Missouri Earthquake Coverage Rates Have Declined
The state insurance department has urged residents to evaluate their earthquake coverage amid dropping participation rates.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Insurance
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The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance has advised residents to include earthquake coverage in their emergency planning. This comes as data shows a significant drop in policyholders across the high-risk New Madrid region over the last decade.
Why it matters
Rising construction and reinsurance costs have driven premium hikes, prompting many homeowners to drop coverage due to inflation. Standard homeowners and renters policies explicitly exclude damage caused by earthquakes, leaving many properties financially vulnerable.
In the New Madrid region, earthquake insurance coverage fell from 18.3% in 2015 to 10.4% in 2025, while 98 of Missouri's 115 counties see coverage rates below 20%. Statewide average annual premiums decreased by 1.5% between 2024 and 2025, but regional costs rose by 4.6% in the New Madrid area and 5.6% in high-risk zones like St. Louis.
The players
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance
This state agency regulates insurance providers and provides consumer resources to help residents manage financial risks.
The details
Homeowners are encouraged to compare deductible options, as 73% of insurers in the New Madrid region now offer deductibles of 10% or less. Flexible options ranging from 5% to 15% allow residents to adjust their policies, while focusing on structural dwelling coverage can help manage costs.
Timeline
Coverage in the New Madrid region stood at 18.3% in 2015.
Statewide average annual earthquake insurance premiums fell by 1.5% between 2024 and 2025.
Coverage in the New Madrid region was 10.4% in 2025.
Market Dynamics
This trend of declining insurance participation follows the pattern set by the Great ShakeOut drill in prioritizing proactive seismic readiness. The divergence between statewide premium trends and high-risk regional cost increases reflects sophisticated risk modeling used by modern insurers.
Residents should review their current homeowners policies to confirm that earthquake damage is excluded, then shop across carriers to find manageable deductibles. Contacting the DCI consumer hotline at 800-726-7390 can help clarify coverage options for those in high-risk zones.
The takeaway
Homeowners in high-risk seismic zones should prioritize structural dwelling coverage to mitigate the high costs of potential repairs. Regularly comparing carrier deductibles is the most effective way to balance budget constraints with necessary financial protection.
What happens next
The Great ShakeOut drill is scheduled to occur in October 2026.
Further reading
For more information on protecting your property, visit our Insurance section.
More information
Access DCI consumer insurance resources and information to review your coverage options.
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