Worried that your homeowners insurance won’t protect you from an earthquake in Alpharetta?
Curious if those recent tremors in North Georgia mean it’s finally time to consider extra coverage?
In this article, you'll learn exactly what earthquake insurance does—and doesn’t—cover, how much it costs in Georgia, and whether it’s a smart investment for homeowners in low-risk areas like Alpharetta.
We’ll walk through:
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Georgia’s updated seismic risk
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What earthquake insurance actually covers
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How much it costs and how deductibles work
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What to expect if you file a claim
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Key considerations to decide if it’s worth it
Georgia's Earthquake Risk: What You Need to Know
Earthquakes in Alpharetta Are More Common Than You Think
While Georgia is officially classified as a low-risk earthquake state, recent seismic activity tells a more complex story. In 2024, the Alpharetta area experienced several small but noticeable quakes, particularly near Buford—just 25 miles away. On average, Georgia experiences 10–20 earthquakes over 2.0 magnitude each year.
That may sound minor, but repeated low-magnitude quakes can weaken structures over time, especially in homes not designed with seismic resilience in mind.
The Faults Beneath Our Feet
North Georgia sits near the ancient Brevard Fault Zone and within the Southeastern Tennessee Seismic Zone (STSZ)—the second most active seismic region in the eastern U.S. While not as volatile as the West Coast, these features still present a measurable risk.
Standard Homeowners Insurance Leaves a Coverage Gap
What Your Policy Doesn’t Cover
It’s a little-known fact: standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. This exclusion typically includes:
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Structural and foundation damage
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Personal property loss
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Sinkholes and landslides tied to seismic activity
Without earthquake coverage, any damage—even from a small quake—is your financial responsibility.
The True Cost of Skipping Earthquake Insurance
Even minor damage can be expensive. Cracked foundations, shifted walls, or chimney damage can easily run $5,000–$25,000. For larger quakes, costs can reach into six figures. Unless you have that cash on hand, a single event could become a long-term financial burden.
What Earthquake Insurance Actually Covers
The Three Pillars of Coverage
Earthquake insurance typically includes:
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Dwelling coverage – repairs or rebuilds your home (including foundation and built-ins)
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Personal property coverage – replaces items like furniture, electronics, and clothing
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Additional living expenses (ALE) – covers temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable
Some policies offer coverage limits that match your standard homeowners policy, but deductibles and exclusions apply.
What’s Not Covered
Earthquake insurance doesn't cover everything. Common exclusions include:
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Pools, fences, landscaping, and detached structures
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Pre-existing damage or poor maintenance
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Fire and flood damage caused by earthquakes (these require separate policies)
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Vehicle damage (covered under auto insurance)
Earthquake Insurance Costs and Deductibles in Alpharetta
Why Coverage Is More Affordable in Georgia
Premiums in Georgia are typically much lower than in high-risk states like California. Your rate depends on:
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Home age, construction type, and foundation
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Property location and assessed risk
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Desired coverage limits
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Deductible amount
In most cases, Alpharetta homeowners pay significantly less than the national average of $800–$5,000 annually.
How Deductibles Actually Work
Unlike a flat-dollar deductible, earthquake deductibles are percentage-based, usually between 2.5% and 25% of your insured value.
For example, a $400,000 policy with a 10% deductible means you'd pay $40,000 before your insurance kicks in.
You may have separate deductibles for different coverage types (dwelling, contents, etc.), so be sure to read the fine print.
What to Expect If You File an Earthquake Insurance Claim
Steps to Take Immediately
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Ensure your safety and evacuate if needed.
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Document damage with photos and videos.
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Notify your insurer within your policy’s timeframe.
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Contact your agent in writing—even for minor damage.
Get an Independent Inspection
Insurance adjusters may lack seismic-specific expertise. Hiring a structural engineer or independent contractor ensures hidden damage isn’t missed.
Be Prepared for Delays
Seismic damage can include hard-to-spot structural issues, so claims often take longer to process than standard repairs. Thorough documentation is essential.
Should You Buy Earthquake Insurance in Alpharetta?
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
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Can you afford major repairs or a rebuild out-of-pocket?
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Do you own an older home or one with masonry or slab foundation?
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Do you plan to own your home long-term?
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Is peace of mind worth a few hundred dollars per year to you?
Why Many Alpharetta Homeowners Are Opting In
Earthquake insurance in low-risk areas is inexpensive. For the cost of a nice dinner each month, you could protect your most valuable asset against total loss.
It’s a textbook example of “catastrophic coverage”—something you hope never to need, but can’t afford to go without if disaster strikes.
Earthquake Coverage Options Available in Georgia
Where to Get It
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Your current homeowners insurer may offer an earthquake endorsement.
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Independent agents can shop multiple carriers on your behalf.
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Standalone earthquake insurance providers also serve the Georgia market.
Standard vs. Comprehensive Coverage
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Standard: Dwelling-only coverage
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Comprehensive: Includes personal property and ALE coverage
Most financial experts recommend comprehensive coverage for full protection, especially for primary residences.
Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind Comes Cheap in Alpharetta
At the end of the day, most Alpharetta residents don’t worry much about earthquakes—until one happens.
The recent uptick in regional seismic activity is a wake-up call, especially since most homeowners insurance policies won’t help if your foundation cracks or your walls shift.
You’ve now seen the numbers, the risks, and the protection options. If your goal is to safeguard your home without breaking the bank, earthquake insurance is a strong contender.
Your next step? Talk to your insurance agent about available earthquake endorsements or request quotes from multiple carriers. The peace of mind may be well worth the modest cost.
