Home insurance increase cost

[gramaluz]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?

[retiredguy123]

Homeowners insurance increases are totally unpredictable. The claim you filed may have had nothing to do with the premium increase. But, a huge increase like that would cause me to shop around for a better rate.

[Ladygolfer93]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?

Have American Integrity, have been extremely fortunate to have never have had a home owner's claim ever, with any company we've been with (American Family, State Farm, and Horace Mann in other states on other homes). American Integrity more than doubled our last annual premium, from $847 to just short of $1700. Was told even though we have never even had any contact with them (our "agent" prefers on line communication and bill paying only directly to American Integrity, never wanted any personal contact or direct communication even before the virus), but seems the "roofing" scam going around ALL of Florida, where people with roofs that are near, or at the end of their useful lives (18 years, 20, etc.) turn in scam claims of "storm damage". The door to door solicitors representing roofing companies even supply the dates and make out the "claims". Due to Florida's insurance laws, it is much cheaper from insurance companies to simply honor the claim, an since an 8 to 10K roof is going to cost them roughly half of that. It would be much more expensive to go to court since the insurance company could be paying attorneys for years if all the legal procedures for delaying are used. At the per hour price this would run far far more than a roof that the wholesale cost could be as low as 5K. So the scam goes on. The only "losers" in this situation are those of us who refuse to accept the "free" roofs offered to us, or, whose homes are just too new to even consider the need for a new roof. This is not germane to the Villages, I have "native" Floridians in my family, it has gone on for years. They (roofers) go from one community to another similar to ours (Dell Webb, etc.) until they have "hit" all the homes in the age range (usually around 17, 18 an insurance broker told me). Then they move on to the next, while ALL the people in Florida pay for the new roofs rather they took the offer or not. Seem crazy ? That's what I told the broker who is the owner of the agency, he said, "that's the way it is here, the insurance laws MUST be changed but no one (politicians) seem to have any interest in pushing that at all". His take was the insurance industry contributes so heavily to the coffers of the state politicians that they have no strong motivation to to overhaul Florida's insurance laws.... that was his take on it, that nothing will change, and that there is very little chance we could simply change to a different company. As a broker, he's looking for us, but changing my cause even more increases !

[retiredguy123]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?
My annual premium with Progressive is only $655. If they doubled my rate, I would shop around. I don't think the local agents or brokers have any idea why some companies raise their rates, and some don't. It's above their pay grade. But, I do know that insurance companies do not reward loyal customers. They practice "price optimization". So, if you are willing to accept a huge premium increase this year, then, you will probably be willing to accept another huge increase next year.

[missyomama]

It is amazing that the insurance policies are written in such a way that a roof that fails when it is 20 years old and and roof that fails at 5 years old are valued the same. I do not understand why they do not have wear and tear written in the policy so that they will only cover 20% or so of the replacement of an older roof, the same method used for car tires.
I know of one instance where the customer was told that the weather incident to report was hail on a certain day and time. I didn't have any hail at my house and I live 60 feet away. Must have been selective hail. Someone is pocketing a lot of money.
We need new blood in the Florida Insurance Commission in Tallahassee.

[Stu from NYC]

My annual premium with Progressive is only $655. If they doubled my rate, I would shop around. I don't think the local agents or brokers have any idea why some companies raise their rates, and some don't. It's above their pay grade. But, I do know that insurance companies do not reward loyal customers. They practice "price optimization". So, if you are willing to accept a huge premium increase this year, then, you will probably be willing to accept another huge increase next year.

They charge what the traffic will bear

[retiredguy123]

It is amazing that the insurance policies are written in such a way that a roof that fails when it is 20 years old and and roof that fails at 5 years old are valued the same. I do not understand why they do not have wear and tear written in the policy so that they will only cover 20% or so of the replacement of an older roof, the same method used for car tires.
I know of one instance where the customer was told that the weather incident to report was hail on a certain day and time. I didn't have any hail at my house and I live 60 feet away. Must have been selective hail. Someone is pocketing a lot of money.
We need new blood in the Florida Insurance Commission in Tallahassee.
It depends on what type of coverage you buy, "actual cash value" or "replacement cost". If you buy actual cash value insurance, you will only get a prorated amount for a roof claim, but your premiums wll be lower. Many insurance agents will try to sell you replacement cost insurance because it has a higher premium and they make more money selling it.

[rjm1cc]

It is amazing that the insurance policies are written in such a way that a roof that fails when it is 20 years old and and roof that fails at 5 years old are valued the same. I do not understand why they do not have wear and tear written in the policy so that they will only cover 20% or so of the replacement of an older roof, the same method used for car tires.
I know of one instance where the customer was told that the weather incident to report was hail on a certain day and time. I didn't have any hail at my house and I live 60 feet away. Must have been selective hail. Someone is pocketing a lot of money.
We need new blood in the Florida Insurance Commission in Tallahassee.

The insurance policy is probably a replacement policy and not the cash value of the item lost. Replacement policies are the way to go as construction
costs go up each year.

[tophcfa]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?

Thank the people scamming the insurance companies for a free new roof. Somebody has to pay for the roofs, because somebody’s free stuff is someone else’s liability.

[Stu from NYC]

Thank the people scamming the insurance companies for a free new roof. Somebody has to pay for the roofs, because somebody’s free stuff is someone else’s liability.

Sad but very true

[mrf6969]

Our American Integrity Insurance rate on our Villa rental property raised from $600.00 to $900.00 annual. We shopped around and found USAA at just under $600.00
This property still has the original roof which is checking out to be good.

[Outofjersey]

I was paying $800 with liberty mutual for 10 years never put in a claim Then I had a tree fall on my house during a storm and put in a small claim after that my insurance went up every year for the next 10 years two 2500 my advice never put in a claim unless less you really have to but what gets me the most is all the friendly insurance commercials on Television like they are the friendliest people in the world and your claim is settled the same day most of the commercials look like they’re for a two-year-old it took three weeks to settle my claim and half a dozen phone calls and then They only pay for half my advice don’t use it unless you really have to

[Raywatkins]

We are UK citizens with a second home in TV. We are shocked at the cost of home insurance in the US. Our UK home costs $300 per year for total cover and replacement as new on furniture and personal items. Our US home insurance went up just like OP. This year the rate was quoted as $2300 . We asked The Villages Insurance if they could do better. You would think they would do this automatically- but no. Their new quote with another company was $800 for exactly the same cover. We had a full roof replacement ($13000) last year. So a claim doesn’t seem to affect the price. In the UK we have a culture of checking each year and usually switching supplier. It seems that to get the best price we need to do the same in the US. Hope that helps OP.

[Leadbone1]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?

It’s all about the age of your roof in most cases.
My neighbors insurance through American Integrity was going to go very high. They are getting a roof put on the middle of this month and their premium will drop down again. Their roof is 20 years old.

[Bethwill]

As long as there are so many natural disasters, rates will go up. The insurance companies need to recoup their losses to maintain healthy reserves, and remain solvent.

[NYCAROL]

They are raising everyone because of all the roof claims. I canceled them and went to Allstate on CR101. They gave me my same coverage including sinkhole for less. Also many insurance companies won't renew or cancel if your roof is over 10 years.

[Cheese]

Yes, that is why we left them. Try Travelers!

[Cheese]

We also received a big increase from AIS. In reviewing our policy and shopping for a new carrier, AIS had our home over insured. Shop around, Travelers was good for us.

[UseYourBrain]

You are forgetting all the damage from the riots that insurance companies are now paying for.
You know, businesses are insured so it’s ok to loot.

[Skunky1]

Don’t be kind by those people knocking on your front door offering a free inspection of anything. If you haven’t learned anything by now you should at least know that nothing is free.

[westernrider75]

We are new to TV and just put our homeowners insurance in place through The Villages Insurance and it is $880 including flood insurance.

[stan the man]

Sad but very true

Thanks stu for another great post

[coconutmama]

It is amazing that the insurance policies are written in such a way that a roof that fails when it is 20 years old and and roof that fails at 5 years old are valued the same. I do not understand why they do not have wear and tear written in the policy so that they will only cover 20% or so of the replacement of an older roof, the same method used for car tires.
I know of one instance where the customer was told that the weather incident to report was hail on a certain day and time. I didn't have any hail at my house and I live 60 feet away. Must have been selective hail. Someone is pocketing a lot of money.
We need new blood in the Florida Insurance Commission in Tallahassee.

Totally agree. First realized the politician/insurance company relationship in FL when Gov Scott backed the insurance companies, over consumers, regarding sinkhole coverage. Not right

[NY2TV]

Mine didn't go up that much but went up 25% this year. I tried to shop around but was told my roof was too old (14 years old) and most companies wouldn't even give me a quote if roof was 10+ years old.

[Foxmd]

I switched from American Integrity to Allstate. Better coverage and much more reasonable price.

[graciegirl]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?

So many people are getting new roofs due to Hurricane Irma damage and the cost comes to all of us.

[noslices1]

I had American Integrity for a few years at a reasonable rate. Last year was $605, and this year they raised it to $1178. I shopped around and went with farmers insurance for about $400 less.

[HelenLCSW]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?

Looks like they hooked you with a very low rate in the beginning. We always go with AAA, Geico, USAA (if you are a veteran)

[newgirl]

I filed a claim and it has been hell! Just a warning. I need to start looking for another affordable policy.

[FredJacobs]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?

I was in the insurance business for over 20 years. Property and Casualty companies work differently than Life Insurance companies. P&C companies raise rates based on "poor claim experience. For example, Hurricane Andrew, in 1992, caused of $23 billion in damage Florida alone. After paying the claims, some of the largest property insurance companies in the U.S. (Consolidated, State Farm, etc.) stopped doing business in Florida. State Farm, for example, avoided Florida like the plague, until the Insurance Commission threatened to cancel their Florida license. To save their license, the company then introduced a new line of homeowners coverage that was priced so high that no one would buy it.

Yes, all the roofing claims will eventually cause increased rates. The companies will pay the claims, raise everyone's rates and lose customers. They made a great deal of profit during all those years you did not make a claim.

My American Integrity rates went up 50% over a two year period. I checked around and signed a contract with Farmers. The rate was about the same as the AI rate two years ago, with more coverage. Farmers sent an inspector over to examine the house before they would write the policy. When the roofing contractor knocked on my door, I called Farmers and asked if they inspected my roof. I was told that they did, that it is Architectural Shingle, built to last at least 30 years and if there was any need for a new roof in the near term they would not have written the policy.

I really don't understand why, when a guy knocks on your door and asks if he can send an inspector up to check your roof and your say, OK. Do you really think that he is going to come down and say it's fine - no repair needed, as he holds the shingle that he just pried up from your roof? Last month, I had a landscaper come by and he told me that, as he was driving past my house he noticed that I have termites in one of my trees and it should be removed or treated. (My, Grandma, what big eyes you have!) I said, Thank you, I'll call my pest company.

I don't know if any of you readers are old enough to remember an old TV show, "Racket Squad" (1951-1953). They closed each show with this caution - "There are people who can slap you on the back with one hand and pick your pocket with the other. And it could happen to you."

[OhioBuckeye]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?
No mine stayed the same $860. Were living in a messed up world right now or should I say Country! I really think no matter who gets elected president it’ll get a lot worse, make your own assumptions! Don’t know how some people will make it!

[dewilson58]

I really don't understand why, when a guy knocks on your door and asks if he can send an inspector up to check your roof and your say, OK.


Homeowner greed &/or Homeowner ignorance.

[davem4616]

sounds like the OP should shop around...apples for apples

We switched to Triple A a couple of years ago for home/auto and realized a huge decrease in cost for the same coverage

we do that every few years...sooner if I receive a large increase...IMO, there is no 'loyalty' when it comes to insurance, it's all about price

[mcgivney.Jim@gmail.com]

Thank all the people who have the "Get a Free New Roof" signs for your rate increase.

[Curtisbwp]

There are a few short sighted people in the villages, they blame increased ins prices on the few new roofs that were installed. Insurance companies have incurred billions of claims due to riots, burning and theft around the country and we all have to pay for it

[Skip]

Thank the people scamming the insurance companies for a free new roof. Somebody has to pay for the roofs, because somebody’s free stuff is someone else’s liability.

Why do you say it's a SCAM? The insurance adjuster (working for the insurance company - not you) determined that a roof needed repair or replacement and paid most of the bill. You paid the deductible. Been like that for decades. He/she has the right to refuse coverage for minor problems. The possibility of wind or hail damage to anything, even windows or siding, is built into the yearly estimate of claims for each year. The only change is how much does it cost to repair or replace it. If that goes down, so does your premiums.

Shop around and get a wind mitigation inspection.

Skip

[eaq44]

Our American Integrity insurance policy increased by $800. We switched to Nationwide.

[Skip]

I really don't understand why, when a guy knocks on your door and asks if he can send an inspector up to check your roof and your say, OK. Do you really think that he is going to come down and say it's fine - no repair needed, ?

Yes, my neighbor, same age house as the rest of the street, had a roofer inspect theirs, thinking he might get a new roof on his 20 year old house. The roofer said "Your roof will last another 5+ years, you had one loose shingle which I nailed down for you." No other repairs or replacement was needed. "Call us back in 5 years, we'll be happy to inspect it again."

Now that was a reputable local roofer. The same one I used.

Skip

[rphil11ort]

Time for a new company

[GRDORNFELD]

I also received a large increase in premium, after smaller increases for each prior year. I contracted with USAA for less money. When I called American Integrity, I told them I assumed their large increase was caused by all the "free roofs." I also told them, I did not get a "free" roof and didn't appreciate having to pay for all the other roofs. Good riddance to bad rubbish. The agent couldn't care less.

[nikonuser1]

I use Te Villages Ins. agency and the policy is with Progressive (formerly ASA). The premium for next year did go up a small amount, but the face value also went up due to inflation. All looks good and I suppose, fare. You need to replace your existing insurance company if they raised your rates so much.

[Raybemis1]

Mine did too. Called my agent, I’m now with Tower Hill at only a slight increase.

[Sherrilee]

We’ve never used it and it doubled!! We are changing to AAA insurance

[lee60car]

I dropped American last November because it kept going up a lot each year and that was before all the roof replacements. Mine was through TV Insurance.

[KRM0614]

My annual premium with Progressive is only $655. If they doubled my rate, I would shop around. I don't think the local agents or brokers have any idea why some companies raise their rates, and some don't. It's above their pay grade. But, I do know that insurance companies do not reward loyal customers. They practice "price optimization". So, if you are willing to accept a huge premium increase this year, then, you will probably be willing to accept another huge increase next year.
I pay 460 a year my house is a year old paid off I gave block construction - progressive insurance which I bundle with car !
Most people don’t realize your contents - furniture clothes etc you
Can provide them the amount of coverage and know that no one does replacement coverage no matter the company or what they tell you. I have mossy oak 1907 and also have sinkhole and flood.
Stay away from village brokers !

Also Florida is trying to get homeowners to pay up for those who had damage from prior hurricanes to spread the cost !
They’ve done it for decades

[Marshaw]

This works everywhere there are tornados for example. Replace roofs after, pay the contractors. All rates from that company go up to cover that event. The never go back down. You never hear of a price hike without a storm.aweful ins. Scam. Ever hear of an ins. Co going broke? No sir.

[Bertram00]

I believe the company name is a misnomer - it should be American LACK OF Integrity.

[donassaid]

Try Allstate (the McDonald Agency). Their rate was a small amount more than what we were paying thru The Villages Ins. But Alkstate's co pay on a sink hole claim is only $500 vs. almost $20,000 on our Villages Insurance policy.

[eddie888]

What type of home do you well. Is it a small home?

[saratogaman]

How is it a scam if the insurance companies own claims adjusters agree with the roof inspectors' findings and approve payment? If it's a bona fide claim, they pay. If it is not, they don't pay. So where's the scam?

[james robertson]

We have American Integrity as our insurer. When many of my neighbors started getting their roofs replaced, we received a rate increase of almost 100%. I called the Villages Insurance-my agent-to understand why we got such a rate increase, when we had never made a claim. The agent said it was because of all the roofing claims. Yet she also said that American Integrity was an insurer that was fighting these claims.
She indicated that in order to get the policy's discounts for several items, I would need to have a specialist come to our house and verify that our 20-year old roof had nails every 6 inches, and that our roof was strapped the the side of the house. The inspection cost $100, but resulted in a substantial annual premium reduction.

[NancyLee]

It’s all about the age of your roof in most cases.
My neighbors insurance through American Integrity was going to go very high. They are getting a roof put on the middle of this month and their premium will drop down again. Their roof is 20 years old.
It appears that your neighbor will be paying for his/her new roof out of pocket. That's the way I did it. I never even considered asking the insurance company to pay for my replacement roof. Roofs age, it's not the insurance's fault.

[betedid]

Have you phoned or contacted them?
Try a home insurance Broker. Or at least another insurance company.

[Dgodin]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?

is the home site built or manufactured? rates for manufactured homes seem to be much higher than site built and have increased significantly in the last few years. our bill for a site built home is less than $800/yr

[chuckk281]

Thank the people scamming the insurance companies for a free new roof. Somebody has to pay for the roofs, because somebody’s free stuff is someone else’s liability.

I don't know how you can say getting a new roof is a "scam" when the insurance company sends out a claims adjuster when a claim is filed and has to approve of the damage before any work can be done that includes money from the insurance company. You must be dreaming if you think an insurance company is just giving away money!!!

[FenneyGirl]

You pay a premium for Replacement Cost. That means if your roof suffered damaged from a covered loss such as wind you are owed the cost to repair or replace, no matter the age. No one wants a policy that pays at ACV, Actual Cash Value( replacement cost less depreciation) . I was an Adjuster for Homeowner Claims for 25 years. Try a higher deductible or another insurance carrier.

[nn0wheremann]

American Integrity has once again raised our yearly home owner policy by 1300 dollars!
2 years ago it was 857.00 last year we had one claim for a water leak in 18 years .it then went up to 1,121 this year it is 2,418 and no claims! Did every one experienced such an increase?
They are on the rocks. Drop them. I found Farmers much less expensive for better coverage.

[Ladygolfer93]

It is amazing that the insurance policies are written in such a way that a roof that fails when it is 20 years old and and roof that fails at 5 years old are valued the same. I do not understand why they do not have wear and tear written in the policy so that they will only cover 20% or so of the replacement of an older roof, the same method used for car tires.
I know of one instance where the customer was told that the weather incident to report was hail on a certain day and time. I didn't have any hail at my house and I live 60 feet away. Must have been selective hail. Someone is pocketing a lot of money.
We need new blood in the Florida Insurance Commission in Tallahassee.

Same here ! Two homes probably LESS than 60Ft. away, both 18 years old, hit my the same "hail" that missed us and a couple others !

[Ladygolfer93]

Homeowner greed &/or Homeowner ignorance.

I don't know either, but this summer there were 3 of us out of about 11 who said NO WAY, you can not put up ladders and "inspect" my roof. On the other hand, one of my own relatives CALLED them to come to his house in another village because he heard you could get a "free" roof for $500. And.... they got a whole new roof for $500, and think I am a real "fool" ! Oh well !

[Ladygolfer93]

They charge what the traffic will bear

So, are you saying your premium is $650 like some have said on here, and you refuse to pay it when you get a premium rate increase, they will leave it the same for you ??? I think there is more to it...... been to two agencies now and going to a third for an opinion. Two have said #1 it will be nearly impossible to find a company to insure a home with a roof more than 15 years old, and, nearly 100% if you are accepted, the premium will be even higher. One thing for the many on our street who got the new "free" roofs this summer...... those whose insurance bills have come find they WERE LOWERED..... and pretty substantial at that ! So, if you are willing to make out a false claim of roof damage, you get a brand new roof for the cost of the deductible AND you get a significant reduction in your annual premium. So, allowing "inspectors" does pay ! I have witnessed that right on my block !

[Mrodmh]

Thankfully we have insurance through USAA. I’m so glad it’s not with a local company after hearing multiple stories like this.

[retiredguy123]

So, are you saying your premium is $650 like some have said on here, and you refuse to pay it when you get a premium rate increase, they will leave it the same for you ??? I think there is more to it...... been to two agencies now and going to a third for an opinion. Two have said #1 it will be nearly impossible to find a company to insure a home with a roof more than 15 years old, and, nearly 100% if you are accepted, the premium will be even higher. One thing for the many on our street who got the new "free" roofs this summer...... those whose insurance bills have come find they WERE LOWERED..... and pretty substantial at that ! So, if you are willing to make out a false claim of roof damage, you get a brand new roof for the cost of the deductible AND you get a significant reduction in your annual premium. So, allowing "inspectors" does pay ! I have witnessed that right on my block !
I would never allow a door-to-door roofer to inspect my roof. These are predators trying to defraud your insurance company. Some of them will deliberately damage your roof to get a claim approved. The honest way to do it is to contact your insurance company directly and have them send out an adjuster to inspect the roof. If you don't agree with their inspection, you can hire an independent inspector for a second opinion. If your roof is more than 15 years old, you should consider replacing it anyway.

If my insurance company were to raise my premium by 50 percent or more, I would shop around and change companies. It does not pay be loyal to any one company. Also, I do not think your agent has the power to negotiate your premium to a lower rate. All they do is collect whatever premium the company sets. The rates are set by the company, not by the agent. And, I don't think filing a claim has much to do with the premium you pay. Homeowners insurance does not work the same way as auto insurance regarding individual claim history and premiums.

[bilcon]

I got my renewal bill from American Integrity today and it went up almost $800. Now 1700. No claims.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Just left AI for AAA. Premiums for two cars and the house were bundled and cost $1K less than house alone with AI.

[JGVillages]

It appears that your neighbor will be paying for his/her new roof out of pocket. That's the way I did it. I never even considered asking the insurance company to pay for my replacement roof. Roofs age, it's not the insurance's fault.
You pay for insurance to cover insurability damage. Why not have a reputable roofer check out the roof to see if there is a legitimate claim to submit. Your insurance company can always turn it down, but if you are not a roofing expert I don’t see any reason not to follow up on all options.

[SharonW]

Totally agree. First realized the politician/insurance company relationship in FL when Gov Scott backed the insurance companies, over consumers, regarding sinkhole coverage. Not right

If the State of Florida had not made changes the companies would have left Florida and not offered any property insurance. There was so many sinkhole claims being filed and properties not being repaired. It was as bad as the roof claims going on today. You still have the opportunity to purchase sinkhole coverage For an additional premium. There will always be something because people area always looking for something free. The sad part is honest, ethical consumers end up paying in the long run.
Due to population growth (more construction) there are more windstorm claims in Florida (more dollars paid out for claims) which drives premiums up.