There is usually a 30-day waiting period before the policy
goes into effect, with some exceptions:
If you initially purchased food insurance while securing, adjusting, or renewing a loan for your property, here is no waiting period. Coverage goes into effect when the loan is closed. If you live in an area newly affected by a food map change, review your options with your insurance agent.
Additionally, the 30-day waiting period may not apply if your property experiences food damage caused by
wildfre in your community. For more information on the Post-Wildfre Exception, please visit fema.gov/wildfres-you-need-food-insurance.
Keeping these exceptions in mind, plan ahead so you are not caught without insurance. The policy does not cover losses caused by a food that occurred prior to the policy
becoming effective. In addition, you cannot increase your insurance coverage once a food has begun.