After 2 house fires- denied by ins

[Jessica Pay]

We had 2 property fires last year. My current insurance company will not continue coverage and I'm having a hard time finding someone that will (understandably- that's a lot in a year). Any recommendations? One is mortgaged (duplex) and one is not (SFR). How long do you think it will take to get insurance ratings back up?

[John Mocker]

Jessica,

You will need to shop this around.  It will be important for the agents quoting to have the following:

1. Location for the loss

2. Date of Loss

3. Amount paid

4. Were repairs completed

5. Was anything done to mitigate the chance of future loss (ie. if log came out of fire place, was the fireplace bricked up or converted to gas, if it was an electrical issue, were all the older wires replaced, etc.)

See if you can get your "Loss Runs" (claims reports) for as many years as you can.  Most companies will look back 5 years but if you had no losses for 10 years prior, the new agent will want to know that to convince a new company.  

Look for an Independent Agent(s) that represent many companies.  The more they can approach with your properties the better the odds that they will have one willing.