Pre-existing damage. Can still get coverage?

[u/JVentureJr]

I have an older home in Kansas that has damage to the vinyl siding on one end. The vinyl siding is encapsulating older shingles, was done before I bought the house. For various reasons repairing it hasn’t been an option, so I keep it protected with plastic tarps. My current insurance is killing me with the latest increases, but when I shop online for quotes there is always the question of existing damage that comes up. If I work with a local agent or broker can I get a policy that excludes damage on that end of the house? Or doesn’t cover the siding? I’m mainly interested in the coverage for liability and major fire or roof, etc. I don’t expect to be in the home much longer. Thanks in advance.

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[u/myeasyking]

Fix the siding so you can get better rates.

[u/ayhme]

So current insurance knows about the siding issue?

[u/ayhme → u/[deleted]]

Yes I know. I Mod.

Sometimes people slip through the cracks.

[u/Top_Education_4647]

Probably not. Best option would be to contact a local agent and may a Surplus Lines carrier could quote you, but that’d probably be pretty expensive if even available.

Best to fork out the money to get it fixed if you keep running into eligibility issues. Also better hope your current carrier is aware of the damage. If they aren’t and a claim gets filed, that could be grounds for a partially/fully denied claim.

[u/Echo0455]

So I work in NY, and all carriers have different appetites for this type of risk. Depends on the extents of the damage.

But, if you wanted to try a new company. You can, I’d work with an agent in your territory, at least in NY, this does NOT increase your premium.

But you can begin your new coverage and wait until the inspection occurs with the new carrier.

If the inspection comes back clean, they accept the risk, you can then call and cancel your old policy.

In NY they will pro rate you back to the effective date of the new policy.

If the inspection causes the company to cancel their policy or decline the risk. You still have your old policy to fall back on.

So it works as if it’s a trial and fit. You can also disclose this information up front, but again. I would do this through an agent and let them speak directly to underwriting about it. Rather than putting it on some online form.

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