
The waiting period in cyber insurance can be a complex and frustrating topic. Typically, a cyber insurance waiting period can range from 30 to 180 days.
Some cyber insurance policies may have a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in. This means that if a cyber attack occurs within the first 30 days of policy activation, the insurance company may not cover the resulting damages.
The length of the waiting period can vary greatly depending on the insurance provider and policy specifics. For example, a 90-day waiting period is not uncommon in some cyber insurance policies.
Understanding the waiting period is crucial to avoid any potential financial losses or gaps in coverage.
What Is a Waiting Period in Cyber Insurance?
A waiting period in cyber insurance is the specific time that must elapse before you can make a claim after buying your policy.
Waiting periods are included to hold the company responsible for the initial period of downtime, meaning any short-term issues would not result in a claim being paid.
Typically, waiting periods vary, but it's common to have an 8-12 hour waiting period on most cyber insurance policies.
You should ask your insurer about specific waiting periods for certain types of claims, as they can differ.
DDoS attacks can be a major concern, but your cyber insurance coverage can help cover any loss of income while your business is unavailable.
How Waiting Periods Work
Waiting periods within cyber insurance are the specific periods that must elapse before you can make a relevant claim after buying your insurance policy.
The waiting period is designed to hold the company responsible for the initial period of downtime, meaning any short-term issues would not result in a claim being paid.
Cyber insurers set their own waiting periods, which can vary, but it's common to have an 8-12 hour waiting period on most cyber insurance policies.
You should ask your insurer about specific waiting periods for certain types of claims, as they may differ.
DDoS attacks can be particularly devastating, but cyber insurance coverage can help cover any loss of income while your business remains unavailable.
Waiting Period Impacts
The waiting period in cyber insurance can have a significant impact on your business. A typical waiting period can range from 30 to 60 days, during which time you'll be responsible for covering any cyber-related losses.
This waiting period is usually in place to prevent policyholders from buying insurance after a cyber attack has already occurred. In fact, some policies may have a "claims-made" provision, which means you must report claims as they're made, not when the incident occurred.
If you're a small business, you may be more vulnerable to cyber attacks, and a longer waiting period could leave you exposed. For example, a 60-day waiting period could leave you without coverage for up to two months.
The waiting period can also impact your business's cash flow, as you'll need to cover any losses out of pocket until the insurance kicks in. This can be especially challenging for businesses with limited financial resources.
Some cyber insurance policies may offer a shorter waiting period, typically 15 to 30 days, for an additional premium. This can provide more immediate protection for your business, but it's essential to carefully review the policy terms and conditions.
Waiting Period Rules

Waiting periods within cyber insurance are the specific periods that must elapse before you can make a relevant claim after buying your insurance policy. Any cyberattacks will not be covered under your insurance policy during the waiting period.
The waiting period is usually set by the insurer, and times will vary. However, it's common to have an 8-12 hour waiting period on most cyber insurance policies.
Cyber insurers include waiting periods to hold the company responsible for the initial period of downtime, meaning any short-term issues would not result in a claim being paid.
Many carriers use the waiting period as a "qualifying period" for coverage, and once the business disruption meets the length of time of the waiting period, coverage is triggered.
Other carriers use the waiting period as a retention in terms of the amount of loss incurred during the duration of the waiting period.
Carriers that use the waiting period as a retention will apply the "greater of" the amount of dollar loss due to a business interruption during the waiting period or the dollar retention amount — whichever is greater.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the indemnity period for cyber insurance?
The indemnity period for cyber insurance typically lasts 12 months. This is the time during which your business can receive financial support after a cyber incident.
Sources
- https://stanmoreinsurance.com/what-is-a-waiting-period-in-cyber-insurance/
- https://www.advisenltd.com/business-interruption-the-unexpected-cost-of-a-cyber-incident/
- https://acentria.com/differences-traditional-and-cyber-business-interruption-policies/
- https://riskandinsurance.com/cyber-business-interruption-coverage-is-anything-but-simple-5-key-things-to-keep-in-mind/
- https://insurica.com/blog/crowdstrike-cyber-accumulation-loss-event/
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