Here's something most Midvale homeowners don't think about until it's too late: you're living on top of one of the most significant earthquake faults in the country. The Wasatch Fault runs right through the Salt Lake Valley, and scientists say there's a 50-75% chance of damaging shaking in the coming decades. Yet standard home insurance policies don't cover a single dollar of earthquake damage. If you're like most Utah homeowners, you're completely unprotected.
The good news? Utah's home insurance rates are among the most affordable in the nation, averaging around $1,283 per year compared to the national average of $2,422. That means you have some financial breathing room to add the earthquake coverage most Midvale residents desperately need. Let's walk through what you need to know about protecting your home in this seismically active area.
Understanding Midvale's Earthquake Risk
The Wasatch Fault isn't some distant threat—it runs directly through your backyard. This 240-mile fault system has produced major earthquakes roughly every 300-400 years historically, and several segments are considered overdue. When the 2020 Magna earthquake hit just west of Salt Lake City at a relatively modest 5.7 magnitude, it caused nearly $50 million in property damage and served as a wake-up call for the entire valley.
But here's what makes 2025 research particularly concerning: geologists discovered the fault's geometry at depth means future earthquakes could produce stronger, more intense shaking at the surface than previously expected. The fault is closer to the ground surface in the northwestern Salt Lake Valley than scientists thought, especially in populated areas like Midvale. During a magnitude 7 earthquake on the Salt Lake City segment, ground shaking would be strong to severe across the entire metropolitan area, with significant structural damage likely.
Add to this the liquefaction risk. Much of Midvale sits on soft lake sediments left behind by ancient Lake Bonneville. When strong shaking hits these saturated soils, they can behave like liquid, causing buildings to sink or tilt and underground utilities to break. The combination of fault proximity, shallow depth, and vulnerable soils makes earthquake insurance particularly important for Midvale homeowners.
What Standard Home Insurance Covers (and Doesn't)
Your standard homeowners policy in Midvale covers the usual suspects: fire, theft, wind damage, hail, vandalism, and liability if someone gets hurt on your property. These policies typically run about $1,200-$1,500 annually in Utah, covering your dwelling, personal property, and additional living expenses if you need to temporarily relocate after a covered loss.
But earthquake damage? Not a penny. If the Wasatch Fault ruptures and your foundation cracks, your walls separate, or your home slides off its foundation due to liquefaction, your standard policy won't help. Same goes for damage from landslides triggered by earthquakes. This isn't some fine-print exclusion—it's a fundamental gap in coverage that leaves most Utah homeowners financially exposed.
The distinction matters because with Midvale home values averaging around $483,000 according to recent data, you're talking about a massive uninsured asset sitting in an earthquake zone. Even moderate damage could cost tens of thousands to repair, and major structural damage could financially devastate families who thought their homeowners insurance had them covered.
How Earthquake Insurance Works and What It Costs
Earthquake insurance in Utah is sold as a separate policy or endorsement to your homeowners policy, typically costing between $500 and $1,000 per year. Some insurers charge as little as $14 per month per $100,000 of coverage, while others quote $75-$100 monthly. The exact price depends on your home's age, construction type, foundation, and proximity to fault lines—and Midvale's location puts you in a higher-risk category.
Here's the catch: deductibles are much higher than your standard home insurance. While your regular policy might have a $1,000 or $2,500 deductible, earthquake policies typically carry deductibles of 10-20% of your home's insured value. On a $483,000 home, a 15% deductible means you're paying the first $72,450 of damage yourself. That's a huge out-of-pocket expense, but it's better than being on the hook for the full repair cost if you have major structural damage.
Earthquake policies generally cover your dwelling, personal property, and loss of use (temporary housing while your home is repaired). Some policies also cover detached structures like garages and additional cleanup costs for debris removal. What they typically don't cover: landscaping, pools, fences, and exterior masonry like chimneys unless they're part of your home's structure.
Making the Decision: Is Earthquake Coverage Worth It?
The math is uncomfortable. You're paying $500-$1,000 annually for coverage you desperately hope never to use, with a deductible so high that only catastrophic damage would trigger a payout. Many Midvale residents skip earthquake insurance, gambling that the "big one" won't hit during their ownership.
But consider this: if a magnitude 7 earthquake hits the Wasatch Fault, repair costs could easily exceed $100,000-$200,000 or more for significant structural damage. Without earthquake insurance, you'd either pay that entirely out of pocket, take out loans, or potentially lose your home. For most families, that's not financially survivable. The high deductible is designed to cover true catastrophic losses, not minor cracks—and in a major quake, you'll be grateful for that coverage.
Your decision should factor in several things: Can you afford to rebuild if necessary? Do you have substantial home equity or are you heavily mortgaged? How old is your home, and how well would it likely withstand shaking? Newer homes built to modern seismic codes fare better, but older homes in Midvale may be more vulnerable. Also consider your personal risk tolerance and financial reserves. If a $72,000 deductible would wipe out your savings but you could manage it, earthquake insurance becomes more valuable.
Getting the Right Coverage for Your Midvale Home
Start by getting quotes from multiple insurers. Companies like State Farm, which offers some of Utah's most competitive rates (around $1,250 annually for standard homeowners coverage), also offer earthquake endorsements. Compare not just the premium but also the deductible percentage, coverage limits, and what's included. Some policies have better coverage for personal property or loss of use than others.
Ask about retrofitting discounts. If you've bolted your home to its foundation, braced your water heater, or made other seismic improvements, some insurers offer premium reductions. These upgrades also reduce your actual risk, making them doubly worthwhile. The Utah Insurance Department website provides resources on disaster preparedness and earthquake insurance options specific to the state.
Consider bundling your earthquake coverage with your standard homeowners policy from the same carrier—you might get a multi-policy discount. Review your dwelling coverage amount carefully; you want enough to fully rebuild your home at current construction costs, not just the market value. Construction costs in Utah have risen significantly, and being underinsured means you'll struggle to rebuild even with earthquake coverage.
Living in Midvale means enjoying mountain views, convenient access to Salt Lake City, and a strong community—but it also means acknowledging the earthquake risk that comes with Wasatch Fault proximity. Take an hour this week to get earthquake insurance quotes and review your current homeowners coverage. The peace of mind is worth it, and if the fault does rupture in your lifetime, you'll be among the prepared minority who can rebuild without financial devastation.
