{"id":18257,"date":"2026-08-31T08:30:02","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T12:30:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/multi-risques.com\/?post_type=cke_blogue&p=18257"},"modified":"2026-08-28T10:19:34","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T14:19:34","slug":"does-your-insurance-cover-earthquakes","status":"publish","type":"cke_blogue","link":"https:\/\/multi-risques.com\/en\/tips-and-advice\/does-your-insurance-cover-earthquakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Your Insurance Cover Earthquakes?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did you know that nearly 450 earthquakes are recorded in Eastern Canada every year? Most have a magnitude of less than 4 on the Richter scale, but the risk of an earthquake causing damage to your property is very real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To demystify this important, yet often underestimated, form of cover, here\u2019s what you need to know about earthquake insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is earthquake insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to popular belief, a home insurance policy does not automatically cover damage caused by an earthquake. You need to add an endorsement<\/a> to your policy to be protected against this type of claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201c38 per cent of Quebecers mistakenly believe that their basic home insurance protects them against this risk, whereas in fact only 7 per cent have adequate cover. (\u2026) Given that the risk is often misunderstood or underestimated, the Insurance Bureau of Canada has been actively working for several years to raise public awareness.\u201d \u2014 Insurance Bureau of Canada<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Les tremblements de terre peuvent causer des dommages importantEarthquakes can cause significant damage, as they directly affect the structure and foundations of homes. Furthermore, a microseism may seem harmless, but over time, an accumulation of small events can increase a building\u2019s vulnerability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Earthquakes Canada<\/a>, a magnitude 4 earthquake is the threshold at which a quake can cause minor damage. This may include objects falling over inside homes, or slight cracks in the floor and walls. From a magnitude of 5 upwards, more serious damage may be caused to homes that are not designed to withstand this type of tremor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, earthquake insurance should not be taken lightly. Seismic risks must be taken seriously in order to be prepared for any eventuality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the main seismic zones in Quebec?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is often believed that the risk of earthquakes is virtually zero in Quebec. Although major earthquakes are rare, they do occur periodically across the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are three areas in Eastern Canada where the number of earthquakes is higher:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AREA<\/strong><\/td>SEISMIC ACTIVITY<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Western Quebec<\/td>An area covering the Ottawa Valley, from Montreal to T\u00e9miscamingue, as well as the Laurentians and Eastern Ontario.<\/td><\/tr>
Charlevoix\/Kamouraska<\/td>The most active seismic zone in Eastern Canada. Most earthquakes occur beneath the Saint Lawrence River, between Charlevoix County on the north bank and Kamouraska County on the south bank.<\/td><\/tr>
Lower St. Lawrence<\/td>Seismic monitoring area. Around 60 events are recorded each year in the St Lawrence Estuary, but these are minor in scale.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"carte
Main seismic zones in Eastern Canada \u2013 Image: Earthquakes Canada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cEastern Canada is located in a stable continental region within the North American Plate and, as a consequence, has a relatively low rate of earthquake activity. Nevertheless, large and damaging earthquakes have occurred here in the past and will inevitably occur in the future.\u201d\u00a0 \u2014 Earthquakes Canada<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What is covered by the earthquake rider?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Insurance Bureau of Canada<\/a> (IBC) distinguishes between two types of damage caused by an earthquake:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Direct damage: caused by the tremor itself, this includes cracks in walls or foundations, the collapse of the building, structural deformation, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indirect damage: resulting from the event, this includes fires (caused, for example, by an electrical fault or chemicals), explosions and smoke damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, indirect damage is already covered by your basic home insurance policy. However, adding an earthquake rider is essential to ensure you are covered against property damage resulting directly from seismic activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This rider therefore supplements your policy to protect your property and possessions, covering in particular:<\/p>\n\n\n\n