Do I need Montana Earthquake Insurance?

One wouldn't think Montanans would need to be concerned about earthquake insurance, but according to the USGS (US Geological Survey) "Montana is one of the most seismically active States in the Union." The 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake, the largest ever recorded in Montana, of 7.8 magnitude, killed 28 and caused about $11 million in damage to roads and timber.

Missouri is another state one wouldn't think would need to be too concerned about earthquake activity, but did you know Missouri has a history of extreme seismic activity? According to the USGS, on December 16, 1811, "shortly after 2 AM, the first tremor of the most violent series of earthquakes in the United States history struck southeast Missouri....In the small town of New Madrid."

My point? Most of us know that Alaskans and Californians should seriously consider earthquake insurance, but what about other areas of the US? Take a look at the map below. There are quite a few areas of the US with substantial seismic activity. Worth a second look...

According to the Montana State Auditor's Office, "the yearly cost of residential earthquake insurance is normally about $1.50 to $3.00 Per $1,000 of coverage on the structure, depending on the type of construction and the condition of the property."

Our earthquake insurance is only about $400/year. Is it worth it? If and when a temblor hits, the $400/year for any number of years makes it worth it! Where do you live? What do you think? 

More Montana Information like Homestead Declarations, Montana Property and Income Taxes, Montana River History...