How Long Is the Flood Insurance Waiting Period?

Updated Jun 24, 2024

Most people go through a 30-day flood insurance waiting period for federal government policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The waiting period is usually about two weeks for a private flood insurance policy, but it depends on the company.

There are exceptions to the waiting period, such as if you're getting a mortgage, there's been a wildfire, or the flood maps have been updated to show your home is now at risk.

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How long is the waiting period?
Exceptions to the waiting period

Fastest ways to get flood insurance
When does the waiting period start?

What is the waiting period for flood insurance?

Flood insurance policies usually have a 14- to 30-day waiting period.

You'll have a 30-day waiting period for NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) policies which are through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).
Private flood insurance typically has a shorter waiting period of about two weeks.

This waiting period is to prevent shoppers from buying flood insurance right before a storm or hurricane.

If your home is flooded while you're still in your policy's waiting period, you won't have any coverage.

Exceptions to the waiting period for federal flood insurance

The 30-day waiting period for an NFIP federal flood insurance policy doesn't apply if:

Your mortgage requires flood insurance
Flood maps changed to include your home

There's been a wildfire nearby
You're changing a policy you already have

There's no flood insurance waiting period if your mortgage company requires coverage as a term of your loan.

If you're buying flood insurance to meet a mortgage lender's requirements, you won't have to wait 30 days for the coverage to begin.

This exception applies to many types of mortgage processes, including if you're getting a mortgage when you buy a home, refinancing your home, renewing your mortgage, or extending your mortgage to lower your payments.
You don't have a flood insurance waiting period if you change a flood insurance policy you already have.

When your flood insurance policy is due for renewal, you can change your coverage without having to go through another waiting period.

For example, you can change your deductible or increase your coverage limit, and you won't have another waiting period for your flood insurance policy.
You only have a one-day waiting period if your home is now in a flood zone because of new flood maps.

If updated flood maps mean that your home is now is a high-risk flood zone, you'll only have to wait one day for your flood insurance to begin. However, you need to buy the policy within the 13 months after the map was updated.

If you buy flood insurance after the 13-month window, you'll have the standard 30-day waiting period.
The flood insurance waiting period may be waived if there was a recent wildfire nearby.

If you buy NFIP flood insurance within 60 days from when a wildfire on federal land is contained, and your home is flooded, the waiting period may be waived by FEMA when you file a claim.

The policy's overall waiting period still exists. But when you file the claim, FEMA will check that the flood damage happened because of the wildfire on federal land. If that was the cause, then you'll have coverage for damage even if you're still in the waiting period.

However, if the flood was caused by something else, then the waiting period will apply, and you won't have coverage until the 30-day wait is over.

The chance of flooding goes up after a wildfire because rain can wash away bare soil, sending water to areas where it usually doesn't go.

Exceptions to the waiting period for private flood insurance

Private flood insurance will also waive the waiting period if you're buying a policy because your mortgage requires it.

You also won't necessarily have a waiting period if you switch from an NFIP flood insurance policy to a private flood insurance policy. Typically, you'll need to switch when your policy is due for renewal to avoid the waiting period. You may also need to have the new policy start right away, without a lapse in coverage.

What to do if you need flood insurance quickly

If you need flood insurance quickly, shop around for a private flood insurance policy to find a policy with a shorter waiting period.

It can be helpful to work with an independent insurance agent who is familiar with your area. The agent can get multiple quotes at once so you can find the shortest waiting period for the best deal.

Keep in mind that having your home insurance and flood insurance through the same company can help reduce the hassle of filing claims after

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Can you get flood insurance with no waiting period?

To find flood insurance with no waiting period or a short waiting period, get quotes from specialized insurance companies called surplus lines.

These are not common policies, and they're usually an expensive option for high-risk areas.

Surplus lines insurance can help you get coverage for things that you can't get from a standard insurance policy. Also called non-admitted insurance companies, they don't have to follow your state's rules about rates and coverage the way that a regular insurance company does. Also, the policies aren't backed by the state to protect you if the insurance company goes bankrupt.

When does the 30-day flood insurance waiting period start?

The flood insurance waiting period starts on the first day your flood insurance policy is active.

So if you buy a policy that starts on January 1, this is the first day of your waiting period. Your coverage will begin 30 days later.

The flood insurance policy period lasts 12 months after your waiting period is over. That way you're paying for a 12-month policy and getting 12 months of coverage.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the waiting period for flood insurance?

You'll usually have a 30-day waiting period for federal flood insurance, unless you're getting a mortgage or qualify for another exemption. The waiting period for private flood insurance is usually about two weeks.

Can you get flood insurance without a waiting period?

In most cases, the only way to get a flood insurance policy that starts right away if by qualifying for an exemption, such as if you're getting a mortgage, the flood maps changed, or there was a wildfire nearby. In some cases, you may also be able to get flood insurance without a waiting period if you get a more expensive policy from a non-standard insurance company, called surplus lines coverage.

Sources

Flood insurance policy details are from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program), and government agencies such as the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

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