The one loss property policies exclude.
Earthquake coverage for apartment buildings, retail and office buildings, warehouses and the businesses inside them.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Commercial property excludes earthquake
Standard commercial property policies exclude earth movement. The California Earthquake Authority writes residential policies only, so commercial buildings are insured through private earthquake markets, either as a separate policy or a difference-in-conditions policy.
Coverage can include the building, business property and improvements, business income or rental value, and items like signs, pools and fences. Lenders sometimes require it on larger or older buildings. I place commercial earthquake based on the building's construction, age, retrofit work and values.
- BuildingStructural damage from shaking, above the deductible.
- Business propertyEquipment, inventory and tenant improvements.
- Income or rentsLost business income or rental value while repairs are made.
- Other structuresSigns, pools, fences and similar items, when scheduled.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Building: address, year built, stories, square footage.
- Construction: frame type and foundation.
- Retrofit: any seismic retrofit and when it was done.
- Values: building, contents and annual income or rents.
- Loan: any lender earthquake requirement.
- Current coverage: property policy and any earthquake policy.
Commercial earthquake insurance, answered
Does my commercial property policy cover earthquakes?
Almost never. Earth movement is a standard exclusion; earthquake is bought as a separate policy or a difference-in-conditions policy.
Can the California Earthquake Authority insure my commercial building?
No. The CEA writes residential policies. Commercial buildings use private earthquake markets.
How do earthquake deductibles work?
They're usually a percentage of the insured value, often much higher than a property deductible. I'll show you the options side by side.
What do underwriters rate on?
Location and soil, construction type, age, retrofit work, values and the deductible you choose.
Do you offer commercial earthquake insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
Send the building details. I'll shop it.
The address, construction and values are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.