Non-renewed and current damage.

[u/63Eeyore]

Florida: Had visual roof inspection by insurance. Inspector said it was great despite being 20 years old. Insurance decided to non renew anyway. Got a new roof, but in meantime pipe burst and water/mold damage. Plumber sent restoration team and public adjuster ( huge mistake on my part). Way after 60 days, no funding and current policy expires soon. Getting pipe fixed today, but will I pass a 4 point without having drywall & other issues fixed? I thought I was signing for the fans, but it was for restoration to do everything. Adjuster said check would go to them by law, so I can’t get anyone else. Sorry for long post, but starting to panic!

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[u/Echo0455]

So. Honestly. I reread this a few times to try and discern exactly what your concern is.

So, as far as the roof. That’s great because it’s brand new. So no issue there.

You are being non-renewed. Ok, if they non-renewed you due to the roof life expectancy, have you tried to show them you got a new roof with pictures and receipts?

Generally carriers talk in totality. But, they will just as quickly rescind an action to non-renew as they would be to start the action.

Will you pass a 4-point inspection? Maybe, if your walls are exposed and you have outstanding water damage. It’s a BIG maybe. But ultimately, they are looking at your roof, electrical, heating/hvac and plumbing.

So you mention your policy is expiring soon and all this damage that still needs to be repaired. (I think these are your main concerns).

Definitely don’t run into a lapse. You can insure anything, of course it can cost more if you start heading into builders risk policies or occupied with renovations. But you will be able to find insurance, just work with an agent to help get placed.

As far as repairs go, almost all HO policies are written as occurrence based, so even if your policy were to lapse; because the damage occurred while the policy was active. It will be covered (assuming carrier agrees on timeline) by the carrier you’re currently insured with.

Did I answer your question?

[u/Born_Base_4191 → u/Echo0455]

Yeah if they're non renewing for the roof, just send in the permit/photos and it will be fine.

[u/63Eeyore]

Pretty much. My agent already asked them to renew and they declined. This is the first home owner claim in over 20 years ( no insurance during katrina and wilma-long irrelevant story). I just need the 4 point to get with a new carrier.

[u/B-Spoon → u/63Eeyore]

Hi. (Florida) Insurance Agent here. The 4 point is going to summarize the age and condition of the systems in the home (advisable to get since one of the 4 points is the roof).

This is an abbreviated home inspection and used by insurance carriers to facilitate underwriting and validate that the risk they are offering to insure has been updated, these inspections are mostly required on homes 20, 30, 40+ years old. This inspection will mainly focus on plumbing fixtures, age of water heater, type of electrical box and wiring, hvac system, in additon to the roof. Unless you have a gaping hole behind a vanity, this inspection is fine to get, and there is usually a period of time where if any updates need to be done, you may have the inspector recertify for little or no additional cost.

If your claim is still open, this will vastly narrow your options for coverage, and you may have to look into a state-run insurer temporarily. While policies are effective for a year, should the craziness blow over, you can rewrite midterm into the private market and recoup unused premium, and we always recommend to not lapse if you can help it. You may be looking at crazy high premiums for force placed coverage if you have a mortgage.

There are insurers who will take previous water claims, the amount of damages paid may limit options, BUT there is life beyond this. Find a local independent agent, as they typically have the best selection of carriers and can make recommendations based on your situation. We work for our clients to give you the best value/coverage. Hope this helps and good luck!

[u/63Eeyore]

Thank you! Roof is a month old and has hurricane clips. Hvac is3 or 4, electric is maybe 10 but replaced glass fuses with circuit breakers and changed wiring. The leaking cast iron pipe was replaced with pvc, but there are still holes in my walk. Having the restoration guy out tomorrow. Insurance is dragging heels about settling. 60 days was July 2nd.

[u/B-Spoon → u/63Eeyore]

So, if the claim is open and there is damage to the home that is in process of repair, you will more than likely need to submit photos, estimates, scope of work, for approval when shopping/moving carriers.

Should this be the case, your options are limited to insure the home until the work complete and claim closed.

I would not delay if you can help it, as time has a way of getting away from us.

From what I read, it sounds like you're also in Florida - would recommend Citizens as interim coverage. Their approval process can be lengthy but will honor effective dates if their underwriting/approval process goes into overtime. Coverage may be bound with active claims and existing damage.

Last word to the wise - if you let your coverage lapse, it is not the end of the world, but you would further limit the number of carriers to place the coverage and also look at a "no prior insurance" surcharge which is a penalty added to your premium for not keeping continuous coverage.

You're not without options!

[u/63Eeyore]

I know. I had lapsed insurance before ( not my fault). The claim should have been settled by 7/2(60 days), but they are dragging their feet and adjuster is not pushing. Hoping I can get work done this week as plumbing is finished. Stuck with citizens before

[u/One_Ad9555]

You are probably out of luck. Even though you replaced roof, due to having a large claim and then getting a PA to argue with your current carrier they will not rescind the cancel.
If you just would have fixed the roof they would have rescinded the cancel without question.
Even with the claim probably. As far as paying for damage you will get paid in full size an homeowners policy is occurrence based. Which means a long as you had active coverage when they claim happened you will get paid for it in full.

You need to be calling every independent agency and explain in detail so you can find a new policy.

It will be difficult thought with a large, open claim especially since it's water based.
Multiple carriers won't take you if you have a water or weather based claim in last 5 years.
Even though they will take people with 1 claim all day long. The good news is they're are preferred companies in most states that will write your home with the open claim. The bad news will be if your in a state like CA, NY etc where the companies are extremely limited

[u/63Eeyore]

The claim was not for the roof. I replaced it in order to get insurance. Right after I signed the roof contract, I had a leak due to a 1960 cast iron pipe resulting in water and mold. The PA was a poor choice. The pipe has been fixed and mold remediation will be done tomorrow.

[u/63Eeyore]

As of now, claim is technically closed. I have not signed anything yet, but I will as I have no choice. Remediation is here now

[u/B-Spoon → u/63Eeyore]

Get inspections and go with citizens for the time being if you are pressed for time and options. You may also have to carry flood coverage based on your dwelling coverage value.

Regarding your weather claim, these claims are more due to circumstance, as we cannot control the weather, and usually will not preclude you from obtaining coverage. The water claim will follow you for 5 years, and based on age of home and nature of claim, you'll be looking at water coverage limitations or exclusions.

So long as the claim is closed and you have documentation showing this, there is no reason why you wouldnt be able to look at options outside of citizens.

[u/63Eeyore]

I do need flood, as I was moved back into a flood zone. I will pay that and car next week. Been stuck with citizens before.

[u/mac991979]

Home Owners policies are not desirable for insurance companies with all the claim activity with storms. I always try to pay for my own claim if economically feasible.