Does Earthquake Insurance Have a Waiting Period? Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know

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April 13, 2025

When considering earthquake insurance, a common question many homeowners ask is:
“Is there a waiting period before my earthquake insurance goes into effect?”

With certain insurance types—like flood insurance—it’s common to have a 30-day waiting period before the policy becomes active. But with earthquake insurance, the rules are different. Let’s break it down.

Is There a Waiting Period for Earthquake Insurance?

Generally, no—earthquake insurance policies do not have a standard waiting period.
That means your coverage typically begins as soon as your policy is issued. This is because earthquakes are unpredictable, and insurance carriers recognize the need for immediate coverage once a policy is purchased.

However, there’s an important exception to be aware of.

What Is an Earthquake Insurance Moratorium?

While there may be no traditional waiting period, insurance companies can impose a moratorium in certain situations. A moratorium is a temporary suspension on selling new policies or making changes to existing ones after a seismic event.

🔒 When Does a Moratorium Happen?

If an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 to 5.5 or higher occurs in your area, most insurance companies will temporarily:

• Stop issuing new earthquake insurance policies
• Prohibit changes to existing policies (such as lowering your deductible or increasing coverage)

This is because earthquakes are often followed by aftershocks, which can sometimes be even more damaging than the initial quake. Insurance companies want to avoid taking on new risk while the likelihood of additional damage is high.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Waiting until an earthquake hits to buy a policy won’t work—by then, it’s too late. If you attempt to purchase a policy after a major quake, you may find that:
❌ No new policies are being written
❌ You can’t make desired changes to your existing policy
❌ You’re left unprotected during a high-risk period

This is why it’s critical to secure your earthquake insurance before an event occurs—not after.

How to Get Earthquake Insurance Before the Next Quake

At Earthquake Agent, we help homeowners:
✅ Understand their options
✅ Customize coverage to fit their property and risk level
✅ Secure standalone earthquake policies with superior protection

If you’re in an earthquake-prone area like California, Oregon, or Washington, now is the time to get protected.

📍 Start your free quote today at 👉 EarthquakeAgent.com

Final Thoughts

Earthquake insurance doesn’t come with a waiting period—but a moratorium can stop you from getting coverage when you need it most.
Don’t leave your home and finances at risk. Get your policy in place before the ground starts shaking.