Home Insurance Forum

Oct. 5, 2007

My husband and I filed for bankruptcy (Chapter 13) in 2005 due to his business failing. We completed it in April 2007. We need to renew our homeowners insurance and wanted to go with another company. Will we be denied insurance because of this? If so, where should we turn for help?

Lynn, Georgia

Dear Lynn,

Georgia Insurance Code does not prevent an insurer from looking at your credit history as part of the application process. However, if a company chooses to look at your credit, it must notify you, and you will have the option of explaining it to the insurance company — what the insurance company does with your explanation is up to it.

However, Glen Allen, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Insurance, says, "If the house is insurable, I can't see a company having a problem writing a policy." So, you might want to give a few insurers a call to see what happens.

If you encounter problems, you'll want to call the department toll-free at (800) 656-2298 and talk to an investigator about your situation.

If you visit our main Georgia page, you'll find the department's address, phone number, and a link to its Web site.

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