💡 How much does it cost to protect your home from a rare earthquake in New England?
Have you ever felt the ground move beneath your feet and wondered, “Is my insurance ready for this?”
This morning, that question got real for many across Boston, MA, and the surrounding area as a rare earthquake rattled the region. 😳
What does today’s earthquake mean for your safety—and your insurance coverage?
In this article, we’ll break down why the Northeast isn’t immune to seismic events, how often they occur, and what you need to know about protecting your home—including how much it costs to add earthquake coverage to your existing policy.
Let’s explore what just happened, what it really means, and what Vargas & Vargas Insurance 🛡️ recommends you do next.
📉 Earthquake Hits Near Boston—What We Know
Residents across Boston and surrounding communities were jolted awake this morning by an earthquake measuring 3.8 in magnitude, centered near York Harbor on the New Hampshire-Maine border. Although no significant damage was reported, this serves as a major reminder 💥 that even low-risk areas can shake things up.
🕰️ Not the First Time: History of Northeastern Earthquakes
Yes, earthquakes do happen in the Northeast. Here’s a brief history:
- 🗓️ 1886 – Charleston, SC (7.3 magnitude), 60 fatalities
- 🗓️ 1897 – Giles County, VA (5.9)
- 🗓️ 1944 – Massena, NY (5.8)
- 🗓️ 2011 – Mineral, VA (5.8)
- 🗓️ 2024 – New Jersey (4.8)
These aren’t just historical footnotes—they’re warning signs. 🚨
🧭 Why Do Earthquakes Happen in the Northeast?
Even though we’re far from major fault lines, here’s why quakes occur here:
🔹 Ancient Faults – Dormant but still active
🔹 Gravitational Slip – Shifts due to rock weight
🔹 Reactivated Faults – Old stress points reawakened by distant tectonic activity
📊 How Often Do Earthquakes Occur in the Northeast?
- Earthquakes are 100x less frequent than in California
- A damaging quake happens every 200–300 years
- Over 40+ quakes above 3.0 magnitude have occurred near New Jersey since 1950
Not frequent—but not unheard of either. 🧠
🏠 Earthquake Insurance in Massachusetts: Are You Covered?
Your standard homeowners policy doesn’t cover earthquakes. You’ll need a rider or separate policy.
💸 Average cost of an earthquake rider in MA: $75–$300/year
✅ Vargas & Vargas Insurance helps homeowners decide if it’s the right move.
Don’t assume you’re covered—check your policy. 📄
🚨 What to Do During an Earthquake
1️⃣ Drop, Cover, and Hold On
🤲 Get low
🛋️ Take cover under sturdy furniture
✊ Stay in place until the shaking stops
2️⃣ Stay Indoors
🚪 Avoid exits
🪞 Stay away from windows and mirrors
🛑 Don’t use elevators
3️⃣ Outside?
🏞️ Get to an open space
🌳 Avoid trees, power lines, and buildings
4️⃣ In a Car?
🚗 Pull over safely
🔒 Stay buckled inside
🧱 Why Earthquake Preparedness Matters in New England
⚠️ Loose Building Codes – Older structures are especially vulnerable
🌐 Longer Wave Travel – Seismic waves go farther here
⏱️ Aftershocks – Can follow the initial quake and cause more damage
❓ Earthquake FAQs in Massachusetts
Q: Could a big quake hit Massachusetts?
A: It’s rare, but it could happen—about every 200–300 years.
Q: Why if we’re not near a tectonic plate?
A: Old fault lines and geological stress.
Q: Are building codes strict enough?
A: No—especially in older buildings.
Q: Should I get earthquake insurance?
A: Possibly. Vargas & Vargas Insurance can help you evaluate the risk. 🤝
✅ Conclusion: Should You Add Earthquake Coverage?
At the end of the day, just because earthquakes are rare in Massachusetts doesn’t mean they’re impossible. This morning’s quake was your wake-up call. ⏰
Vargas & Vargas Insurance is here to help you navigate your options, understand your risk, and protect what matters most. 🏡
🔄 Your Next Step
📘 Want to understand how to strengthen your homeowners coverage further?
👉 Read next: “How to Know If You’re Underinsured in Massachusetts”
💬 Get Peace of Mind Today
➡️ Ready to talk about adding earthquake coverage?
Click below to connect with a licensed Vargas & Vargas Insurance agent and review your current policy.
Don’t wait for the next shake-up. Protect your home today.
