San Diego Earthquake Triggers Insurance Freeze: Why You Couldn’t Buy Coverage After the Quake
April 15, 2025
A recent 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook Julian, California, a small town in San Diego County known for its apple pie and scenic charm. But in the aftermath of the quake, something just as serious occurred—a moratorium was placed on new earthquake insurance policies in the area.
This has left many homeowners wondering:
“Why can’t I buy earthquake insurance after an earthquake?”
Let’s unpack what happened, and why waiting until after a quake to get coverage is a costly mistake.
What Is an Earthquake Insurance Moratorium?
When a moderate or strong earthquake occurs, insurance companies often impose what’s called a moratorium—a temporary freeze on new policies and even changes to existing coverage.
That means:
🚫 You can’t buy a new earthquake insurance policy
🚫 You can’t lower your deductible to reduce your out-of-pocket exposure
🚫 You can’t increase coverage or make any meaningful adjustments
This is done to protect the insurance carriers from sudden losses caused by aftershocks, which can be even more damaging than the initial quake.
Why This Happens: A Lesson from Ridgecrest
Take the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes as an example:
- On July 4th, a 6.4 magnitude quake struck
- Just one day later, on July 5th, a more powerful 7.1 quake followed
Had this occurred in a densely populated area like Los Angeles, San Diego, or the Bay Area, the damage would have been catastrophic.
This real-world example is why insurers act quickly to freeze policy changes after any significant seismic activity.
How Long Do Moratoriums Last?
Moratoriums can last up to 60 days, depending on the insurance carrier. However, some companies may lift them sooner if seismic activity stabilizes.
The key takeaway?
Once a quake happens, you can’t just go online and buy coverage—you’re locked out during one of the most dangerous time windows.
Why It’s Critical to Get Covered Before the Quake
Unfortunately, many homeowners start shopping for earthquake insurance after a quake—when it’s too late. This recent San Diego-area quake in Julian caused a surge in demand, but many were left frustrated because they couldn’t purchase a policy during the moratorium.
Here’s why that’s risky:
🏚️ Your home is likely your biggest investment
💸 Without earthquake insurance, you could face financial ruin
🏦 If you have a mortgage and suffer damage, you might need a second loan to rebuild—resulting in two loan payments
How to Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late
At Earthquake Agent, we help homeowners across California, Oregon, and Washington:
✅ Secure standalone earthquake policies before disaster strikes
✅ Customize deductibles and coverages for each property
✅ Avoid the panic and uncertainty of post-quake moratoriums
📍 Get your quote today at 👉 EarthquakeAgent.com
Don’t wait until the next earthquake shuts the door on your coverage options.
Final Thoughts
Moratoriums are a critical part of earthquake insurance, but they catch many homeowners off guard. The recent Julian, CA earthquake is a powerful reminder:
The time to act is before the shaking starts—not after.