I bought my house in June 2015 as a newly divorced single parent. When I made the offer, I asked the sellers to replace the old roof, but they refused. I was in a hurry to find a nice place for my kid, so I let it slide. Fast forward… the roof is now 25 years old with three layers of shingles. I made a couple of claims after hailstorms—one paid for minor wind damage, and the other didn’t pay out at all. Now, my insurance company has dropped me. I’m feeling overwhelmed. What are my options here?
You can get insurance but it will not be cheap. You need an agent who can go to the E & S market. What state are you in?
Tatum said:
You can get insurance but it will not be cheap. You need an agent who can go to the E & S market. What state are you in?
I live in Missouri. I had no idea that there was a threshold for the number of claims, especially since they never paid out.
Tatum said:
You can get insurance but it will not be cheap. You need an agent who can go to the E & S market. What state are you in?
Find an independent agent. One claim and they will cancel or not renew today.
$0 claims count against you just the same as ones with high dollars. It shows an intent to file.
Afton said:
$0 claims count against you just the same as ones with high dollars. It shows an intent to file.
I’m in KS/MO and could quote you if you like. I do have a carrier that would likely take you. Feel free to DM me if that’s allowed. It’s rough out there.
You need a new roof, simple as that. No company will insure a roof with that age.
Aubrey said:
You need a new roof, simple as that. No company will insure a roof with that age.
Not true. Not all companies conduct underwriting inspections.
Aubrey said:
You need a new roof, simple as that. No company will insure a roof with that age.
Any company she should trust should look into this for her own good.
Aubrey said:
You need a new roof, simple as that. No company will insure a roof with that age.
I have Amica, who I believe is the best one out there, but they never did one.
Aubrey said:
You need a new roof, simple as that. No company will insure a roof with that age.
Well it probably also depends on state. She needs a new roof.
Did you not talk to your agent before filing so many claims? It’s our job to educate you on how this stuff works. Do what you can to get that roof replaced to help offset the high premiums you are going to have from excessive claims history.
@Noor
Well stated. That many claims, you may have to look at forced-placed insurance.
@Noor
Depending on what state she’s in, I have a few carriers that might consider it. The condition of the roof sounds like the bigger issue.
Can anyone explain to me how I’m reading all these responses and I have yet to see anyone address the fact that she said she has 3 layers? That’s not even eligible! Her agent clearly lied on the application which could mean she might have a case against the agent’s E&O.
@Emlyn
3 layers means incompetent roofers who made a quick buck. That makes me so mad to hear.
@Emlyn
In MI, I’ve been told there is zero coverage for roofs over 20 years on SF paper. Most carriers require ACV for wind/hail.
State Farm dropping you might be the best thing. Pay the $8K and get a new roof. Roofing companies often offer financing. Then, find a broker to shop your insurance for you.
Mai said:
State Farm dropping you might be the best thing. Pay the $8K and get a new roof. Roofing companies often offer financing. Then, find a broker to shop your insurance for you.
Agreed.
Unfortunately, this is what they don’t tell you when you buy a house. You’ll need to shop around for insurance and probably replace the roof before a new policy starts.