Earthquake Insurance Demand Grows in Kansas

People have been flooding insurance agencies with calls about adding earthquake coverage after a 4.8 magnitude temblor rocked part of Kansas on Wednesday.

The Wichita Eagle reported that because Kansas doesn’t have a history of earthquake losses, the price and deductibles are low compared to more quake-prone places like California.

Traditionally, earthquakes have been relatively infrequent in Kansas. But after dozens of them rocked the state this year, more equipment is being brought in to explore what is happening.

Studies have shown earthquakes can be caused when fluid, which is byproduct of various methods of oil and gas production, is injected into disposal wells. But a panel commissioned by Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has found there isn’t enough evidence to link the Kansas quakes to oil and gas exploration.

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