Earthquake Damage

If you have experienced earthquake damage, take precautions by following the tips below, and call us at 800-332-3226 to file a claim as soon as possible if you have Safeco earthquake coverage.

Tips for Immediate Action

Make personal safety your first priority. During an earthquake, buildings may collapse or slide off their foundations.
Listen to the local radio for up-to-date information.
Be prepared for aftershocks, which may cause additional damage and bring down weakened structures.
Stay out of your home if it is severely damaged. Don't go inside until local authorities say it’s safe for you to return.
Check for damage to gas, electric, or sewage systems, as well as your chimney, when you are able to do so safely.
Don’t use damaged systems until professionals have checked them. If gas is leaking, turn it off at the main shut-off valve, leave the building immediately, and call a professional for service.
Watch out for broken glass, sharp objects and exposed electrical wires.
If you must drive, use caution. Look out for downed electrical wires and debris, and remember bridges and roads may be damaged.

Report Your Claim

Call 800-332-3226 as soon as possible to file a claim if you have damage from an earthquake and have purchased earthquake insurance from Safeco. Provide at least a general description of your damage. A representative will walk you through your claim, recording the details.

A claims professional will call you after you report your claim. Most of the time, we call back within 72 hours. If you have serious damage, we will make every effort to get to you first.

Make Temporary Repairs

After it is safe to do so, you are responsible for taking action to avoid further damage. If you can, clean up broken glass and cover broken windows with heavy-duty tarps or plywood to prevent additional water damage.

If you aren't sure about what temporary repairs are necessary to ensure safety after an earthquake strikes, professionals can help. You’ll usually find them listed under "Contractors" in your phone directory. Check their credentials. As part of documenting the damage for your claim, save all receipts from any temporary fixes.

Review Your Insurance Policy

It's important to talk to your local Safeco agent about earthquake coverage because Safeco's standard home insurance policy doesn't automatically provide it. In most states, however, homeowners may add the coverage as an endorsement. In some states, separate earthquake insurance policies must be purchased.

If you have purchased earthquake insurance, your policy typically covers the cost to repair common earthquake damage—including damage to roofing and walls, and most of your belongings. Some restrictions apply. For example, your policy typically does not cover damage to fences, patios, landscaping, broken glassware or art objects.

In addition, you may have a higher deductible for earthquake damage than you have on your primary property policy. Review what’s covered and the deductible you have, so you know what to expect when you file your claim. Your independent Safeco agent can go over this information with you, too.

If you can’t live in your home, Safeco will pay additional living expenses, as noted in your policy, while the damage is assessed and your home is being repaired or rebuilt. If repairs take longer than the period of time covered by your policy, you may be eligible for additional assistance from federal emergency programs.

If you don’t have earthquake insurance, you may qualify for grants from FEMA.

Document Your Damage

As soon as you can, make a thorough list of items that the earthquake damaged. We can process your claim faster if you provide this information. Document the damage with photos, video, bills and receipts. Also, don’t throw out damaged items—especially expensive items.

Your claims representative will describe the specific information we need to process your claim.

Schedule Permanent Repairs

Safeco requires you to wait until our claims representative assesses your damage before you begin making permanent repairs. We encourage you, however, to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible because contractors can be difficult to schedule after an earthquake. Use a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor—and always check references.

Understand Your Responsibility

Safeco will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the earthquake. For example, if you had a fiberglass roof, we will pay to repair or replace damage with fiberglass materials-but we won’t pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile.

If damage is extensive, people sometimes decide to take the opportunity to upgrade their property with better or more expensive materials. Again, Safeco will pay only to replace materials of comparable kind and quality. If you want to pay the additional expense to upgrade, you’re welcome to do so out of your personal budget.

Any time you make improvements to your property, talk to your local Safeco agent to make sure you have enough insurance, and to find out if you are eligible for discounts.

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