The paper considers the mechanisms of insurance against natural hazards in different countries, outlines the positive features and problems that hold back the development of insurance against earthquakes. In terms of weak earthquakes for the last 2 years the author has analyzed the economic damage compared with the contribution of the insurance branch into the recovery of these countries after seismic disasters. The necessity of improving the insurance culture of people is earmarked. The trends and opportunities of insurance in seismic areas of Ukraine are considered.