Homeowner's Insurance Cancellation?

Question

Hey everyone! My wife and I bought our second home and moved in at the beginning of this month, which is now our primary residence and renting out the first one.

For our new primary residence, as everyone should, got homeowner's insurance. This is my fault as I didn't pay attention to the email, but the insurance carrier required us to fix the roofs of our garage and home, if not they will cancel the policy next month. The home inspector did not mention any roof issues to recommend a complete replacement of them, but fix minor issues. I know insurances typically do a drive by inspection, but are these inspectors licensed? Can I argue the case and show the home inspector's report? They were only giving a month to replace both roofs. I do not think that's enough time at all!

What are your thoughts? My plan is to argue it for a bit, and if it doesn't work in my favor, switch insurances.

Look forward to your suggestions and sorry for the long post!

Jose

John Mocker · Answer

Jose,

That you would have to check with your agent or the company.  Based on past situations I've had, sometimes the company will voluntarily rescind the cancel, if you prove that a professional came up with a different result, timing of the work is not right (had a cancel due to the driveway condition but in the northeast no asphalt work is normally done in the winter when the cancel was scheduled), or other factor.

Jose Rocha · Answer

@John Mocker thanks for the advice! I did have one other question on what you have mentioned. How can I get the current carrier to lift the cancellation? Besides doing the actual work they require.

John Mocker · Answer

Jose,

If you can get a couple of roofers out that may help elimate any that don't give you the correct advise (someone looking for a bigger job than actually needed).

Regarding the current company cancellation, I would reveal it to any new agents and have them verify that it is not an issue.  If you are planning on moving the coverage, do so before the cancellation.

Jose Rocha · Answer

@John Mocker that is not a bad idea to get a contractor out and provide some suggestions. Hopefully they're honest and would tell me the truth if I can wait on replacing the roof.

I tried getting a direct contact at the underwriters office, who made the final decision, but they kept telling me they follow the state's policy while reviewing the inspector's notes and made the decision to cancel.

I saw you're in Norwalk, but then I saw Connecticut! Would've been nice to meet and pick your brain in person as I am close to Norwalk, CA.

Would having a cancellation necessarily hurt my chances of using a different carrier who might not require the fixes??

Jose Rocha · Answer

@Russell Brazil I will most likely end up doing that.

Jose Rocha · Answer

@Chris Seveney they are sending me the report with pictures today. I told them a month deadline is nothing for a roof repair especially after just buying a home. I will add some of the pictures and notes the insurance inspector had.

I spoke to my home inspector, and he said they do not have to be certified by the state of California.

John Mocker · Answer

Jose,

My advise is to get a roofing contractor out to assess the condition of the roof and what repairs are needed.  Armed with that info you can go back to the company and see if they will rescind the cancellation.  If the inspection report matches up with the Roofing contractors info you can use that as well.  Even if you plan on moving the insurance, see if you can get the cancellation lifted.  Many applications will ask if you have ever been cancelled or non-renewed.

The notice of cancellation should spell out the reason for the cancellation and it should be something in their underwriting guidelines.

Russell Brazil · Answer

Just switch insurance carriers

Chris Seveney · Answer

Did they provide specifics on what needed to be fixed on the roof or garage. If they did a drive by and saw something that an inspector on the roof did not see that seems really weird...Feel free to add pics.