Insurance demands new roof!

Insurance companies can and do check homes and sometimes refuse to insure them or add a expensive sur charge. Bad roofs, knob and tube wiring, FPE breaker panels, cracked sidewalks, A buddy had to replace his porch that was in bad shape.

Sometimes insurance companies get sold and the new buyerv checks every home.

Are there any trade/apprenticeship schools in the area? Maybe offer your roof as a hands-on training lab for roofers or carpenters in training.

PV

The original post is vague at best. She states my 'insurance' sent me a letter? The 'company' (maybe) ...And 'an appraiser' said she needs a new roof? I've never heard of an insurance appraiser. I've heard of insurance adjusters and real estate appraisers.

More informantion is needed. If she 'has' a policy, as far as 'I' know they can't cancel her for having a (in their opinion) worn roof. And insurance companys don't routinly send out people to check out the homes they insure every year. That would be cost prohibitve...

OTOH, If she's looking for 'new' or replacement coverage and getting a quote, they can do an inspection and turn her down for coverage if the home is not up to par.

(I'm a 20 year life an health agent who's also been licensed as a property and casualty agent.)

Well, Charles, you have a lot to learn. Insurance companies now routinely send inspectors to check the condition of homes and property. It's become very common. The inspector can report just about anything to the company that they think needs addressing, from excessive weed growth, to mildew on the siding, to trip hazards. The insurance company then sends the policy holder a letter with the list of deficiencies and gives them a deadline to fix the items and respond, or they will not be renewed.

not long ago a news report. homeowners insurance wouldnt renew unless they had some large trees removed that could flatten home in a storm.

the cost of hazards like a costly settlement after someone trips on a obviously bad sidewalkmust be paid by all policy holders......

settlement money doesnt just appear

In line....

Charles Pisano wrote:

Insurers have appraisers,

Wanna bet?

True.

Yep.

clipped

I had State Farm, Florida. They used to come by every year or two to look over the home. I don't recall that they ever asked to see the interior. I am sure part of the reason for the visit was to see of there were major changes affecting the insurable value - additions, pools, etc.

why should everyone pay for obvious hazards like bad sidewalks, half dead trees about to fall on house, bad roofs, and poorly maintained homes that are more likely to have major claims?

Sorry I would rather you keep your handss out of my wallet

Somewhat true. I've never had an inspection (or a claim) in 42 years of home ownership. OTOH, we have assorted inspectors at work every year. This is for the various policies we have. Of course, their exposure is much higher than a typical house. If I was insuring a high dollar house, I'd probably want someone to check out the condition of it .

Interestingly I bumped into a old friend today who reported her daughter and hubby HAD to have roof and other work done to keep insuance. Having been to their home it was in bad shape.

The hubby is basically lazy and puts it off till tomorrow....

tomorrow arrived when the insurance inspector showed up, new roof new porch new wiring K&T had to be replaced with new main service

Well, when an insurance company threatens to drop you you have to take them seriously.

Your choices are obvious: 1) do what they demand; 2) shop for another "free market" agent who can get coverage; 3) go to the "gov'ment" to see if they have the equivalent of "assigned risk" coverage; or 4) "go bare."

If there is a mortage in place, the mortgage holder will likely force you into options 2 or 3 or 1 (in that order).

John that is excellent advice for the OP. I wish I had remembered to mention it.

Most state insurance commissions have an assigned risk pool where basic coverage is available at a slightly higher premium. You give up a lot of the supplemental coverage, but if, you can't find a way to do the roof, this is a lot better than no coverage at all.

Colbyt

The original post is vague at best. She states my 'insurance' sent me a letter? The 'company' (maybe) ...And 'an appraiser' said she needs a new roof? I've never heard of an insurance appraiser. I've heard of insurance adjusters and real estate appraisers.

More informantion is needed. If she 'has' a policy, as far as 'I' know they can't cancel her for having a (in their opinion) worn roof. And insurance companys don't routinly send out people to check out the homes they insure every year. That would be cost prohibitve...

OTOH, If she's looking for 'new' or replacement coverage and getting a quote, they can do an inspection and turn her down for coverage if the home is not up to par.

(I'm a 20 year life an health agent who's also been licensed as a property and casualty agent.)