38% of Quebecers believe that their home insurance covers earthquakes. In reality, only 3 to 7% of them actually have this protection. Worse still, 91% are convinced that their home is safe from earthquakes. Yet, Quebec ranks among the most seismically active regions in Canada, with more than 450 earthquakes recorded each year in eastern Canada. The question is not whether a major earthquake will hit Quebec — it’s when.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), only 4.19% of Quebec households had an earthquake endorsement in 2018. By comparison, in British Columbia — a province that is more associated with earthquakes — the coverage rate is 45 per cent, and the Vancouver area is as high as 65 per cent. How can such a gap be explained? A mixture of unawareness of risk, false beliefs about basic coverage and a certain fatalism in the face of a danger perceived as remote.
In this article, we’ll demystify seismic risk in Quebec, explain why your basic home insurance probably doesn’t protect you, detail the true cost of the earthquake rider, and give you the tools to make an informed decision.
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Get my free quoteQuebec: a more active seismic zone than we think
When you think of earthquakes in Canada, British Columbia comes to mind. However, the Canadian Centre for Seismological Research (Earthquakes Canada) has identified three major active seismic zones in Quebec, which collectively generate hundreds of tremors each year.
1. Charlevoix-Kamouraska: Quebec’s epicentre
The Charlevoix-Kamouraska area is the most active in eastern North America. It alone produces more than 200 earthquakes per year and has been the scene of five historic earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater. This activity is linked to an ancient meteorite impact structure that weakened the Earth’s crust millions of years ago. The cities of Baie-Saint-Paul, La Malbaie and Rivière-du-Loup are directly in this high-risk area.
2. Western Quebec: The Ottawa-Montreal Corridor
The Ottawa-Montreal corridor is the second largest seismic zone in Quebec. This area is crossed by the Ottawa-Bonnechere Fault, an ancient geological structure that remains active. It is here that the majority of Quebec’s population resides, which makes the potential for damage particularly high. The magnitude 5.8 earthquake felt in Montreal in 1732 and the magnitude 6.2 earthquake in Témiscamingue in 1935 are reminders that this area is far from being inactive.
3. Lower St. Lawrence and North Shore
The third active zone extends along the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Côte-Nord regions, generating approximately 60 seismic events per year. Although less densely populated, this region is home to important infrastructure and communities that could be severely affected by a major earthquake.
Did you know? According to Natural Resources Canada, there is a 5 to 15 per cent chance that an earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater will hit the Quebec City-Montreal-Ottawa corridor in the next 50 years. This is not a hypothetical question — it is a statistical reality.
Quebec’s Historic Earthquakes
Quebec’s seismic history is punctuated by significant events that remind us that the threat is very real. Here are the main earthquakes that have marked the province:
As Maurice Lamontagne, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, points out, “Aftershocks compound the damage caused by the initial shock, making already weakened buildings even more vulnerable.” In other words, even a moderate magnitude earthquake can have cascading consequences on buildings not designed to withstand shaking.
The big misunderstanding: why 38% think they are protected
A survey by the Insurance Bureau of Canada reveals a troubling figure: 38% of Quebec homeowners believe that their basic home insurance covers earthquakes. This is false. And this false belief is a big part of why so few people protect themselves.
Here’s what creates the confusion: your standard home insurance policy does cover damage caused by fire , explosion or smoke that occurs as a result of an earthquake. Approximately 85% of policies in Quebec include this indirect coverage. But the direct structural damage caused by the tremors themselves? The cracked foundations, the collapsed walls, the collapsed chimney? None of this is covered without a specific endorsement.
Case in point: A magnitude 5.5 earthquake shakes Montreal. Your chimney collapses on the roof, creating a hole. The foundations are cracking. The gas line ruptured, causing a fire in the kitchen. No endorsement : only damage caused by fire in the kitchen is covered. The foundations, the roof, the chimney? At your own expense. With rider : all damages are covered, including living expenses if you have to leave your home.
Johanne Lamanque, vice-president of IBC in Quebec, does not mince her words: “A major earthquake could represent a huge financial burden for Quebec and the nation.” And Don Forgeron, then president of IBC, went even further, saying that if insurers fail to better inform Canadians, “the entire Canadian economy could be affected.”
What the Earthquake Endorsement Covers (and Does Not Cover)
The Earthquake Rider is an additional protection that is added to your existing home insurance policy. Here’s exactly what it covers and what it excludes:
It is important to note that flood coverage is a separate endorsement. An earthquake can cause dams or water pipes to rupture, but the resulting water damage requires additional protection. Consult an insurance broker to make sure you have complete coverage.
How much does earthquake protection cost?
That’s often the first question — and the answer is probably more affordable than you think. The earthquake rider is usually 5 to 10% of your home insurance premium. For the majority of Quebec homeowners, this translates into a monthly cost of $30 to $100, depending on the value of the property, its location and the level of deductible chosen.
Important tip: Going from a 2% deductible to a 5% deductible can reduce your premium by 15-35%. If you’re on a budget, a 5% deductible still offers you significant protection. In the example above, even with a $20,000 deductible, you’d be covered for the remaining $380,000 in potential damage — not including personal property and living expenses.
For condo co-owners, the cost is often even lower, since the coverage is for your unit and personal belongings, and not for the entire structure of the building (which is covered by the condominium corporation). To find out the exact cost for your situation, the best approach is to request a personalized quote.
HOW MUCH FOR YOUR PROPERTY?
The earthquake rider costs between $30 and $100 per month
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Compare prices nowWorst-case scenario: a magnitude 7 earthquake near Quebec City
What would happen if a magnitude 7.1 earthquake — comparable to the one in 1663 — struck the Charlevoix region near Quebec City today? Catastrophic modelling studies have produced figures that make you dizzy:
$61 billion
Estimated total losses for an M7.1 near Québec City — damage to buildings, infrastructure and business interruptions.
$12 billion
Estimated insured losses — only one-third of the total damage would be covered by insurers.
$49 billion
The financial “hole” — what owners, businesses and governments would have to pay for themselves.
In other words, only a third of the losses would be covered by insurance. The remaining two-thirds would rest on the shoulders of uninsured homeowners, businesses and governments. By comparison, the 1998 ice storm, which cost about $5.4 billion, is a minor disaster in the face of such a scenario.
For owners of high-value homes, the stakes are even higher. A home valued at $800,000 or more without an earthquake endorsement exposes its owner to a potentially catastrophic loss — a loss that could wipe out a lifetime’s savings.
How to Add Earthquake Coverage
The good news is that protecting yourself is relatively simple. Here are the steps to follow:
Check your current policy
Check the endorsements included in your home insurance policy. Look specifically for “earthquake” or “earthquake.” In the majority of cases, this coverage will be absent.
Contact an independent broker
An independent insurance broker can compare offers from several insurers to find the best coverage at the best price. This is the advantage over a captive agent who represents only one company.
Choose your deductible level
Assess your risk tolerance: 2% for maximum protection, 5% for an optimized budget. Your broker will be able to advise you based on the value of your property and your geographical area.
Add the endorsement to your policy
The addition can generally be made during the course of the contract, without waiting for renewal. The process is quick and coverage comes into effect upon approval.
You may also want to consider umbrella insurance for an extra layer of protection, especially if the value of your property and assets is high.
Preventive measures to protect your home
Beyond insurance, there are several concrete measures that can reduce damage in the event of an earthquake. Some insurers even offer discounts to homeowners who implement these improvements:
Anchoring the Water Heater
An unsecured water heater can tip over during an earthquake, causing significant water damage and a risk of fire if the gas line ruptures. Use certified seismic straps.
Reinforce the chimney
Unreinforced masonry chimneys are among the most vulnerable elements. Have yours evaluated by a professional and consider reinforcing with steel bars or replacing it with metal conduit.
Securing heavy furniture
Bookcases, cabinets, and refrigerators can tip over and cause serious injury. Attach them to the wall with anti-seismic brackets. It’s simple, inexpensive and potentially lifesaving.
Install an automatic gas valve
An automatic seismic valve shuts off the natural gas supply as soon as a tremor is detected, preventing post-earthquake fires and explosions. Investment of $300 to $600 that can save your home.
Check the foundation
Homes built before 1970 often have foundations that are not anchored to the structure. An engineer can assess whether seismic reinforcement is necessary. This is especially critical for rubble stone foundations.
Prepare an emergency kit
Water (4 litres/person/day for 3 days), non-perishable food, flashlight, battery-operated radio, first aid kit, copies of important documents and essential medications.
To learn more about protecting your property, check out our home insurance estimate and our complete guide to home insurance in Quebec.
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Protect my property nowFrequently Asked Questions
Does my home insurance cover earthquakes?
Non, la très grande majorité des polices d’assurance habitation au Québec ne couvrent pas les dommages directs causés par les tremblements de terre. Votre police de base couvre uniquement les dommages causés par un incendie ou une explosion qui surviendraient à la suite d’un séisme. Pour être protégé contre les dommages structurels, les biens personnels endommagés et les frais de subsistance, vous devez ajouter un avenant tremblement de terre à votre police.
How much does the Quebec earthquake endorsement cost?
L’avenant tremblement de terre représente généralement 5 à 10 % de votre prime d’assurance habitation, soit environ 30 $ à 100 $ par mois pour la plupart des propriétaires québécois. Le coût varie selon la valeur de votre propriété, sa localisation (les zones plus actives comme Charlevoix coûtent davantage), le type de construction et le niveau de franchise choisi (2 %, 3 % ou 5 %). Obtenez une soumission personnalisée pour connaître le coût exact.
What is the probability of a major earthquake in Quebec?
Selon Ressources naturelles Canada, il existe une probabilité de 5 à 15 % qu’un tremblement de terre de magnitude 7 ou plus frappe le corridor Québec-Montréal-Ottawa au cours des 50 prochaines années. La province enregistre plus de 450 séismes par année dans l’est du Canada, dont la majorité sont imperceptibles. La zone de Charlevoix-Kamouraska, la plus active de l’est de l’Amérique du Nord, produit à elle seule plus de 200 secousses annuellement.
Why are only 7% of Quebecers covered?
Trois facteurs principaux expliquent ce faible taux. Premièrement, 38 % des gens croient à tort que leur assurance de base couvre déjà les séismes. Deuxièmement, 91 % estiment que leur maison est à l’abri des tremblements de terre, une perception erronée dans une province qui compte trois zones sismiques actives. Troisièmement, beaucoup ignorent que l’avenant est relativement abordable (à partir de 30 $/mois) et ne l’ont jamais envisagé.
What deductible should I choose for the earthquake rider?
La franchise typique pour l’avenant tremblement de terre est de 2 %, 3 % ou 5 % du montant de couverture de votre habitation. Pour une propriété assurée à 400 000 $, cela signifie une franchise de 8 000 $, 12 000 $ ou 20 000 $. Passer de 2 % à 5 % peut réduire votre prime de 15 à 35 %. Un courtier d’assurance peut vous aider à déterminer le meilleur équilibre entre franchise et prime selon votre situation financière.
Which areas of Quebec are most at risk of earthquakes?
Le Québec compte trois zones sismiques principales. La zone de Charlevoix-Kamouraska est la plus active avec plus de 200 séismes par année et cinq événements historiques de magnitude 6+. Le corridor Ottawa-Montréal (ouest du Québec) est la deuxième zone en importance, traversée par la faille d’Ottawa-Bonnechère. Enfin, la zone du Bas-Saint-Laurent et de la Côte-Nord génère environ 60 événements par année. Toutes les régions du Québec sont susceptibles de ressentir les effets d’un séisme majeur.
What exactly does the earthquake endorsement cover?
L’avenant tremblement de terre couvre les dommages structurels au bâtiment (fondations, murs, toit), les biens personnels endommagés par les secousses, les frais de subsistance supplémentaires si vous devez quitter votre domicile, ainsi que les glissements de terrain directement causés par le séisme. L’incendie et l’explosion post-séisme sont aussi couverts. En revanche, l’avenant ne couvre pas les tsunamis, les inondations, les glissements de terrain non sismiques ni les dommages préexistants.
Could an earthquake really cause billions in damage to Quebec?
Oui. Les modélisations catastrophe estiment qu’un séisme de magnitude 7,1 près de la ville de Québec causerait environ 61 milliards de dollars en pertes totales, dont seulement 12 milliards seraient couverts par les assurances. Le « trou » de 49 milliards devrait être assumé par les propriétaires non assurés, les entreprises et les gouvernements. Le séisme du Saguenay de 1988 (M5,9) avait déjà causé des dizaines de millions en dommages — et c’était un événement modéré.
How do I protect my home from seismic damage?
Plusieurs mesures concrètes réduisent les dommages : ancrer le chauffe-eau avec des sangles parasismiques, renforcer ou remplacer une cheminée en maçonnerie, fixer les meubles lourds au mur, installer une vanne de gaz automatique, faire vérifier les fondations (surtout si la maison date d’avant 1970) et préparer une trousse d’urgence. Ces précautions, combinées à un avenant tremblement de terre, offrent une protection optimale.
Can tenants and co-owners also protect themselves?
Absolument. Les locataires peuvent ajouter un avenant tremblement de terre à leur assurance locataire pour protéger leurs biens personnels et couvrir leurs frais de subsistance en cas d’évacuation. Les copropriétaires en condo doivent vérifier si le syndicat de copropriété détient une couverture sismique pour le bâtiment, puis ajouter un avenant à leur propre police pour protéger leurs améliorations, biens personnels et franchise de copropriété. Dans tous les cas, un courtier peut vous guider vers la bonne couverture.
