Fire insurance vs earthquake insurance
Trigger events, limits, earthquake fire, tsunami, and rebuilding gaps.
Fire insurance covers fire and selected perils but not earthquake-caused fire; earthquake insurance attaches to a fire policy, is capped at 30%–50% of the fire amount, and pays by statutory damage categories — together they still may not fully rebuild a home.
Benefits may vary by: insurer · employment status · municipality · household
Get professional or administrator help: Ask your insurer how the earthquake amount and damage grades apply to your building and contents.
Review due: 2026-10-30
Key points
- Fire insurance does not cover earthquake, eruption, or tsunami loss.
- Earthquake fire needs earthquake insurance, not fire insurance.
- Earthquake amounts are capped relative to the fire amount.
- Neither guarantees full reconstruction after a major event.
Why you usually need both
Fire insurance handles everyday property perils; earthquake insurance handles the seismic loss fire policies exclude. Decide the earthquake amount, understand the statutory damage grades, and plan savings for the reconstruction gap the caps leave.
Who this is for
- Residents mapping protection before shopping for private insurance
What this is not
- A quote, policy ranking, or individualized recommendation
- Eligibility, contributions, waiting periods, exclusions, and benefit amounts can vary. Confirm your case with the administering insurer or authority before acting.