Jefferson City, Mo - As over 500,000 Missourians get ready to participate in the 2017 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut today at 10:19 am, the Missouri Department of Insurance reminds residents who live in at-risk areas to consider earthquake insurance.

"I highly encourage Missourians to add earthquake coverage to the homeowners policy if they live in areas of the state that may be impacted by an earthquake," said Chlora Lindley-Myers, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance. “While knowing what to do to be safe during an earthquake is very important, it is also important to protect your property should you need to rebuild or recover.”

Earthquake coverage pays for damage caused by the shaking and cracking that can damage homes. Other damage indirectly caused by earthquakes may be covered by other insurance. Fire and water damage due to burst gas and water pipes - even though it may be caused by a quake - is generally covered by the standard portion of the homeowners policy.

To help Missourians find coverage, the department keeps an updated online list of insurance companies offering earthquake insurance.

Consumers who have questions about earthquake coverage are encouraged to call the department’s Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-726-7390 and visit insurance.mo.gov/earthquake.