Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance encourages consumers to plan ahead, consider earthquake insurance as coverage availability increases statewide

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – February is Earthquake Awareness Month, and the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) is encouraging Missourians to review their preparedness plans, including insurance, as more earthquake coverage options are becoming available across the state.

DCI’s latest earthquake survey shows a growing number of insurance companies are offering earthquake coverage in Missouri, including in communities near the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), one of the highest-risk seismic areas in the central U.S.

“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,” DCI Director Angela Nelson said. “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.”

Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Coverage must be added through an endorsement or purchased as a separate policy, and availability and cost can vary by location.

DCI’s annual earthquake survey collects information from insurance companies about their average premiums in five Missouri regions – St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Kansas City and Caruthersville. Overall, the 2025 survey shows that coverage availability is improving for consumers who want to consider purchasing earthquake insurance, including in higher-risk areas:

• More companies writing new business statewide: The percentage of insurers reporting they are writing new earthquake insurance policies in Missouri increased from 32% in 2024 to 37% in 2025.
• Improved access in the New Madrid region: Among companies actively writing earthquake insurance, the percentage of companies that do not offer coverage in the New Madrid area dropped from 19% in 2024 to 14% in 2025.
• New market participation: Three insurers that reported not writing earthquake insurance anywhere in Missouri in 2024 reported actively offering new policies in 2025. Only one insurer reported exiting the market. In DCI’s latest residential earthquake coverage report, insurers also report offering more flexible options, with about 85% of the market now offering deductibles of less than 10% of the property’s value.

Despite increasing availability, coverage levels among Missouri homeowners remain low. In the seven-county New Madrid region, the percentage of residences with earthquake insurance declined from 18.3% in 2015 to 10.4% in 2024. Statewide, fewer than 20% of residences in 101 of Missouri’s 115 counties have earthquake coverage.

“Insurance is not about predicting when or if an earthquake will happen. It’s about being prepared when it does,” Director Nelson said. “Earthquake Awareness Month is a good reminder for Missourians to take a fresh look at their coverage, ask questions and understand the options now available to them.”

Missourians with insurance questions or concerns are encouraged to call DCI’s Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit insurance.mo.gov/consumers for more information and resources.

DCI is charged with protecting Missouri consumers through oversight of the insurance industry, banks, credit unions, utilities and various professional licensees operating in the state. For more information about the department, please visit our website at dci.mo.gov.

Published Date

Tue, 02/17/2026 - 10:00