AboutBennie 719 Expertise I have extensive knowledge in Personal Auto, Homeowners Insurance and Personal Umbrella coverage. Also thoroughly familar with claims handling procedures. Will not be able to quote rates because I took an early retirement. I still maintain a valid California Property/Casualty Agent/Broker license.
Experience Experience in the area: I have been answering questions at allexperts.com since 2002 in the catagory of "Property & Casualty Insurance". Licensed in California since 1961, first in Life/Health for 3 years and as a Property/Casualty Agent/Broker since 1964. Retired at age 58, but still complete my 30 hours of continuing education every two years in order to keep renewing my license.
Expert: Bennie 719 Date: 4/13/2008 Subject: being dropped
Question QUESTION: I bought my home in May 2006, and have State Farm Insurance. In November of 2006, I was burglarized and it happened to be my neighbor, who went to prison. In March of 2007, a woman drove her car into one part of my property and out of the other part and damaged all of my fencing. Also in March or April of 2007, there was an unexpected deep freeze and my pipes froze and busted and did damage to my bathroom. Last May, at renewal time, State farm attempted to not renew me because of the original claim, and then merely raised my premium and kept me. Now, they are dropping me, and there have been no new claims. I have about 5 weeks to get new insurance, and I want to know why I am being penalized for protecting myself and through no fault of my own, making claims and being protected by these claims. The woman who drove the car apparently had no insurance (not even liability?) I find that hard to believe. Is this legal?
ANSWER: Hi Veronique,
You did not mention your state of residence, but a few states actually do not have a law that requires their drivers to carry liability insurance. This does not relieve that person from financial responsibility and State Farm should have been able to collect from the person that drove across your lawn and fencing if they had any assets.
A homeowners policy is a one year contract between you and the insurance company. It can be discontinued at the end of the term by either party and no reason is necessary.
When the insurance company is discontinuing the policy, they are usually required by law to give you a 60 day advance notice.
Since you had three claims during your first year with State Farm, it would be a standard procedure for them to non-renew your policy.
Perhaps the last claim was to close to the renewal date to give you the 60 day notice so they just increased the rate for one year and are now non-renewing your policy.
Since the right to non-renew your policy without cause is written in your policy as a legal clause, I seriously doubt if you will get any detailed reasons from State Farm.
You need to start shopping for new coverage. It will probably be more expensive than you paid last year, but you will be able to find coverage.
I hope this information has been of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: could you please provide some insurance carriers for the state of Tennessee, which would carry me? So far I am turned down by who I have called?
Answer Hi Veronique,
I'm sorry, but I am not familiar enough whit the companies that operate in Tennessee to be able to recommend a specific one.
Instead of calling individual companies, you need to call Insurance Brokers who represent multiple companies. It may take several calls, but you will be able to find someone that will insure you.
I hope this information is helpful.
Please take a moment to rate my answer.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area
