(4) These seismic tests can result in damage to a
structure's foundation or cause other damage to property.
(5) Often times a homeowner purchases an earthquake
endorsement for an insurance policy with the understanding
that the homeowner's property will be covered in the event
that the property is damaged by all earth movement events,
but the homeowner then discovers that the policy does not
cover nonnatural or human activity that causes earth
movement.
Section 3. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Claim." A formal request to an insurance company asking for
a payment based on the terms of the insurance policy.
"Department." The Insurance Department of the Commonwealth.
"Earthquake." A shaking of a part of the earth's surface
that often causes damage.
"Endorsement." A written provision that adds to, deletes or
modifies the provisions of the insurance contract to which the
provision is attached.
Section 4. Nonnatural earthquake insurance coverage.
No insurance policy or any endorsement to an insurance policy
covering owner-occupied private residential property located in
this Commonwealth may, for the purpose of payment of a claim or
any other benefit in the policy or endorsement, distinguish
between earthquakes occurring naturally and earthquakes caused
by nonnatural or human activity.
Section 5. Powers of the department.
The department shall ensure compliance with this act and
20170HB0695PN0746 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30