Aviva offers earthquake insurance that you can add to your policy to make sure that you’re covered.
What's covered
We offer optional coverage to help you get back on track after an earthquake.
House
Available in British Columbia1
- Building only – coverage to repair or rebuild your home.
- Building + personal belongings – coverage to repair or rebuild your home, outbuildings and replace your belongings with a choice to reduce your contents coverage below the standard limit.
- Additional living expenses – coverage if you need to move out of your home if it needs to be repaired or rebuilt.
- There are minimum deductibles that are dependent upon where you live and the earthquake risk there. We have available deductibles of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%.
Earthquake coverage may be available in all other provinces and territories, however, many of the options identified here are specific to British Columbia. We encourage you to talk to your Aviva insurance representative for more information.
Condo
Available in British Columbia1
- Personal belongings – coverage to replace your belongings. In addition, there is also coverage for the upgrades you’ve made to your unit, condominium loss assessment and unit additional protection are also covered.
- Additional living expenses – coverage if you need to move out of your home if it needs to be repaired or rebuilt.
- There are minimum deductibles that are dependent upon where you live and the earthquake risk there. We have available deductibles of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%.
Earthquake coverage may be available in all other provinces and territories, however, many of the options identified here are specific to British Columbia. We encourage you to talk to your Aviva insurance representative for more information.
Tenants
Available in British Columbia1
- Personal belongings – coverage to replace your belongings.
- Additional living expenses – coverage if you need to move out of your home if it needs to be repaired or rebuilt.
- There are minimum deductibles that are dependent upon where you live and the earthquake risk there. We have available deductibles of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%.
Earthquake coverage may be available in all other provinces and territories, however, many of the options identified here are specific to British Columbia. We encourage you to talk to your Aviva insurance representative for more information.
Manufactured home
Available in British Columbia1
- Building + personal belongings – coverage to repair or rebuild your home, outbuildings and replace your belongings. Deductible amounts vary based on the location of the manufactured home.
- Additional living expenses – coverage if you need to move out of your home if it needs to be repaired or rebuilt.
Earthquake coverage may be available in all other provinces and territories, however, many of the options identified here are specific to British Columbia. We encourage you to talk to your Aviva insurance representative for more information.
Get prepared for an earthquake
Prepare your home
Before an earthquake, you can help prevent injuries and damage by making some changes inside your home. Severe shaking can topple large furniture and appliances, toss heavy items from walls and shelves, and throw open cupboards. To prevent these things from happening:
- Secure tall, free-standing furniture, such as bookcases, cabinets and shelving to wall studs using “L” brackets, corner brackets or anodized aluminum moulding
- Move framed pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches and chairs
- Secure cabinet doors with push or pull latches
- Use strong strapping and ratchets or other connectors to secure refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers
- Anchor water heaters snugly to the wall with straps. If necessary, contract a licensed gas fitter to install a flexible gas line
- Know how to turn off your electrical panel, water and gas in case of leaks or if directed to do so by officials. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas valve and leave your home immediately. Once the gas is shut off at the meter, do not try to turn it back on. Only a registered contractor can do that safely
Make an emergency plan
You could be on your own for several days while emergency responders work to save lives and manage the aftermath. It may be weeks before infrastructure, utilities and essential services are restored.
Phone, gas, electric and water services may be disrupted following an earthquake. Roads could be blocked, stores may be closed and gas stations might be out-of-service.
Think ahead and create an emergency plan. Remember to think of the needs of everyone in your home, such as children, pets and those with additional preparedness needs.
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The insurance products described on this page are underwritten by Aviva Insurance Company of Canada, Traders General Insurance Company and Aviva General Insurance Company. These underwriting companies are subsidiaries of Aviva Canada Inc. These products are available in all provinces and territories although they are intended to help address earthquake exposures which are specific to British Columbia. These insurance products are subject to terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions. For more details concerning any of these products, please speak with your Aviva insurance broker or representative. Aviva and the Aviva logo are trademarks used under license from the licensor.
1Coverage is subject to location within British Columbia.