Do Renters Need Earthquake Insurance?
You’re not usually required to buy earthquake coverage as a renter. Even in California, a state with over 15,000 known faults and more than a 99 percent chance of an earthquake happening, earthquake insurance isn’t required.
Even though the law doesn’t force you to buy coverage, it can be a smart move for renters.
Think about this: earthquakes cause a substantial amount of damage. They can happen anytime, anywhere—often with little to no warning at all.

Image source: U.S. Geological Survey
This U.S. Geological Survey map of the long-term national seismic hazards shows high earthquake risk in the states you’d expect—California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Alaska.
However, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee are also at significant risk, thanks to the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
So, do you need earthquake insurance as a renter? It depends on:
The location of your home compared to active faults
The number of earthquakes in your area
The time that’s passed since the last quake
The value of your personal property
The most crucial factor to help you decide whether to buy a policy is whether you can afford to replace your items after an earthquake without the help of insurance.
If you can’t, a policy is likely worth the investment.