Need info please Home Insurance cancelled

[Madelaine Amee]

We have just been informed that our home insurance has been cancelled due to roof problems and right now nobody will insure us. There are some really smart knowledgeable people visit this site and I would like any information or suggestions you may have. Thanks.

It's either TOTV or the house goes on the market and we end up back in the frozen north.:ohdear: and that is not a joke!

[Bonnevie]

how old is your roof? unfortunately, this is the result of all the "storm damaged" roofs being paid for by the insurance companies. Progressive told me they would not do a new policy if the roof was older than 5 years. I expect I'll have problems at renewal time as well.

[Michael G.]

right now nobody will insure us.

Why is that??

[blueash]

I don't mean to sound flippant, but if your roof is that bad, you won't be able to sell the home as it will fail an inspection and the buyer will insist on a new roof, or a cost reduction to cover the expense of a new roof. Your best option now would seem to be to pay to repair the roof if you can't get your present insurance company to pay for it, like everyone else seems to have done.

[Madelaine Amee]

I don't mean to sound flippant, but if your roof is that bad, you won't be able to sell the home as it will fail an inspection and the buyer will insist on a new roof, or a cost reduction to cover the expense of a new roof. Your best option now would seem to be to pay to repair the roof if you can't get your present insurance company to pay for it, like everyone else seems to have done.


The roof is under contract to be replaced because it has only about five years left. There is NOTHING wrong with the roof at this time, but we did have two leaks one about 5 years ago which was the fault of the original builder not closing off the ends of the ridge vent. and one late last fall. We were officially told the insurance industry in Florida has completely changed the rules of the game.

The roof will be replaced and if it forces us out of Florida the house will sell with no problem, location, location.

I was hoping to hear from someone who might have been in the same position to know what they did. There MUST be someone out there who will insure our home for the right price!

[Babubhat]

Check your Clue report. They have them for car and houses like a credit report. It may show why you are having an issue finding insurance

What is a CLUE report? (https://www.insurance.com/home-and-renters-insurance/how-to-get-a-clue-report)

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

how old is your roof? unfortunately, this is the result of all the "storm damaged" roofs being paid for by the insurance companies. Progressive told me they would not do a new policy if the roof was older than 5 years. I expect I'll have problems at renewal time as well. 2 sold roofs roofs were 10 and 11 years old the other bought an 11 year old home , rumors are just that , there are actually facts out there that are easy to check, there were plenty of insurance companies that offered I know this first hand because I helped woman buy her new home , I did have to do a little more search for a good sinkhole policy but that’s not something I get all upset about either

[rustyp]

Thinking outside of the box - is there such a thing as getting a home insured for liability only ? Screw all these what if the roof leaks, a hurricane, a flood. I'll fork out the money to fix providing the premium is substantially less than today's standard homeowners policy. In 50 years of home ownership I have had two claims. Neither close to the value of having to rebuild a house. This would be extremely attractive to me as a two homeowner snowbird. If one home is damaged significantly I'll be moving into the other while repairs are performed anyways.

[retiredguy123]

Have you talked to an insurance broker, like The Villages Insurance? If no company will insure your house, it won't do you much good to put it on the market.

Another option is to try to get a fire policy instead of a homeowners policy. That type of policy will not provide the comprehensive coverage that a homeowners policy will, like liability, etc., but it would at least cover your house and possibly the contents. Good luck.

[Madelaine Amee]

Have you talked to an insurance broker, like The Villages Insurance? If no company will insure your house, it won't do you much good to put it on the market.

Another option is to try to get a fire policy instead of a homeowners policy. That type of policy will not provide the comprehensive coverage that a homeowners policy will, like liability, etc., but it would at least cover your house and possibly the contents. Good luck.

The house is fine, it's us they don't like. We had a wind damage water leak that their guy could not find. We called in a private roofing company who found it was just a staple that had come up in the heat allowing the rain to get in when the wind blew in the right direction. We fixed the problem out of pocket and never asked the insurance company to reimburse us, and I think that is where we went wrong. I really don't know where to go from here, but I have a friend in the mortgage industry who is looking into this for us. We have an A+++ rating, and there are plenty of people who buy homes with no visible means of support. We have two months to find some type of coverage until we decide what to do, either stay or go.

[villagetinker]

As a last resort the is a state of Florida backed insurance coverage, not sure of cost or who to contact.

[EdFNJ]

There is nothing you can't get if you pay enough for it including insurance.

Generally speaking for those who say "self-insure" if you have a mortgage your bank won't go along with that. If no mortgage and you feel you can survive a large claim like a (rare) tornado or hurricane or sinkhole or fire then no law says you need home owners insurance.

[EdFNJ]

Have you talked to an insurance broker, like The Villages Insurance? If no company will insure your house, it won't do you much good to put it on the market.

Another option is to try to get a fire policy instead of a homeowners policy. That type of policy will not provide the comprehensive coverage that a homeowners policy will, like liability, etc., but it would at least cover your house and possibly the contents. Good luck. Doubtful a mortgage company would accept that (if you have a mortgage). They also require liability.

[Madelaine Amee]

We have no mortgage and no debt. The house was purchased with cash and has never been mortgaged.

[Papa_lecki]

Isn’t the problem the roofers who go house to house saying we will re-lace your roof and insurance will pay for it….’you have wind damage”.
They get a free roof, and insurance companies require everyone else to replace theirs.

[JMintzer]

Isn’t the problem the roofers who go house to house saying we will re-lace your roof and insurance will pay for it….’you have wind damage”.
They get a free roof, and insurance companies require everyone else to replace theirs.

The people who jump at the chance for a "free new roof" are also complicit...

[NoMo50]

The roof is under contract to be replaced because it has only about five years left

When you say your roof has "only about five years left," are you referring to the original roof warranty? If so, that would indicate your current roof is, what, probably 25 years old? Is it the home's original roof? If that is the case, no insurance company will be interested. Have the roof replaced, and then seek out quotes for a policy.

[Madelaine Amee]

When you say your roof has "only about five years left," are you referring to the original roof warranty? If so, that would indicate your current roof is, what, probably 25 years old? Is it the home's original roof? If that is the case, no insurance company will be interested. Have the roof replaced, and then seek out quotes for a policy.

You make it sound so simple, it is a much longer complicated relationship with the Insurance company, I wish it were just simple.

[Caymus]

Is this something unique to The Villages? Or, does the entire state have this issue?

[Madelaine Amee]

Is this something unique to The Villages? Or, does the entire state have this issue?

We WERE long time residents of Mass. and NH and we never, ever ran into an insurance problem with either of those States. I believe this is a Florida State problem due to our violent weather , but someone more knowledgeable than me can answer you.

[villagetinker]

As a follow-up to my previous comment, in todays (Friday 9/24) daily sun there was a short news clip about Citizens Insurance (the Florida State backed insurance) setting a new record for coverage. I am guessing that an internet search will get you to an agent for this insurance if you do not find a regular insurance company for coverage.

[Wyseguy]

As a last resort the is a state of Florida backed insurance coverage, not sure of cost or who to contact.

I believe you are talking about Citizens (State Backed Insurance) They tend to be more expensive, cover less, and now require roof inspections before writing.

[Wyseguy]

Isn’t the problem the roofers who go house to house saying we will re-lace your roof and insurance will pay for it….’you have wind damage”.
They get a free roof, and insurance companies require everyone else to replace theirs.

That is the problem from the insurance company side. The flip side, is that over 70% of the cases denied by the carriers, when they go to court, are lost by the carriers. They are then required to pay ALL legal fees, both sides.

[Madelaine Amee]

As a follow-up to my previous comment, in todays (Friday 9/24) daily sun there was a short news clip about Citizens Insurance (the Florida State backed insurance) setting a new record for coverage. I am guessing that an internet search will get you to an agent for this insurance if you do not find a regular insurance company for coverage.

Tinker, you are incredible. You have always come up with the answer to any problem I had and I cannot thank you enough! I will certainly follow up on this. On the other hand, I have given this much thought during a sleepless night :icon_wink: and have decided if I can get Catastrophic coverage I can handle the small problems on my own. I have some feelers out and hope to hear more today.

I have, just this moment, had a conversation with someone in the business who says this is an ongoing problem in the State of Florida. I have one suggestion for anyone .... NO MATTER HOW RIGHT YOU ARE, DO NOT TRY TO ARGUE WITH THE INSURANCE AGENT, SUCK IT UP!

[tophcfa]

Tinker, you are incredible. You have always come up with the answer to any problem I had and I cannot thank you enough! I will certainly follow up on this. On the other hand, I have given this much thought during a sleepless night :icon_wink: and have decided if I can get Catastrophic coverage I can handle the small problems on my own. I have some feelers out and hope to hear more today.

I have, just this moment, had a conversation with someone in the business who says this is an ongoing problem in the State of Florida. I have one suggestion for anyone .... NO MATTER HOW RIGHT YOU ARE, DO NOT TRY TO ARGUE WITH THE INSURANCE AGENT, SUCK IT UP!

That is good advice, everything is in a data base nowadays. Any negative notation one agent enters into your profile is now out there for all other companies underwriters to see as a red flag when you shop around your policy.

Best of luck finding some reasonable coverage for your home.

[smacca56]

We have just been informed that our home insurance has been cancelled due to roof problems and right now nobody will insure us. There are some really smart knowledgeable people visit this site and I would like any information or suggestions you may have. Thanks.

It's either TOTV or the house goes on the market and we end up back in the frozen north.:ohdear: and that is not a joke!

I have worked in insurance for many years but in Maine. I do not pretend to know FL insurance laws but know there has to be a company that will insure any risk. I looked into it for you and the link below is the company that insures you when there is no other insurer that will cover you. I would look into that for an option other than selling your home.

Get a Policy - Public - Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (https://www.citizensfla.com/get-a-policy)

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

how old is your roof? unfortunately, this is the result of all the "storm damaged" roofs being paid for by the insurance companies. Progressive told me they would not do a new policy if the roof was older than 5 years. I expect I'll have problems at renewal time as well.

My roof in great condition was 18 yrs old. The insurance company wants a new roof because it is the MAIN protection to your home. but if I did not get a new roof, then my insurance payments would increase and still have less coverage of my home. ALL insurance companies require this. As I stated its the MAIN protection of your home. So I did do a new roof and have to say glad I did... found a hole about to happen underneath that I never would of seen , with major damage in my future.

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

Thinking outside of the box - is there such a thing as getting a home insured for liability only ? Screw all these what if the roof leaks, a hurricane, a flood. I'll fork out the money to fix providing the premium is substantially less than today's standard homeowners policy. In 50 years of home ownership I have had two claims. Neither close to the value of having to rebuild a house. This would be extremely attractive to me as a two homeowner snowbird. If one home is damaged significantly I'll be moving into the other while repairs are performed anyways.

if you do not have a mortgage, you can insure your home how ever you want. but keep in mind, its your nest egg and when something does go wrong.. its going to come out of your own pocket. Your taking a gamble. Now for conversation and something to think about. When I moved to Florida... house, insurance etc.... the second month I was here... Hurricane Andrew (what the heck) came , took , demolished my home...yup.... demolished.... no, doors, roof, windows etc. I was under a pile of walls ... anyway... I was sick about it... was I covered for 100% or was I covered for the pro rated of how old my furniture was...thank goodness my insurance was excellent... and my $$$ I did not lose my investment and take a major loss because I WAS NOT COVERED PROPERLY. So be careful to cover your major nest egg. Have to say... esp here in Florida anything can happen, sink holes and tornadoes. Up North have to say, a lot less can happen. The Villages did get hit I think with Hurricane/tornadoes in 2007... lots of serious damage. Oh , ya, also when I moved in to the villages, 6 months later, found racoons and babies in my attic... been there for long time.... aaah $15,000 damage...yup, had to gut all the insulation Fl Health code, and damage inside attic. Sooo all depends how much out of pocket is ok with you.. almost forgot... golf cart.. hey off the road don't have to insure it... right... yup, smashed into some bushes curving out of the way from an intoxicated driver flying past me... but my passenger need to go to the Urgent Care for there hand, they did not have personal health insurance and because it was my golf cart (uninsured) I ended up paying out of pocket $1,000 for there Doctors Bill... Now I am golf cart insured...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I don't know what part of the Villages you live in but...if you're in a manufactured home, and your current insurance won't cover it because of the roof - you aren't likely to find ANY company to insure it at all. Unfortunately even though our homes are "tied down" with grey pipes replaced, floors reinforced, attached to slab-foundation sheds, with many of us having replaced the single-pane glass with double-hung double-pane E-whatever hurricane-safe windows....insurance companies won't touch us because they're considered to be "motor vehicles". With no motor, and no wheels, and actually ATTACHED to the ground. It's pretty insane.

There are only a few insurance companies nationwide that will cover manufactured homes in Florida, and they charge what the market will bear. Which is to say - they charge a LOT. And we pay it.

[DAVES]

Check your Clue report. They have them for car and houses like a credit report. It may show why you are having an issue finding insurance

What is a CLUE report? (https://www.insurance.com/home-and-renters-insurance/how-to-get-a-clue-report)

Always learning something. I think we all know that insurance claims are a matter of record-just not aware of the report name.

As far as the CLUE report I did look at the link. The link says like a credit report, you are entitled to a FREE copy once a year and they mention false claims on your account.
What I don't understand is why I would want a copy. I assume any claim would result in a rate increase and I would surely notice that and question it as well as explore competitors.

Far as insurance, we tend to think I've been a loyal customer for xx years. The reality is they use lower rates to entice NEW customers. Satisfaction is another issue. Insurance companies are rated. Any company will gladly take your money. You are buying insurance, the company shouldering risk. If, they have a history of not being fair to customers, you are not getting what you think you are paying for.

[Madelaine Amee]

I thought this might be of interest to you. We heard today by phone the following "well, if you can get your roof done by xxx date we can submit the information to the insurance company again". There is still no guarantee that we will be insured.

But, I am now a lot more educated with all the information I have received from you which is much appreciated.

[kkingston57]

If you have not already done this, check with a local independent agent who represents multiple insurance companies and see if they can find insurance. IF no one will insure check to see if the Florida JUA can provide coverage.

If you do not have a mortgage, do not need to buy insurance. In S. Florida where premiums are 4X higher many people have opted to go without homeowners insurance. In TV there is less risk for storms. Would not recommend going this route to save $1500- $2000 a year.

Good luck.

[kkingston57]

That is the problem from the insurance company side. The flip side, is that over 70% of the cases denied by the carriers, when they go to court, are lost by the carriers. They are then required to pay ALL legal fees, both sides.

Agree 100%. I was in the business. I bet 70% is low as most cases get settled before a trial.

[Madelaine Amee]

If you have not already done this, check with a local independent agent who represents multiple insurance companies and see if they can find insurance. IF no one will insure check to see if the Florida JUA can provide coverage.

If you do not have a mortgage, do not need to buy insurance. In S. Florida where premiums are 4X higher many people have opted to go without homeowners insurance. In TV there is less risk for storms. Would not recommend going this route to save $1500- $2000 a year.

Good luck.

We are mortgage free and debt free with high credit score, the only thing we don't have YET is new roof which is in the works Our home is in excellent condition, everything that needs doing gets done and I keep all the bills and receipts. Just had new cabinet lighting by Pikes, new driveway, new ceiling paint job. We keep up with all maintenance i.e. heating and AC, bugs, you name it. It's a nice home on a Championship GC.

[VillagerNut]

You make it sound so simple, it is a much longer complicated relationship with the Insurance company, I wish it were just simple.

Insurance is very picky about roofs now. So get a new roof. Then shop for insurance and you’ll be back to the normal price for your insurance. In the meantime you can pick up higher priced insurance. Also look at Kin insurance which may cover you for a year.

[mikebama]

how old is your roof? unfortunately, this is the result of all the "storm damaged" roofs being paid for by the insurance companies. Progressive told me they would not do a new policy if the roof was older than 5 years. I expect I'll have problems at renewal time as well.
You are exactly right. The bill is now due for all those free roofs replaced for hail damage over the years. 👍

[mikebama]

The people who jump at the chance for a "free new roof" are also complicit...

all those people are now understanding exactly what “free“ means.

[Topspinmo]

2 sold roofs roofs were 10 and 11 years old the other bought an 11 year old home , rumors are just that , there are actually facts out there that are easy to check, there were plenty of insurance companies that offered I know this first hand because I helped woman buy her new home , I did have to do a little more search for a good sinkhole policy but that’s not something I get all upset about either

Why would it be problem on NEW home? Don’t new home come with new roofs?

[Topspinmo]

The no reason why home owners shouldn’t be able to put metal roofs on. With all the fraud and b—s with asphalt roofs a metal roof last 40 plus years. One and done. None of this crap about how old is you’re roof. Funny how the majority developers commercial properties have metal roofs. But in Disneyland we have to keep the starving roof contractors out of poor house. Who looks up af stupid roof anyway.

[Decadeofdave]

Try an insurance agency with multiple companies that they can shop for your situation, my roof is 15 no problem up to this point, Bascom insurance in Lady Lake