Earthquake or earth movement is defined as a shaking or trembling of the earth that is volcanic or tectonic in origin. This includes land shock waves or tremors before, during, and after a volcanic eruption; landslide; mine subsidence; mudflow; earth sinking, rising, or shifting. One of the startling mysteries about earthquake insurance is the massive deductible. If you suffer a loss due to an earthquake, you will have to pay your deductible before the insurance company begins to write checks. in many cases today, the earthquake deductible can be a staggering 15% or more of the coverage limit! And this deductible is charged separately for each coverage section, for example - 15% of your personal property limit.... it adds up to a truckload of money.