Who buys earthquake insurance? Well, Californians buy the most according to a list provided by the Insurance Information Institute. The Institute provided a list of direct premiums written by state in 2009. California tops the list with $1,584,897,000 in direct premiums.
Washington state is second, followed by Missouri and Tennessee, states that do not come immediately to mind when one thinks about earthquakes.
Earthquake damage is generally not covered by either the traditional homeowners or business insurance policy. But, "earthquake damage" is damage caused by cracking and shaking. Other types of damage may be covered and you will need to discuss the coverage with your insurance professional.
Perhaps the recent earthquake in Virginia has caused you to reconsider earthquake insurance as a necessary supplement to your current policy. Talk with your insurance professional. Some insurers have waiting periods after a seismic event and will not add new coverage in a particular area within that time period. This is to allow for aftershocks and other seismic events that follow earthquakes.