When the earth shakes, it gets our attention. With respect to earthquake insurance, an Oklahoma insurance department spokesperson recently told Reuters that take-up rates in the state grew after a magnitude 5.6 quake struck in 2011, from 4% before the temblor struck to as much as 18% at present.
But the reverse is also true: When an area at risk for earthquakes does not experience one for an extended period of time, this risk falls off the radar for most people—and even public officials. Residents in California would all likely say they want to be protected against earthquakes, but the take-up rate among personal-lines consumers is dismally low at around 10%.
For commercial lines insurance, a business will purchase earthquake coverage dependent on a company's risk tolerance, which varies depending on its customers and the requirements set by the company's board, says John Preli, earthquake and terrorism underwriting manager for FM Global.
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