On February 11, 2026, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) raised awareness of the importance of earthquake preparedness during February, which has been designated as Earthquake Awareness Month. Commissioner Carter Lawrence urged consumers to prepare for potential financial impacts by learning more about earthquake insurance and making sure they have adequate insurance coverage in the event of an earthquake.
TDCI reminds readers that traditional homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance is available to purchase in Tennessee from licensed insurance producers. This article restates TDCI’s published tips. It is informational only — no coverage, eligibility, or price promise.
Seasons change. So should your coverage. For a free policy review, call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/.
By All Seasons Insurance Group
What did TDCI announce for Earthquake Awareness Month in February 2026?
TDCI’s February 11, 2026 news release designates February as Earthquake Awareness Month and focuses on preparedness and earthquake insurance education for Tennesseans.
| Item | Detail from TDCI |
|---|---|
| Release date | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 02:06pm |
| Designation | February — Earthquake Awareness Month |
| Tennessee seismic zones named | New Madrid Seismic Zone (west); East Tennessee Seismic Zone (east) |
| Central U.S. small tremors | Nearly 2,000 small tremors per year |
| Probability cited | 25-40% chance of magnitude 6.0+ in central U.S. within 50 years |
| Homeowners/business policies | Do not cover earthquake damage |
| Typical quake deductible | Usually 10% to 20% of the coverage limit |
Source: TDCI Earthquake Awareness Month release, February 11, 2026.
Does a standard homeowners policy cover earthquake damage in Tennessee?
TDCI states that traditional homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance is available to purchase in Tennessee from licensed insurance producers.
Which seismic zones did TDCI name for Tennessee?
TDCI says Tennessee has two seismic zones — the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) in the west and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone in the east.
What probability figure did TDCI cite for a major central U.S. earthquake?
TDCI reports scientists estimate a 25-40% probability of a 6.0 or greater magnitude earthquake occurring in the central United States within a 50-year window.
What deductible range did TDCI describe for earthquake insurance?
TDCI says the deductible for earthquake insurance is usually 10% to 20% of the coverage limit. For example, if a home is insured for $200,000, a 10% deductible would be $20,000. Depending on the policy, there may be separate deductibles for the home, belongings, and outside structures.
How often do earthquakes occur in the central U.S., per TDCI?
TDCI states earthquakes occur on a daily basis in the central U.S. with nearly 2,000 small tremors per year, and about 200 earthquakes occur in the central U.S. every year, many of which go unnoticed.
Does this article promise that a reader can buy earthquake coverage?
No. It restates TDCI’s February 11, 2026 Earthquake Awareness Month tips. It is informational only and does not promise coverage, eligibility, or price.
Where can someone request a free local policy review?
Call All Seasons Insurance Group at 865-263-1400 or use asigtn.com/get-a-quote. Informational only.
Seasons change. So should your coverage.
