Couple fights insurance coverage cancellation over ‘mildew, algae’ declare, wins after proving firm was fallacious
Liberty Mutual Insurance coverage insists it would not use drones to evaluate threat, however Karen and Tony Hoover aren’t satisfied.
After almost 50 years of faithfully insuring their San Francisco Victorian dwelling with the corporate, the couple acquired a non-renewal letter final month.
The explanation? An aerial {photograph} that allegedly confirmed “moss, mildew, algae, and mildew” on their roof. However the image, which gave the impression to be from Google Earth, confirmed “completely nothing!” Karen Hoover instructed 7NEWS reporters.
“All they do is present this image of the entire roof — trying down,” stated Hoover. “You possibly can inform from trying on the roof. You possibly can’t see one mark of discoloration.”
Annoyed and decided to clear their identify, the Hoovers determined to battle again. Right here’s how one can too if you end up in an analogous scenario.
To deal with the insurance coverage firm’s allegations, the couple determined to have their roof professionally inspected.
“I needed a clear report on our roof,” Karen Hoover instructed 7NEWS.
The Hoovers employed Excelsior Roofing, a well-respected native roofing firm with an A+ score from the Better Business Bureau and 4.5 stars on Google Reviews, to conduct the inspection. Reporters from 7 On Your Facet attended the roof inspection.
“Is the roof OK?” requested Investigative Reporter Stephanie Sierra.
“Excellent. I do not see something fallacious with it,” the inspector instructed her. In response to the inspectors, there was no mildew or algae, and the inspector anticipated the roof to simply final one other 20 years.
The inspector’s report included dozens of images of the roof, together with close-ups of the shingles, all displaying no proof of progress. Armed with this report, the Hoovers appealed Liberty Mutual’s cancellation, however the firm by no means responded.
Three weeks later, 7 On Your Facet reporters contacted Liberty Mutual’s CEO. Inside an hour of inquiry, Liberty Mutual reissued Hoovers’ dwelling insurance coverage protection. Whereas the couple is relieved to have protection once more, they continue to be pissed off that they have been compelled to contain the media to get solutions.
“We do not belief them [Liberty Mutual Insurance] in any respect,” stated the Hoovers.
House insurance coverage firms are dropping prospects at an alarming fee, particularly in states like California and Florida, the place pure disasters have gotten extra frequent. In response to the California Department of Insurance, since 2022, seven of the highest 12 insurance coverage carriers within the state have minimize present insurance policies or stopped promoting new ones. In November of 2024 alone, Florida’s prime insurance coverage firm shed over 200,000 policies, simply weeks after Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the state. An NBC News evaluation of recent Census Bureau knowledge discovered that 1 in 8 American householders do not have householders insurance coverage.
If your property insurance coverage is canceled otherwise you obtain a non-renewal discover, there a re steps you’ll be able to take:
Request written documentation: Ask for a written rationalization of the non-renewal and any supporting paperwork. For instance, did the corporate use aerial images or satellite tv for pc photographs? Use this data to construct your enchantment.
Have an impartial inspection performed: If the roof or different property points are cited, think about hiring an impartial inspector to offer a second opinion.
Full required repairs: If the insurance coverage firm requires repairs or remediation, tackle these points promptly. This would possibly embody eradicating brush or bushes, repairing the roof or fixing different issues the corporate deems dangerous.
Search assist out of your state’s Division of Insurance coverage: Contact your state’s Division of Insurance coverage for those who can’t resolve the problem along with your insurer. They’ll guarantee the corporate is following state legal guidelines and laws.
Contemplate state insurance policy: Many states provide last-resort insurance coverage choices for householders unable to acquire conventional protection. In California, the FAIR Plan supplies fundamental fireplace insurance coverage for at-risk properties. Florida affords an analogous program via Citizens Property Insurance, a non-profit program that insures householders who can’t entry conventional insurance policies.
Whereas the Hoovers’ expertise was irritating and time-consuming, it highlights the significance of advocating for your self. For householders going through related challenges, staying knowledgeable and being proactive will help you defend your property.
This text supplies data solely and shouldn’t be construed as recommendation. It’s supplied with out guarantee of any sort.
