GEOLOGIC HAZARDS

Since 1847, approximately 6,075 fatalities from geologic hazards have been documented in Utah, as well as a significantly larger, but undetermined amount of injuries. Radon gas exposure (causing lung cancer) has been Utah’s most deadly geologic hazard, followed by landslide hazards, then flooding hazards.

Using the economic value of a statistical life of $11.6 million (2016 data), the 6,075 fatalities are valued at $70.5 billion. The estimated economic value of human life is not considered in the hazard economic costs given in the tabbed area below.

In most all cases, it is more cost effective to perform a comprehensive engineering-geology investigation to identify and characterize geologic hazards and implement appropriate mitigation in project design and construction, rather than relying on additional maintenance over the life of the project or to incur costly change orders during construction.

Geologic Hazards and Insurance – Are You Covered?

Damages caused by most geologic hazards are typically not covered by homeowners or other property insurance. However, damages to vehicles may be covered by automobile insurance. It is important to check your insurance policies and talk to your insurance agent about which losses and damages are covered.

Sediment deposited at the intersection of Lambert Avenue and Apple View Street in Santaquin. The debris flow moved cars and filled basements with sediment.

Personal auto policies generally cover all risks or perils (including geologic hazards such as earthquakes, flooding, falling objects, volcanic eruptions, etc.) if you have coverage for damage to your vehicle on the policy, such as collision and comprehensive coverage. There are exceptions and each policy should be reviewed for what damages are covered or excluded.

Commercial auto policies have more options available and coverage must be specified for each vehicle or type of vehicle. Damages from geologic hazards may or may not be covered, depending on the policy.

Homeowner’s property policies generally cover all risks or perils (property losses and damages), except for those specifically excluded. Common exclusions are damages from earth movements, earthquakes, mudflows, mine subsidence, sinkholes, flooding, and environmental factors. Special policies may be available to cover specific risks, such as a named perils insurance policy. Homeowners may be able to get coverage for generally excluded losses by adding them to an existing policy by endorsement or by the purchase of a separate policy. A difference in conditions policy provides coverage for some otherwise excluded perils and is also known as a catastrophe policy.

Multiple types of commercial property policies are available; however, flooding and earth movements (earthquakes, mudflows, mine subsidence, and sinkholes) are commonly excluded. Endorsements can typically be added to a policy to provide coverage for these perils, and for expanding coverage for other perils (such as volcanic eruptions).

Earthquake Insurance
Utah Insurance Department

Flooding Insurance
National Flood Insurance Program
Utah Insurance Department

Utah Insurance Department
Consumer
Commercial