How to Respond to an Earthquake: Immediate Steps to Take

During an earthquake, follow the basic safety rule: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Do not run out into the open while the earth is shaking. Crouch on your hands and knees, with your head and neck protected by your arms (or by a sturdy table), and hold on.

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But apart from physical protection, there is also financial protection. Earthquakes are natural disasters, and they can bring long-term damage to families. A simple Life Insurance Plan will go a long way in protecting your family financially in case things go south. Being prepared for any event is having your life and your family’s future covered.

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Physical Protocol "Drop, Cover, Hold On"

When the ground begins to shake, the instinct may be to run outside. This should be avoided. Many earthquake-related injuries occur due to falling debris or unsafe attempts to move during the shaking.

The Golden Rule:

DROP to your hands and knees to avoid being knocked off balance.
COVER your head and neck with your forearms. If possible, scurry beneath a sturdy desk or table for protection.
HOLD ON to that shelter (the table leg) until the shaking stops.

Specific Scenarios:

In a building

Stay in a Safe Place: Do not try to venture outdoors.
Move Away from Hazards: Stay away from glass, windows, exterior doors and walls, and anything that might fall; think of lights, shelves, furniture.
If No Shelter is Nearby: Crouch in an interior corner and cover your head and neck with your arms

Outside, if possible

Move to an open space away from hazards such as buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Once you are in the open, drop, cover, and hold on

If You Are in a Car

If you are driving when it strikes, steer to a safe location and stop there. Do not stay under bridges, overpasses, or power lines.

Pull over safely: If driving when the shaking begins, slow down and stop in a safe area away from bridges, overpasses, buildings, and power lines.
Remain inside the vehicle: Stay seated with your seatbelt fastened, as the vehicle can offer protection from falling debris.
Wait until the shaking stops: Do not exit the car until the movement has completely ended.

The Aftermath (When the Shaking Stops)

Expect aftershocks, those smaller quakes that often come next.

Be prepared for aftershocks: Smaller earthquakes may follow and can cause additional damage.
Check for hazards: Smell for gas leaks. If gas is detected, turn off the main supply if it is safe to do so and leave the area immediately.
Avoid elevators: Use stairs only, as lifts may malfunction after an earthquake.
Stay informed: Use a battery-powered radio or mobile phone to obtain official emergency updates and instructions.

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The Financial Protocol: Term Insurance as a Safety Net

Once physical safety is assured, the long-term reality sets in. Earthquakes can cause devastating loss of life. If a family loses its primary earner to a natural disaster, the emotional grief is often compounded by immediate financial ruin.

Many people believe that life insurance companies do not pay claims for deaths caused by natural disasters (often called "Acts of God"). This is a myth.

The Reality: Standard Term Life Insurance protects against forms of death, including deaths due to earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and tsunamis.
No Rider Needed: There is no requirement to purchase a special Earthquake Rider. Your basic Term Plan already covers this risk.

Final Take

Learning the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" response to an earthquake may protect you, while having a disaster plan will secure your family’s future. Don't wait until you face tragedy. Taking time to compare term insurance plans and review current term rates allows you to choose coverage that fits your budget and priorities. Whether you decide to purchase a plan now or simply compare Term Plan, acting early helps ensure your family’s future remains secure.

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FAQs

Q1. Do I stay in a doorway during an earthquake?

Ans: Yes. The doorways aren’t more robust than other parts of the house in a typical house. It would be more advisable and safe to take shelter under a sturdy table.
Q2. Is death due to an earthquake covered by Term Life Insurance?

Ans: Yes. Term Insurance protects against death caused by natural disasters like earthquakes. The insurance company will pay the nominee the benefit.
Q3. What is the "Triangle of Life"?

Ans: The Triangle of Life is a theory that recommends lying beside furniture instead of under it. Still, most professionals in safety and government organisations recommend the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" position because it shields you from falling debris.
Q4. Will my claim be denied if it is declared a “Major Disaster” due to the earthquake?

Ans: No. Although the government may declare it a major disaster, life insurance companies are legally bound to pay the claim of death as long as the insurance plan remains in force and the payments are made.

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˜The insurers/plans mentioned are arranged in order of highest to lowest Sum Assured(SA) offered by Policybazaar’s insurer partners offering term insurance plans on our platform, as per ‘first year premium of life insurers as at 31.03.2025 report’ published by IRDAI.

Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the IRDAI website www.irdai.gov.in

Rs. 400/month is starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

Rs. 400/month (Rs.13/day) is starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 230 is starting price for a 50 lakhs term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

+Rs. 8/day is starting price for a 50 lakhs term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

+Rs. 12/day is starting price for a 75 lakhs term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

+Rs. 497/month is starting price for a 1.5 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 487/month is starting price for a 2 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 626/month is starting price for a 3 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 905/month is starting price for a 5 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. ₹360/month is the starting price for a ₹99 lakhs loan cover with an 8% interest rate for an 18-year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, loan tenure up to 20 years, rounded off to the nearest 10

+Rs. 1,267/month is starting price for a 7 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

*The full refund of premium is available on availing the one-time option of refund of premium. Total premium paid for policy (paid for add-ons) will be the special exit value, payable on availing the one-time option of refund of premium if you wish to completely exit the policy.

+Rs. 447/month is starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs.679/month is starting price for a 2 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 910/month is starting price for a 3 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 1,374/month is starting price for a 5 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

+Rs. 1,924month is starting price for a 7 crore term life insurance for an (NRI) 18 year-old male, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age.

Women

+Rs. 400/month is Starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 18 year-old Female, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 30 years of age, rounded off to nearest 10.

Rs. 461/month is the starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 24 year-old female, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 54 years of age.

1,642/month is the starting price for a 1 crore term life insurance for an 44 year-old female, non-smoker, with no pre-existing diseases, cover upto 74 years of age.

Prices offered by the insurer are as per the approved insurance plans | #All savings and online discounts are provided by insurers as per IRDAI approved insurance plans | Standard Terms and Conditions Apply | **Tax Benefits are subject to changes in tax laws.| Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited

We will respond in the first instance within 30 minutes of the customers contacting us. 30-minute claim support service is for the purpose of giving reasonable assistance to the policyholder in pursuance of the claim. Settlement of claim (including cashless claim) is the responsibility of the insurer as per policy terms and conditions. The 30-minute claim support is subject to our operations not being impacted by a system failure or force majeure event or for reasons beyond our control. For further details, 24x7 Claims Support Helpline can be reached out at 1800-258-5881

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