Earthquake Insurance in B.C.: What Coastal Homeowners Need to Know

November 20, 2025

Does your home insurance cover earthquake damage in British Columbia? In most cases, standard home insurance only covers fire, explosion, or smoke damage that happens after an earthquake. Damage caused directly by earthquake shaking—such as cracked foundations or structural failure—is not covered unless you add earthquake insurance to your policy.

For homeowners across B.C.’s coastal and mainland regions—including Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and surrounding communities—earthquake insurance is an important consideration. British Columbia is the most seismically active province in Canada, and earthquakes can occur without warning.

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What is earthquake insurance for homeowners?

Earthquake insurance is an optional add-on to your home insurance policy. It’s available to homeowners, condo owners, and townhouse owners throughout B.C.’s coastal and mainland areas.

This coverage protects you against direct physical loss or damage caused by an earthquake, including major structural damage to your home—such as foundation cracks or collapse—that would otherwise be excluded.

What does earthquake insurance cover?

Earthquake insurance helps cover damage caused by ground shaking or tremors, not just the secondary effects.

Typical earthquake coverage includes:

• Structural damage to your home
• Damage to personal belongings and contents
• Losses caused by landslides triggered by an earthquake
• Fire damage resulting from an earthquake, such as broken gas lines
• Repair or replacement of your home
• Additional living expenses if you must move out during repairs or rebuilding

Should B.C. tenants consider earthquake insurance?

Yes. Tenants across coastal B.C. are encouraged to add earthquake coverage to their renter’s insurance. While your landlord insures the building itself, your belongings and temporary living costs are your responsibility.

Earthquake insurance for tenants can help replace damaged belongings and cover extra living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable.

How much earthquake coverage do you need?

Homeowners should carry enough earthquake coverage to rebuild their home and replace its contents based on replacement cost—not market value. Coastal construction costs can be high, and rebuilding after a major earthquake may be significantly more expensive than expected.

Condo owners should also review strata bylaws carefully, as earthquake deductibles can be substantial and are often shared among unit owners.

What doesn’t earthquake insurance cover?

Earthquake insurance typically does not cover:

• Flooding, tidal waves, sinkholes, or tsunamis
• Loss of land value if your property becomes less desirable
• Damage to vehicles or recreational equipment

Did you know?

Earthquakes in Canada occur along three major seismic zones:

• The Intermountain Seismic Belt, along the B.C.–Alberta border
• The Queen Charlotte Fault, running along the coast of British Columbia
• The New Madrid seismic zone, affecting parts of Ontario and Quebec

Earthquake history in Canada

The first recorded earthquake in Canada occurred in 1663 in Quebec, with an estimated magnitude between 7.3 and 7.9. While structural damage was limited, widespread landslides were triggered.

One of the most significant seismic events affecting coastal British Columbia occurred in 1700, when a massive offshore earthquake caused a tsunami that devastated coastal Indigenous communities and sent waves as far as Japan.

Protect your B.C. coastal home

Living along B.C.’s coast comes with incredible natural beauty—but also real seismic risk. Adding earthquake insurance can help protect your home, belongings, and financial stability if the unexpected happens.

Talk to a Western Coast Insurance advisor about earthquake coverage for your B.C. home and make sure your policy is built for where you live.