepared for an earthquake and to take steps to obtain the protection they need.”
Consumers can protect themselves from substantial financial burdens in rebuilding or repairing their homes by purchasing earthquake insurance. The Division of Insurance recently released an updated Nevada Consumer’s Guide to Earthquake Insurance that contains valuable information about the availability and affordability of earthquake insurance.
The consumer guide provides guidance in what is and is not typically covered under an earthquake insurance policy, giving consumers the tools to determine if they are receiving the protection they need. The consumer guide also contains tips, including those on safety, on what to do before and after an earthquake.
“Consumers should plan ahead. If a significant earthquake occurs, earthquake insurance coverage may not be available for 30 to 60 days,” said Commissioner Barratt.
Consumers are urged to contact their homeowner’s insurance agent or insurance company to inquire about earthquake insurance. Policies vary, so consumers should ask their insurance agent or insurance company to fully explain the earthquake insurance policy’s coverage and exclusions.
The Nevada Consumer’s Guide to Earthquake Insurance is available at the Division’s website.
To learn more about dangers of earthquakes, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s earthquake information website here.
For more information about earthquakes in Nevada visit the University of Nevada’s Seismological Laboratory’s website here.
The Division encourages consumers to contact the Division’s Consumers Services staff at (775) 687-0700 or (702) 486-4009 with any questions they may have. Consumers may also call toll free in Nevada at (888) 872-3234.
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