Insurance Company Woes
 

My home owner's insurance company just called and told me that they won't renew my insurance unless I have my 20 year-old HVAC (AC/Heat) system replaced. There is nothing wrong with my HVAC system. I asked if they could just come and inspect it, but that's a no-go. I really don't want to switch to a different company because they are probably going to say the same thing. Do I have any other options (besides not having insurance) where I can keep my original HVAC system? If not, do you have recommendations for a good company to install a new one? Very frustrating...grrrrrr.....:(

Munn's

After 20 years, you really do need a new system. If you are going to live in the house another 10 years, you will be happy you replaced it. If you sell the house, you will also be happy that it will sell for a higher price. No one will want to buy a 20-year old HVAC system in Florida. So, either way, it is a win-win situation for you.

I just signed up for new coverage and was warned that they may need me to replace my water heater - like your HVAC, it is in perfect working order (and looks almost new) - and to have to replace such items is a waste of money and resources, like the roof.

I suspect that, with so few companies covering Florida, that age limit will drop to 15 years then go down to ten - the homeowner has no choice but to go along with it.

Pure laziness on their part not to at least offer to go with the opinion of a third party inspection.

Try to get your HVAC system replaced before the New Year, when the new regulations kick in and the system will cost 25-30 percent more (with new and unproven technology that will undoubtedly have bugs that need to be worked out). Our new system installation is scheduled for early December. We are having Chuck Ferrell replace a still functional 18 year old system. I would highly recommend them, but my understanding is they aren’t taking new customers.

On the positive side the new system will be much more energy efficient.

Rush out to buy an obsolete system.

Sort of off point, however this is typical Villages mentality. So upset about spending money to replace outdated house issues, but ready and willing to spend thousands on putting some fancy painting on a driveway and thinking it's just a wonderful idea and that cost is a great way to spend money.

Only in The Villages!

Air conditioners including the freon used has been changing over the years. You can still get repairs done and freon used in that system is still available. Writer has a 20 year old system and clearly he has not had a problem

Make a call to an insurance broker to see who will insure your home, then call those companies and see what their requirements are. In any case from what I have seen recently you can expect to pay more. You can ask the broker if they know of any firms that would write a policy that would NOT include coverage for any damage due to a failure of the AC system, but I doubt you will find a company willing to do this.

Not an obsolete system, a better system at a lower cost. Kind of like rushing out to buy an ICE vehicle if the government mandated they would no longer be available after new years. Just practical common sense.

Or... Rush out to buy an efficient tried and true system, rather that a much more expensive system using much more expensive freon...

What insurance company? Why not get several quotes? I wouldn’t be loyal to insurance company cause They are NOT loyal to you.

It’s on its last leg and will probably fail next summer when it hot and you’ll be suffering for days waiting on company due to all failures they are working on. prices are not going down so might as well replace it now. Just in last 3 or 4 years prices has gone up 30% or more. I recommend Mums, several of my neighbors has had low budget off brands installed and had lots of problems. I had none with over year and half on new unit.

In a state with a functional and competitive insurance market that would definitely be the way to go. In reality, for a home in Florida over 20 years old there simply aren’t several reputable companies that will give homeowners a quote, and the number is shrinking every year.

I'd tell them to stuff it where the sun don't shine, and hire somebody who wants your business. How is it any of their damned business how old your HVAC is?

Failed HVAC can lead to excessive humidity causing mold and a very costly insurance claim. It’s definitely related to their business, like it or not.