Mo. agency reviewing earthquake insurance policies

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The state insurance department wants to clear up any consumer confusion about getting earthquake insurance in Missouri.

Insurance director John Huff said he was asked during a recent conference of the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents about the availability and cost of earthquake insurance, especially in the New Madrid seismic zone.

Huff said his department is surveying the 20 largest homeowner insurers in Missouri to find out what earthquake coverage they offer, along with rates and deductibles.

A task force created by former governor Matt Blunt reported last year that Missouri is the nation's third-largest market for earthquake insurance. In 2007, Missouri homeowners and businesses spent about $80 million on earthquake coverage. Only California and Washington spent more.