02-02-2026, 01:52 AM
Something to watch out for with respect to typical homeowners insurance policies is that some underwriters are playing with the wording of what specifically is or is not covered in basic or other add on policies using "moving earth" as excuse of denial.
The moving earth term is typically a standard, broad provision in property insurance policies that denies coverage for damages caused by natural or man-made earth movements, including earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, and soil settling. It applies to shifting, rising, or contracting ground, and often excludes the foundation as well. There are some moving earth provisions that WILL cover any resulting fire cause by such moving earth perils, but more and more are moving to EXCLUDE fire coverage in those instances. And of course one can buy earthquake insurance if one feels compelled to do so, however, some underwriters are now trying to include lava flow as a moving earth peril, which as such, if it does not specifically include a resulting fire loss provision, it could leave you open to exposure, even if the lava flow only causes a fire.
If you are trying to insure a home in Zone 1 or 2, the best expense you might consider incurring is a good insurance lawyer to guide you through the ever changing ways an insurance company can say NO to your claim.
The moving earth term is typically a standard, broad provision in property insurance policies that denies coverage for damages caused by natural or man-made earth movements, including earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, and soil settling. It applies to shifting, rising, or contracting ground, and often excludes the foundation as well. There are some moving earth provisions that WILL cover any resulting fire cause by such moving earth perils, but more and more are moving to EXCLUDE fire coverage in those instances. And of course one can buy earthquake insurance if one feels compelled to do so, however, some underwriters are now trying to include lava flow as a moving earth peril, which as such, if it does not specifically include a resulting fire loss provision, it could leave you open to exposure, even if the lava flow only causes a fire.
If you are trying to insure a home in Zone 1 or 2, the best expense you might consider incurring is a good insurance lawyer to guide you through the ever changing ways an insurance company can say NO to your claim.
“I could say the stupidest things and you’d clap”
-DJT
-DJT