After owning a home for 18 years, my homeowner's insurance company notified
that they require a complete inspection of my house in order to continue my
insurance (I've never had a claim). They want to do a full exterior,
interior, and mechanicals inspection. I couldn't get an answer from them as
to what would happen if they didn't like something.

This is something I've never heard of. Anyone else have this experience?

Thanks in advance,

Mike Shapp

On Thu, 5 Apr 2007 16:44:22 -0400, "Mike Shapp"
wrote:

After owning a home for 18 years, my homeowner's insurance company notified
that they require a complete inspection of my house in order to continue my
insurance (I've never had a claim). They want to do a full exterior,
interior, and mechanicals inspection. I couldn't get an answer from them as
to what would happen if they didn't like something.

This is something I've never heard of. Anyone else have this experience?

Thanks in advance,

Mike Shapp

Hire an independent inspector to refute the company claims. Maybe from
the next town. I've used this approach with "appraisers"; when selling
a home.

--
Oren

"The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!"

I had one of these a couple of years ago. The issue was more of an
"inventory" one. They wanted to be sure that was they were insuring
was what they were insuring. Very cursory inspection -- size,layout,
general nature of building. That was it. However, when I moved
recently and placed insurance with the same company, they were an
utter PITA about dogs and firearms. Really IGNORANT questions. I got a
little upset, needless to say.

"professorpaul" wrote:

That was it. However, when I moved
recently and placed insurance with the same company, they were an
utter PITA about dogs and firearms.

IIRC, there's been a surge in lawsuits against homeowners who have dogs over
alleged attacks. Sounds like your company is trying to assess the risk that
you'll get sued and they'd have to defend against it.

Not sure why the firwrm sensitivity, but maybe they've had a problem there also.

On Apr 5, 6:46 pm, Rick Blaine wrote:
"professorpaul" wrote:
That was it. However, when I moved
recently and placed insurance with the same company, they were an
utter PITA about dogs and firearms.

IIRC, there's been a surge in lawsuits against homeowners who have dogs over
alleged attacks. Sounds like your company is trying to assess the risk that
you'll get sued and they'd have to defend against it.

Not sure why the firwrm sensitivity, but maybe they've had a problem there also.

They were really interested in what breed, if the dog bit, if it was
confined to the property, etc. I have a Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu mix that
weighs out at 18#. As to the firearms, they were concerned if children
were in the house (mine are grown), what ones I had (I basically said
they were legal to have, and more than that, it was really none of
their business), and if they were secured, whatever that might mean to
them. BTW, the dog is used for pet therapy work in nursing homes.

On Apr 5, 7:25?pm, "professorpaul" wrote:
On Apr 5, 6:46 pm, Rick Blaine wrote:

"professorpaul" wrote:
That was it. However, when I moved
recently and placed insurance with the same company, they were an
utter PITA about dogs and firearms.

IIRC, there's been a surge in lawsuits against homeowners who have dogs over
alleged attacks. Sounds like your company is trying to assess the risk that
you'll get sued and they'd have to defend against it.

Not sure why the firwrm sensitivity, but maybe they've had a problem there also.

They were really interested in what breed, if the dog bit, if it was
confined to the property, etc. I have a Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu mix that
weighs out at 18#. As to the firearms, they were concerned if children
were in the house (mine are grown), what ones I had (I basically said
they were legal to have, and more than that, it was really none of
their business), and if they were secured, whatever that might mean to
them. BTW, the dog is used for pet therapy work in nursing homes.

had another friend their roof needed replacing, they didnt have the
bucks homeowners cancelled. mortage company gave them forced place
insurance on structure only at 6 times cost of previous complete
coverage.

cat knocked over lamp caused bad fire 135,000 bucks damage to
structure NO COVERAGE FOR CONTENTS at all.

it was a very bad thing and took over 2 years for them to get back in
their home, most of their fire damaged belongings are still in storage
5 years later.

insurance companies used to look at homeowners as cash cow, but
hurricanes and lawsuits over dogs, trip and fall on bad sidewalks and
everyone suing has them nervous and fussy about who they
insure.........

In article . com,
"professorpaul" wrote:
They were really interested in what breed, if the dog bit, if it was
confined to the property, etc. I have a Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu mix that
weighs out at 18#. As to the firearms, they were concerned if children
were in the house (mine are grown), what ones I had (I basically said
they were legal to have, and more than that, it was really none of
their business), and if they were secured, whatever that might mean to
them. BTW, the dog is used for pet therapy work in nursing homes.

Note, however, that they probably aren't asking what kind of guns you
have just to be nosy. Presumably, they have analyzed claims payments,
and determined that people with one kind of gun cost them more than
people with another kind of gun. If you don't want to tell them what
kind you have, they might play it safe, and assume the kind that costs
them the most, and charge you accordingly.


--
--Tim Smith

In article , Tim Smith
says...

In article . com,
"professorpaul" wrote:
They were really interested in what breed, if the dog bit, if it was
confined to the property, etc. I have a Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu mix that
weighs out at 18#. As to the firearms, they were concerned if children
were in the house (mine are grown), what ones I had (I basically said
they were legal to have, and more than that, it was really none of
their business), and if they were secured, whatever that might mean to
them. BTW, the dog is used for pet therapy work in nursing homes.

Note, however, that they probably aren't asking what kind of guns you
have just to be nosy. Presumably, they have analyzed claims payments,
and determined that people with one kind of gun cost them more than
people with another kind of gun. If you don't want to tell them what
kind you have, they might play it safe, and assume the kind that costs
them the most, and charge you accordingly.


Yep. Even if there are no kids in the house, visitors can be an issue with
guns.

A lot of my extended family hunt and have hunting dogs - your dog isn't a
fighting breed, so just answer the questions (you *do* take safety precautions
with the guns, right?) and you'll be fine. Don't make problems for yourself.

Banty

"Mike Shapp" wrote

After owning a home for 18 years, my homeowner's insurance company
notified that they require a complete inspection of my house in order to
continue my insurance (I've never had a claim). They want to do a full
exterior, interior, and mechanicals inspection. I couldn't get an answer
from them as to what would happen if they didn't like something.

This is something I've never heard of. Anyone else have this experience?

It only happened to me once, and it was unannounced. Guy came
in, paced off the rooms for size, walked around the outside, and
then he was gone. Another thing they want to find out, are you using
the house as intended or are you exposing them to some huge risk by
running a day care or whatever out of your house. I can see their
point.

nancy

On Thu, 5 Apr 2007 18:10:42 -0400, "Nancy Young"
wrote:


"Mike Shapp" wrote

After owning a home for 18 years, my homeowner's insurance company
notified that they require a complete inspection of my house in order to
continue my insurance (I've never had a claim). They want to do a full
exterior, interior, and mechanicals inspection. I couldn't get an answer
from them as to what would happen if they didn't like something.

This is something I've never heard of. Anyone else have this experience?

It only happened to me once, and it was unannounced. Guy came
in, paced off the rooms for size, walked around the outside, and
then he was gone. Another thing they want to find out, are you using
the house as intended or are you exposing them to some huge risk by
running a day care or whatever out of your house. I can see their
point.

What about if one is a packrat, has a messy array of boxes, house
painting supplies, extra furniture in the living room area, a rubber
raft yet to be fixed, tvs to be repaired, tv's on the stairs and the
basement landing to be repaired, a box of scrap metal and boxes of
scrap wood, a row of wardrobes with camping equipement, the whole
house stuffed. Magazines in stacks on the floor, a bicycle in each of
three rooms, etc. etc.

Do they refuse insurance for any of these reaasons?

nancy

On Fri, 06 Apr 2007 02:04:33 -0400, mm wrote:



What about if one is a packrat, has a messy array of boxes, house
painting supplies, extra furniture in the living room area, a rubber
raft yet to be fixed, tvs to be repaired, tv's on the stairs and the
basement landing to be repaired, a box of scrap metal and boxes of
scrap wood, a row of wardrobes with camping equipement, the whole
house stuffed. Magazines in stacks on the floor, a bicycle in each of
three rooms, etc. etc.

Do they refuse insurance for any of these reaasons?

nancy


I rent two rooms to students so my basement is full of boxes of books
and other junk. I tidied up a bit before the guy came so he could see
most of the walls, the pipes and the wires. He didn't seem to mind any
of that stuff. I'd keep stuff off the stairs though, that seems like
something they wouldn't like.

On Apr 6, 7:58�am, wrote:
On Fri, 06 Apr 2007 02:04:33 -0400, mm wrote:

What about if one is a packrat, has a messy array of boxes, house
painting supplies, extra furniture in the living room area, a rubber
raft yet to be fixed, tvs to be repaired, tv's on the stairs and the
basement landing to be repaired, a box of scrap metal and boxes of
scrap wood, a row of wardrobes with camping equipement, the whole
house stuffed. *Magazines in stacks on the floor, a bicycle in each of
three rooms, etc. etc.

Do they refuse insurance for any of these reaasons?

nancy

I rent two rooms to students so my basement is full of boxes of books
and other junk. I tidied up a bit before the guy came so he could see
most of the walls, the pipes and the wires. * He didn't seem to mind any
of that stuff. I'd keep stuff off the stairs though, that seems like
something they wouldn't like.

be concerned with ANYTHING that could be a hazard espically a fire
hazard......

nice neat orderly stuff probably OK, looks like a bomb hit? NOT OK

inspection must be reported to the credit bureau equivalent of home
inspections.

once found not insurable no one else will take you.......

snip
What about if one is a packrat, has a messy array of boxes, house
painting supplies, extra furniture in the living room area, a rubber
raft yet to be fixed, tvs to be repaired, tv's on the stairs and the
basement landing to be repaired, a box of scrap metal and boxes of
scrap wood, a row of wardrobes with camping equipement, the whole
house stuffed. Magazines in stacks on the floor, a bicycle in each of
three rooms, etc. etc.

Do they refuse insurance for any of these reaasons?

nancy



Allstate did a driveby inspection of my house, saw moss on the roof, and
cancelled my policy.

There is a bit of a story - I was in the process of buying the house and
selected Allstate. Before we closed on the house, they did this. I told them
to kiss mine and went with Travellers. Travellers had no problem with the
moss, but suggested I remove it to protect the roof (which I did). They sent
out a local contractor who walked through the house, measured it, took
pictures, and left. No problems. I can't believe Allstate didn't so much as
give me the courtesy of a phone call or try to talk to me about it - they
flat cancelled the policy. Guess who I will never do business with again?

Anyone have a insurance company they would recommend for home owners
insurance? I've never had any claims, but I'm not sure I'm getting the best
deal with Travellers.

"Ook" Ook Don't send me any freakin' spam at zootal dot com delete the
Don't send me any freakin' spam wrote in message
Anyone have a insurance company they would recommend for home owners
insurance? I've never had any claims, but I'm not sure I'm getting the
best deal with Travellers.

I have The Hartford. Never had any inspections in 25 years in this house.
In fact, I've never had any inspections in 42 years of home ownership.

On Apr 6, 11:08 am, "Ook" Ook Don't send me any freakin' spam at
zootal dot com delete the Don't send me any freakin' spam wrote:
snip
....
... a[n] insurance company ... recommend for home owners
insurance? ...

If you're not in a major metro area, check into your state Farm
Bureau. If you can qualify, they're typically at least reasonable
price-wise and service/coverage likely to be excellent. Limitations
in many locations are still takes sizable property as opposed
subdivision, but other areas have relaxed their requirements as state
insurance rules have changed to try to allow more competition...

"mm" wrote

On Thu, 5 Apr 2007 18:10:42 -0400, "Nancy Young"
wrote:

It only happened to me once, and it was unannounced. Guy came
in, paced off the rooms for size, walked around the outside, and
then he was gone. Another thing they want to find out, are you using
the house as intended or are you exposing them to some huge risk by
running a day care or whatever out of your house. I can see their
point.

What about if one is a packrat, has a messy array of boxes, house
painting supplies, extra furniture in the living room area, a rubber
raft yet to be fixed, tvs to be repaired, tv's on the stairs and the
basement landing to be repaired, a box of scrap metal and boxes of
scrap wood, a row of wardrobes with camping equipement, the whole
house stuffed. Magazines in stacks on the floor, a bicycle in each of
three rooms, etc. etc.

Do they refuse insurance for any of these reaasons?

Heh, is that your house? Actually, it wouldn't surprise me at all
if that would get you cancelled. People die in houses like you
describe. All that combustible stuff and firefighters can't move
around to get to the fire, so it would be a total loss. If you were
an insurance company, would you risk whatever thousands of
dollars for a little premium money?

nancy

"Mike Shapp" wrote in message
. ..
After owning a home for 18 years, my homeowner's insurance company
notified that they require a complete inspection of my house in order to
continue my insurance (I've never had a claim). They want to do a full
exterior, interior, and mechanicals inspection. I couldn't get an answer
from them as to what would happen if they didn't like something.

This is something I've never heard of. Anyone else have this experience?

They inspected both my house and cottage. Much of the cottage is pretty
amateurish (I have fixed the worst of it), so I was a little concerned
there. Their only comment was that I had to have my wood stove chimney
cleaned yearly (I told them I didn't.) I replied that I had two fires a
year, and it didn't need to be cleaned. That was the last I heard of it.

If you refuse to let them inspect they will certainly cancel your policy.
Good luck getting a new one without an inspection.

On Thu, 5 Apr 2007 16:44:22 -0400, "Mike Shapp"
wrote:

After owning a home for 18 years, my homeowner's insurance company notified
that they require a complete inspection of my house in order to continue my
insurance (I've never had a claim). They want to do a full exterior,
interior, and mechanicals inspection. I couldn't get an answer from them as
to what would happen if they didn't like something.

This is something I've never heard of. Anyone else have this experience?

Thanks in advance,

Mike Shapp


That happened to me last year. My house is 60 years old so I was a
little worried but he liked everything, even the old wiring in the
basement. They are looking for hazards.

My sister was told last week by her insurance company to get rid of a
wood stove that she had never used that was too close to the wall and
not up to standand, and neighbours of hers were given one day to install
railing on their narrow front steps.

snip
My sister was told last week by her insurance company to get rid of a
wood stove that she had never used that was too close to the wall and
not up to standand, and neighbours of hers were given one day to install
railing on their narrow front steps.

I have a wood stove, but it's properly installed and I had the permit from
the installation, plus it's fairly new. My insurance company was OK with
that.

On Thu, 5 Apr 2007 16:44:22 -0400, "Mike Shapp"
wrote:

After owning a home for 18 years, my homeowner's insurance company notified
that they require a complete inspection of my house in order to continue my
insurance (I've never had a claim). They want to do a full exterior,
interior, and mechanicals inspection. I couldn't get an answer from them as
to what would happen if they didn't like something.

This is something I've never heard of. Anyone else have this experience?

Thanks in advance,

Mike Shapp


Home insurance is required in my mortgage and my old company tripled
prices so I spent a couple of months trying to find cheaper insurance.

I eventually found a new carrier but I now have a new appreciation of
having insurance available.

My point is that you should do what they say and be nice about it.
It will increase the value of your property as well as keep them from
cancelling your policy.

On Thu, 5 Apr 2007 16:44:22 -0400, "Mike Shapp"
wrote:

After owning a home for 18 years, my homeowner's insurance company notified
that they require a complete inspection of my house in order to continue my
insurance (I've never had a claim). They want to do a full exterior,
interior, and mechanicals inspection. I couldn't get an answer from them as
to what would happen if they didn't like something.

This is something I've never heard of. Anyone else have this experience?

Thanks in advance,

Mike Shapp




Just curious, did you verify it wasn't some scam by some local
inspector?

tom @ www.Consolidated-Loans.info

On Thu, 5 Apr 2007 16:44:22 -0400, "Mike Shapp"
wrote:

After owning a home for 18 years, my homeowner's insurance company notified
that they require a complete inspection of my house in order to continue my
insurance (I've never had a claim). They want to do a full exterior,
interior, and mechanicals inspection. I couldn't get an answer from them as
to what would happen if they didn't like something.

This is something I've never heard of. Anyone else have this experience?

Thanks in advance,

Mike Shapp



Yes, insurance companies are doing this more and more.

I have rental properties. They do an inspection of at least one
building a year at renewal time, even my one family houses.

If they don't like something, they will warn you to get it fixed
within a certain time period. If you don't, they'll cancel the policy.

I'm curious.
Is your place in an urban environment?

Doug