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Default rule and exceptions
A landslide counts as an "earth movement" event and, like an earthquake, is excluded from standard homeowners and business policies, so foundation damage caused by them is not covered by a standard policy.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Insurer | Covers foundation damage only when caused by a covered peril (such as a sudden plumbing leak), not by earth movement. |
| Homeowner | Bears foundation damage caused by earth movement (settling, shifting soil, landslide, or earthquake) unless a separate earthquake/difference-in-conditions policy was purchased. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 29, 2026.
A landslide is considered an "earth movement" event so, like an earthquake, it is excluded from standard homeowners and business insurance policies.
They can damage housing foundations and collapse walls; even relatively mild tremors can destroy furnishings and belongings. Homeowners and renters insurance does not cover earthquake damage.
Common questions
Who pays for insurance coverage: foundation problems in General, US?
It depends on the specific facts. Covers foundation damage only when caused by a covered peril (such as a sudden plumbing leak), not by earth movement.
What is this based on for General, US?
This verdict is sourced to Insurance for landslides and mudflow and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Insurance for landslides and mudflowofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-29
- Earthquake insurance for homeownersofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-29
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