01 / The meaning
What it means.
A business policy may include earthquake among its insured events or address it through broader accidental damage wording. That does not establish identical treatment of building damage, contents, machinery breakdown and interrupted trading. The schedule and event definition may specify a special excess, an event aggregation period or a sublimit. Related damage such as fire or ground movement needs its own wording assessment.
The practical concern is both physical recovery and the time needed to resume work. A building owner and a tenant can have different property interests, and structural inspections may delay access even where contents remain intact. Maintain asset values and identify responsibility for fit-out and repairs under the lease. Local hazard information helps planning, but a map alone does not determine whether a particular insurance claim is covered.
02 / Put it in context
A practical example.
Hypothetical example: an earthquake damages a manufacturer’s leased premises and installed machinery. Engineers assess safe access while the business documents damage, lease responsibilities and the separate triggers for property and interruption sections.
This example illustrates the term. It does not predict a claim outcome.
03 / Read the detail
What to check.
- Confirm earthquake is included and identify its special excess.
- Read event aggregation and related earth-movement provisions together.
- Check interruption cover for access restrictions and repair delays.
04 / Start a useful conversation
A question for your broker.
How would this policy treat earthquake damage across our buildings, equipment and trading operations?
05 / Connect the terms
Keep the meaning in context.
06 / Apply it to your business
Related insurance guides.
Further reading
Read the source guidance alongside the relevant policy wording.
General information only. This does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you. Cover is subject to insurer acceptance and the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Read the Financial Services Guide and the relevant PDS (where applicable) and/or policy wording before deciding.
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