Earthquakes risk in Arizona

You're three days from closing on a house in Prescott, and the inspector mentions a hairline crack in the foundation. Your real estate agent shrugs. Your lender doesn't ask about earthquakes. But you're from California, so you wonder: should I care about quakes in Arizona?

Short answer: a little. Arizona gets a level 2 out of 5 on the state risk scale. That means damaging earthquakes are uncommon, but not impossible. The ground here is not locked in place. Faults run through the state, and USGS instruments pick up small shakes every month.

Why Arizona looks like this

Arizona sits in the Basin and Range province, a wide zone of stretched crust that runs from Nevada down into Mexico. That stretching creates faults. Most are quiet. But some, like the Hurricane Fault near the northwestern corner of Mohave County, have moved in the past and will move again.

The state's biggest historical shake came from just across the border. In 1887, a large earthquake in Sonora, Mexico, was felt across southern Arizona — Tucson, Bisbee, Tombstone. Chimneys cracked. People ran into the street. That was a rare event, but it shows what the region can do.

Today, the areas to watch are Coconino County, Mohave County, Yavapai County, and the southeastern corner around Cochise and Santa Cruz counties. The Phoenix and Tucson metro areas sit in basins with softer soil. Soft soil can amplify shaking from a distant quake, even if the epicenter is far away. So a moderate quake near Flagstaff or Kingman might be felt in Phoenix, though likely without damage.

The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) tracks hazards for the state. They put earthquakes in the "low frequency, potential high impact" category. Translation: you probably won't feel one this year, but you should know what to do if you do.

Insurance gaps people miss

Here's the part that surprises most Arizona homeowners: your standard policy does not cover earthquake damage. It's excluded under the "earth movement" clause. That clause also excludes landslides, sinkholes, and mine subsidence. If an earthquake cracks your slab or topples your chimney, your regular insurer will likely send a denial letter.

You need a separate earthquake policy or an endorsement added to your homeowners policy. Not every Arizona insurer offers one. In many counties, you can buy it, but the deductible is not a flat $500. It's usually 10% to 15% of your dwelling coverage. On a $400,000 house, that's $40,000 to $60,000 out of pocket before the policy pays a dime.

Also, earthquake insurance does not cover flood. And flood insurance does not cover earthquake. They are separate perils. If you live near a river or in a low-lying area, you might need both. But for most of Arizona, flood is a bigger risk than quake. Don't let the earthquake conversation distract you from checking your flood zone.

If you have a mortgage, your lender probably won't require earthquake coverage. That's different from flood, where lenders require it in high-risk zones. So the decision is yours. Read the exclusions page of your policy. Call your agent and ask: "Do I have earthquake coverage, and what's the deductible?"

A practical weekend plan

If you only do one thing with limited time and money, strap your water heater to the wall. A tipped water heater can start a fire or flood your house. It's a $20 kit and 20 minutes.

Then, secure tall furniture. Bookcases, dressers, TV stands. Use L-brackets or nylon straps. In a small quake, falling furniture is the most common injury. In a bigger one, it's the difference between a mess and a hospital visit.

Next, practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On. That's the drill from Ready.gov. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table. Hold on until the shaking stops. If you're in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow. Don't run outside during shaking — most injuries happen when people try to move.

Finally, know your safe spots. In each room of your Arizona home, identify a sturdy table or an interior wall away from windows. Teach your kids. If you live in an older adobe or masonry home, pay extra attention to unreinforced walls. They can crack in moderate shaking.

Questions we get

Does Arizona actually have earthquakes?

Yes, but most are small. USGS records small quakes in Arizona every year, and there are active faults in the northwestern and central parts of the state. The 1887 Sonora earthquake was felt strongly in southern Arizona, but a repeat of that size is rare. The statewide rating is level 2 of 5 — low, not zero.

Will my Arizona homeowners insurance cover earthquake damage?

Almost never. Standard policies exclude earth movement, including earthquakes, landslides, and sinkholes. You need a separate earthquake policy or an endorsement. Deductibles are usually a percentage of your home's insured value, often 10% to 15%, so read the fine print before you assume you're covered.

What should I do first if I feel shaking in Arizona?

Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Get under a sturdy table, protect your head and neck, and stay there until the shaking stops. If you're in bed, stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow. Don't run outside. After the shaking stops, check for gas leaks, injuries, and structural damage. Ready.gov has the full drill.

Official maps and agencies

Don't take our word for it. These are the sources we use. Check them yourself before you buy, build, or insure a home in Arizona.

• Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) — state hazard info and emergency plans.
• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program — real-time maps, fault lines, and historic quakes.
• Ready.gov – Earthquakes — drills, kits, and what to do during shaking.
• FEMA Earthquake Safety — mitigation and risk management resources.

Arizona is not California. You don't need to bolt your house to bedrock or buy a $5,000 earthquake policy without thinking. But you also shouldn't ignore the risk. A little prep goes a long way. Start with the water heater. Then call your insurance agent. That's the honest advice.