The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance is encouraging homeowners across the state to review their preparedness plans and consider earthquake insurance as more coverage options become available statewide. February is Earthquake Awareness Month, and according to DCI, insurers are expanding their presence, even in higher risk areas such as the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
In a recent news release, DCI Director Angela Nelson emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, “It’s not something we like to think about, but Missouri has a significant risk for another major earthquake. Being prepared means having a plan for how you will recover when the next one occurs, not just hoping one won’t happen.” She added, “Insurance is critical to the recovery process, and this year’s survey shows meaningful progress in earthquake coverage availability, giving Missourians more options to consider as they review their preparedness plans.”
According to DCI’s latest insurer survey, the percentage of companies writing new earthquake insurance policies in Missouri increased from 32 percent in 2024 to 37 percent in 2025. In the New Madrid region, the percentage of insurers that do not offer coverage dropped from 19 percent to 14 percent. Three insurers that were not writing any earthquake policies in Missouri in 2024 entered the market in 2025, while only one exited.
The department’s 2024 Residential Earthquake Coverage in Missouri report confirms that while availability is improving, overall coverage levels remain low. In the seven county New Madrid region, the percentage of residences with earthquake coverage declined from 18.3 percent in 2015 to just 10.4 percent in 2024. Statewide, only 19.4 percent of residences carry earthquake coverage, down from 30.6 percent in 2015. In 101 of Missouri’s 115 counties, fewer than 20 percent of homes have earthquake insurance.
Cost is clearly a factor. The report shows that the average annual premium in the New Madrid counties increased from $333 in 2015 to $614 in 2024. Even after adjusting for inflation, premiums in that region rose from $431 in 2015 to $614 in 2024. Statewide, the average annual premium for a home with $140,000 to $249,000 in coverage increased from $93 in 2015 to $123 in 2024.
The report also notes that 85 percent of the earthquake insurance market now offers deductibles of less than 10 percent of the property’s value, an improvement in flexibility compared to prior years. Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Coverage must be added through an endorsement or purchased as a separate policy.
For St. Louis area homeowners, this is particularly relevant. The highest risk area stretches from the Bootheel up the Mississippi River to the entire St. Louis metropolitan area. Despite this elevated risk, participation rates in many St. Louis area counties remain well below historical levels.
DCI encourages Missourians to review their policies, talk with their insurance agents, and understand their options. The complete Residential Earthquake Coverage Report is available here: View the Full 2024 Residential Earthquake Coverage Report. Homeowners with questions can contact DCI’s Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit insurance.mo.gov.
Earthquakes are unpredictable. Preparation is not. For Missouri homeowners, understanding both the risks and the insurance options available today is an important step toward protecting what is likely their largest investment.
