Earthquake

Earthquake insurance is available as additional coverage and covers the loss or damage to your property and its contents caused by the shaking of the earth.

What’s Covered

Coverage for earthquake damage is not included in a standard home insurance policy but can be purchased as an add-on to your existing policy.
Earthquake insurance is subject to a higher deductible.
If an earthquake breaks a gas main and starts a fire, the resulting fire damage would likely be covered under a standard home insurance policy. Your coverage will depend on the legislation in your province or territory. Speak with your insurance representative for more information.
In certain circumstances, homeowners who are unable to return to their home as a result of insurable damage are entitled to additional living expenses.
Earthquake coverage is available for your place of business. To mitigate losses to your business in the event of an earthquake, you can purchase business interruption insurance.

What to do During an Earthquake

Wherever you are when an earthquake starts, take cover immediately. Move to a nearby safe place and stay there until the shaking stops. Keep in mind:

Drop, cover and hold on. Take cover under a heavy table, desk or other solid furniture. Avoid doorways and areas near windows. Protect your head and face.
If you're indoors, stay indoors. If the aforementioned furniture is not available, additional safe places are in halls and corners, and under archways.
If you're outdoors, stay clear of buildings and wires. Look out for falling debris.
If you are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect the back of your head and neck.
Avoid elevators. If you're in an elevator when an earthquake starts, hit all of the floor buttons and get out of the elevator as soon as you can.
If you're in a vehicle, drive away from a building or drive off a bridge or overpass, and then pull over to the side of the road. Stay inside your car, if safe to do so, and listen to your car radio for instructions from emergency officials.
Remain in a protected place until the shaking stops. Anticipate aftershocks soon after the first quake.

Click here to view the Top 10 Tips poster - Preparing for an Earthquake

What to do After an Earthquake

Remain calm. If you’re able, take care of life-threatening situations first. Remember, you may be on your own for 72 or more hours before emergency help arrives so have your emergency kit ready.
Check for injuries and administer first-aid as needed.
If safe to do so, check your home for structural damage and other hazards. Secure it against intruders.
If you are evacuating, bring your disaster safety kit with you.
Do not shut off utilities unless they are damaged. Don’t light matches or turn on light switches unless you are sure there are no gas leaks or flammable liquids in the area. Don’t flush the toilet if you suspect that nearby sewer lines may be broken.
Wear gloves, protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
Be cautious of debris, particularly broken glass.
After looking after your family, check on your neighbors if you are able.
If you need assistance, place “HELP” signs in all of your windows.
Turn on your battery-powered, hand-cranked or car radio for broadcast emergency instructions.
Don’t use your land-line telephone or vehicle, except in an extreme emergency.
Stay at least 10 meters from downed power lines.
Avoid waterfront areas because of the threat of large waves and currents.
Beware of secondary effects, such as landslides and flooding.