Does the earth movement exclusion exclude damage caused by an explosion that ensues from the earth movement?

The correct answer is that damage caused by an explosion that results from earth movement is not excluded. This stems from the way exclusions in insurance policies are typically applied. When an exclusion for earth movement is in place, it generally pertains to the direct damage caused by the earth movement itself, such as earthquakes or landslides. However, if that motion leads to an explosion—such as a gas line rupture during an earthquake—that explosion may be considered a separate event that is not automatically excluded by the earth movement exclusion.

Insurance policies can vary, but many explicitly clarify that while they do not cover the damage caused directly by earth movement, they may cover consequential damages arising from other perils. Hence, in this scenario, if the explosion results from the earth movement, it does not fall under the same exclusion and may still be covered, depending on the terms of the specific insurance policy involved.