DIC-Earthquake — Continental Risk /Continental Marine Insurance Services
Continental Risk /Continental Marine Insurance Services offers a specialized DIC-Earthquake program designed for agents placing commercial property accounts exposed to seismic events. This program is aimed at non-standard and moderate-hazard risks that need tailored earthquake protection either as a Difference-in-Conditions enhancement to an existing property policy or as a stand-alone earthquake policy.
Overview of the Program
Our DIC-Earthquake market provides flexible placement options on both a primary and excess basis. Excess capacity can be written either as Following Form Excess — where the excess mirrors the underlying policy’s terms — or as a fully self-contained Excess policy written on standard company forms. Coverage is placed through excess & surplus lines markets and is supported by a variety of carriers to give you placement options for difficult or atypical accounts.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is designed for commercial property owners and tenants where seismic exposure is a primary concern and standard admitted markets are unwilling or unable to offer adequate terms. Typical accounts include:
- Low- to mid-rise office and retail buildings
- Light industrial facilities and warehouses
- Multi-family and mixed-use commercial properties (subject to underwriting)
- Hospitality assets and specialty commercial occupancies with moderate earthquake hazard
We target risks with moderate seismic hazard and underwriting characteristics that can be improved with reasonable mitigation, up-to-date valuation, and property protection measures. Very high hazard or catastrophic aggregation risks may be declined or require submission to specialty capacity.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Available as Difference-in-Conditions (DIC) coverage to fill gaps left by standard property policies.
- Can be issued as a stand-alone Earthquake policy when agents prefer separate documentation and terms.
- Flexible placement on a primary or excess basis to coordinate with client programs and reinsurance structures.
- Access to multiple carrier appetite profiles through Continental Risk’s E&S placement relationships, improving hit-rates on challenging risks.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriting focuses on construction, occupancy, seismic hazard, current building valuations, and any mitigation or retrofit work. Typical submission requirements include ACORD apps, detailed property schedules, valuations, loss history, and information on seismic protections or retrofits. Earthquake cover usually carries percentage-based deductibles and unique limit structures; our markets expect complete loss control information to offer competitive terms. Minimum premiums vary by carrier and state — contact Continental Risk underwriters for state-specific minimums and target pricing.
Territories and Availability
The DIC-Earthquake program is available in most U.S. states. Continental Risk places business across a broad footprint, including (but not limited to) AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, and WY. Availability and admitted status can vary by state and by carrier; many placements will be completed through E&S channels.
Why Work With Continental Risk on Earthquake Placements
- Specialized E&S broker experience placing non-standard earthquake risks.
- Access to multiple carriers offering both following-form and standalone excess structures.
- Responsive underwriting that evaluates mitigation and loss control to improve terms.
- Practical guidance for coordinating DIC placements with primary property programs.
Example Scenarios
- You have a property owner with a mixed-use building in a moderate seismic zone whose admitted market excluded earthquake — Continental Risk can pursue DIC coverage to restore coverage gaps and provide limits on a primary or excess basis.
- A regional warehouse portfolio needs excess earthquake capacity above the primary program. We can quote following-form excess to maintain consistency with the underlying policy or pursue a standalone excess where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this DIC-Earthquake program?
Commercial properties with moderate seismic exposure that are non-standard for admitted markets — such as low- to mid-rise offices, light industrial, retail, and multi-family properties — are the primary targets. High aggregation or extreme hazard accounts may require specialty capacity.
Can the coverage be written on an admitted basis?
Placement options depend on the state and carrier. Many placements will be made through E&S channels, but availability in admitted markets varies by state and carrier. Continental Risk will advise on the best available vehicle for each submission.
How is excess coverage structured under this program?
Excess coverage is available as Following Form Excess, which mirrors the underlying policy’s terms, or as a standalone Excess policy that is fully self-contained and written on company forms. We work with you to choose the structure that fits the client’s program and reinsurance needs.
What are common submission requirements?
Typical requirements include a completed application or ACORD forms, a detailed property schedule with valuations, loss history, description of seismic protections or retrofits, and any engineering reports if available. Specific carrier requirements will be provided at submission.
How are minimum premiums handled?
Minimum premiums vary by carrier and state. Continental Risk will provide state-specific minimum premium information when you prepare a submission.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.