Home & Property

Earth Movement Exclusion

A standard policy exclusion barring coverage for damage caused by earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, sinkholes, and other ground movement.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology

Definition

The earth movement exclusion is one of the most far-reaching standard exclusions in homeowners insurance, eliminating coverage for virtually all ground-related causes of loss: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, mudslides, earth sinking, shifting, rising, and sinkholes (in most states). This means that a $500,000 home destroyed by a major earthquake carries zero coverage under a standard HO-3 without a separate earthquake endorsement or standalone earthquake policy. In California, the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) provides the primary market for earthquake coverage after most private insurers stopped offering it following the 1994 Northridge earthquake. After the 2023 Turkey-Syria and 2024 Japan quakes raised global awareness, U.S. earthquake endorsement take-up rates increased slightly but remain below 15% nationally even in high-risk zones. The exclusion is typically written broadly enough to capture concurrent causation scenarios where wind or rain damages a structure already weakened by ground movement.

Where this term matters

Home Insurance →/states →Claims Help Center →

Tip

Glossary definitions are educational. Always check your own policy language — insurers can define common terms differently from one another. When in doubt, request a written explanation from your agent.

Related terms

Flood ExclusionA universal homeowners policy exclusion barring coverage for damage caused by rising surface water, storm surge, and overflow from water bodies.PerilA specific cause of loss — such as fire, windstorm, or theft — that triggers an insurance claim when it damages covered property.Sinkhole CoverageCoverage for structural damage caused by the sudden collapse of the ground beneath a property into underground cavities.Open Perils (All Risk)A coverage approach where all causes of loss are covered unless explicitly excluded in the policy.

Related guides

Source: Cover Forge USA editorial team|Last verified: May 2026|Methodology
Definitions are educational and may be simplified. Always refer to your policy contract and consult a licensed agent for terms that affect coverage decisions.
CF

Cover Forge USA Editorial Team

Editorial Lead

This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.

Reviewed June 2026

Get Insurance Updates

Occasional updates on insurance rules, coverage changes and new guides — and ways to save.

  • ✓State-specific insurance rule changes
  • ✓Seasonal enrollment deadline reminders
  • ✓Expert tips to lower your premiums
  • ✓New coverage options in your state

Free forever. Unsubscribe with one click. No spam, ever.

Important Disclaimer

This site provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional insurance advice. All rates, data, and coverage details are estimates and may not reflect your actual premiums. Insurance availability and pricing vary by state, insurer, and individual risk factors. Always consult a licensed insurance professional in your state before making coverage decisions.

← Back to Insurance Glossary (355 terms)