Determining if you should buy earthquake coverage requires a look at some of the same factors insurers consider to set insurance rates. Generally, The nearer you are to quake faults, the greater likelihood of damage to your home. Safeco Insurance has two rates for quake insurance, one for households near the risker Puget Sound area and another for the rest of the state, according to company spokesman, Pete Myers. Active faults stress structures more frequently and pose a greater threat than less active faults. Bed rock absorbs seismic energy, making it safer than landfill and silty, sandy and loamy soils, which amplify seismic energy.
Flat land is safer than sloped land which is prone to land slides.
Newer homes are generally safer than older homes because of newer building codes' seismic considerations. Newer homes with slab foundations are also slightly safer than perimeter spread footing foundations. Both are safer than hillside homes or homes built on stilts or piers. Coverage and costs Earthquake insurance coverage and costs vary from region to region, with discounts and lower rates for newer homes and certain homes with seismic home improvements. California, which has the most active faults, offers home owners the most expensive coverage, but also the greatest variety of quake plans.