Final answer:
Homeowners should purchase insurance to cover unpredictable and catastrophic events like earthquakes, not for maintenance or home improvement activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
A homeowner should purchase insurance to cover the peril of an earthquake. Insurance policies are designed to protect homeowners from unforeseen, catastrophic events that can cause significant damage to a property. Normal wear and tear, home improvement projects, and interior painting are typically not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies because they are considered regular maintenance issues or deliberate changes made by the homeowner.