Switching Home Insurance - Make Sure You Do it Right!

Millions of people every year switch home insurance companies to save hundreds of dollars on their home insurance. Most of the time, the process is seamless and easy. However, there are a few things that can really cause you headache when you are trying to switch companies. If your home is deemed uninsurable by your new insurance company, you typically don't find out (unless your agent was very thorough and went over all the important questions with you) until a week or two after you've purchased the new policy and canceled the old policy.

How do you keep this from happening? The easiest way to ensure you are never in a situation where you try to switch insurance companies just to find out the new company won't insure you is to know the most common reasons homes are uninsurable. Not every company is the same; some accept certain risks while others don't. However, if you know the most common reasons why an insurance policy may get turned down, you are better prepared to make sure it doesn't happen to you.

Dog Breeds

Home insurance companies have done studies and found that certain dog breeds are consistently the cause of liability claims. These claims cost home insurance companies millions of dollars each year, and as a result there are many companies that will refuse to insure someone who owns these types of dogs. The most common uninsurable dogs are the Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Chow, Doberman Pincher, and Wolf hybrid. Some companies limit even more dogs.

Old Roof

If your roof is old (more than 10 years) or has any wind or hail damage on it whatsoever, most companies will either drop the policy or require you to fix the roof before their insurance coverage will apply to your roof. Damage dealing with the roof is by far the biggest issue for most insurance companies.

Trampoline

A trampoline is a potential liability claim waiting to happen, and as a result many companies today have opted not to insure people who own a trampoline.

Swimming Pool

Most home insurance companies have no problems insuring swimming pools. There is a problem with many insurance companies, however, when swimming pools are unfenced, have diving boards, and slides.

Toys

Although rare, there are a few companies that do not like you to have any riding toys on the property. Certain companies will not accept ATVs of any kind. Sometimes even riding a golf cart on your property can be a cause for concern for insurance companies.

Existing Damage

Finally, existing damage will always get you into trouble if you are trying to switch home insurance companies. Most companies would like you to fix all the problems with the property before you switch, because they are worried that you may file a claim for some damage that existed before you became insured through them.

Although there are many companies out there that will insure just about anything, before you commit to any new insurance policy, make sure you know your new companies stance on the above-mentioned items, so you can switch your insurance with the peace of mind of knowing that you are getting a better price and the policy won't be canceled.

Lincoln Stevens is Director of Marketing for Insurance Education Group, a web-based company aimed at helping people obtain the best home insurance rate possible. Are you looking for a better rate on your home insurance? We can help! In five minutes or less you can fill out our online quote form and receive multiple quotes from multiple companies. So whether you are searching for Los Angeles, New York, or Houston home insurance, we have an affordable solution for you. What are you waiting for? Start your quote with us today!