Does Commercial Property Cover Earthquake?
Usually not—standard commercial property policies exclude earthquake, so you need a separate earthquake policy or endorsement, and business income may need its own limit.
Usually not. Even a broad “special form” property policy typically excludes earth movement, so you need separate earthquake coverage or an endorsement. That coverage can insure physical damage to your building and contents; some earthquake policies also include business interruption, but with their own trigger and limits.
Read your policy’s earth-movement exclusion and ask whether an earthquake buyback is offered. When you compare a separate earthquake quote, check covered locations, building and contents limits, how the deductible is calculated, and exclusions. Ask directly whether business income is included and whether it pays after earthquake damage at your premises.
Coverage Guides Related to Commercial Property Insurance
Sources for Commercial Property Insurance Answers
- Business Interruption and Business Owner Policy. National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Background; Commercial property; Business interruption; Contingent business interruption. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- Commercial property insurance guide. Texas Department of Insurance; Coverage options; Replacement cost vs. actual cash value; Flood insurance; Crime coverage; Inland marine coverage; Additional coverages. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- Commercial Insurance Guide. California Department of Insurance; Commercial Property: Coverage Sections, Limits of Insurance, and Coinsurance; Covered Causes of Loss; Valuation Types; Inland Marine; Builder’s Risk; What Is a Business Owners Policy. Accessed 2026-09-25.