A homeowner’s insurance policy helps provide financial security against damage to your home or personal property, theft, and liability claims – so when your insurer sends a cancellation or non-renewal notice, it can be disconcerting. However, if you take immediate action to understand the reasons for loss of coverage and what you can do to address the matter, you might be able to get renewed or have enough time to find new coverage from another insurance company.
Policy cancellation vs. non-renewal – explained
An insurer can cancel your policy or choose not to renew your coverage—but what are the differences?
Policy cancellation
Insurance companies typically cancel policies for a variety of reasons, like non-payment of premiums, fraudulent activities, material misrepresentation, or a violation of policy terms and conditions. When a policy is canceled, coverage ends immediately, or on a specified cancellation date mentioned in the notice sent to a homeowner by the insurance company. Typically, these notices are sent 30 to 45 days prior to the cancellation date. A policy cancellation can have adverse effects on your ability to obtain new coverage.
Non-renewal
Sometimes an insurer will not offer a policy renewal because of a change in their underwriting guidelines, or an increased risk associated with the insured’s property or assets. Other times, an insurer will strategically exit a particular line of business or state where they are writing business. In any case, a non-renewal is typically communicated to homeowners well in advance of the policy’s expiration date through a non-renewal notice. Non-renewal does not imply the homeowner is considered high-risk—it may be a strategic business decision because of market conditions, like a hardened property market.
Conditional renewal
A conditional renewal refers to a type of insurance policy renewal that is subject to specific conditions, outlined by the insurer, that need to be met before the policy can be renewed. These conditions may involve changes to the policy’s terms and conditions, an increase in premiums, or other adjustments to the coverage.
For example, the insurance company may require the policyholder make necessary repairs or improvements to the building premises before renewing the policy. If you don’t meet the outlined requirements, the insurance company may cancel your coverage. The primary reason for conditional renewals is to ensure that insurance policies remain viable, and that the insurance provider adequately manages the risks associated with insuring the policyholder.
Take proactive steps
Because insurers are legally obligated to provide you with the reason for their decision, it’s important to understand the specific factors that led to losing your insurance coverage.
Here are the steps you can take:
Understand the reason and seek an explanation
Contact your insurance provider and request an explanation for the denial.
Double-check your insurance application and paperwork
Ensure that all details are accurate and up to date. Mistakes or inaccuracies can lead to problems, and when market conditions change, the consequences of errors multiply. If you find any errors, notify your insurance company, and ask if you can submit an updated application.
Work with your insurance advisor to seek reconsideration
If you believe the reasons for the loss of coverage are in error, request a meeting or conversation with your advisor. Your advisor will work on your behalf with the insurer’s underwriter or supervisor and explain your concerns. Sometimes, a simple clarification can resolve a complicated issue.
Find alternative options tailored to your needs:
Working with your insurance advisor will help you determine if another insurance company or a collaborative mix of insurers will help secure the coverage you need.
Mitigate risk factors
If your loss of coverage is based on risk factors involved with your property, address those concerns to help mitigate the risk. For example, installing or upgrading safety features like storm shutters, tankless water heaters, or leak detection systems may improve your chances of obtaining coverage.
Update your inventory list
While you search for homeowners insurance, make sure your homeowner’s inventory list is as up to date as possible. Accurate valuations help your insurer exponentially during the underwriting process.
From uncertainty to opportunity
If you are having a difficult time navigating the insurance landscape or finding it challenging to secure coverage, contact our private risk management team of experts for guidance and access to a high-value network of insurers to assist you in finding the right coverage for your needs. Let’s help ensure that you remain protected.
This document is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as advice or opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. The content of this document is made available on an “as is” basis, without warranty of any kind. The Baldwin Insurance Group Holdings, LLC (“The Baldwin Group”), its affiliates, and subsidiaries do not guarantee that this information is, or can be relied on for, compliance with any law or regulation, assurance against preventable losses, or freedom from legal liability. This publication is not intended to be legal, underwriting, or any other type of professional advice. The Baldwin Group does not guarantee any particular outcome and makes no commitment to update any information herein or remove any items that are no longer accurate or complete. Furthermore, The Baldwin Group does not assume any liability to any person or organization for loss or damage caused by or resulting from any reliance placed on that content. Persons requiring advice should always consult an independent adviser.
