Home Insurance Forum

I have had insurance through State Farm on my home since 1991. Recently I have had four claims due to weather-related acccidents and State Farm has decided to cancel my policy. I can find no other insurance company to write me a policy. Is there anyone who will write a policy on my home?

Terry, North Carolina

Dear Terry,

Unfortunately, this is a common problem in areas that are susceptible to a high number of weather-related claims. To an insurer, your house is much like a teenage driver who has already had several accidents: Insurance companies see covering you as a losing proposition.

There are two options here. First, keep shopping around. You might find a company willing to cover you. Check with an independent agent. You can find one either in the Yellow Pages or on the Independent Insurance Agents of America's Web site.

Your last option is North Carolina's FAIR Plan. This is the insurer of last resort and will cover your home no matter what. But, that also means your rates will probably be expensive, so make sure you shop around first. Any home insurance agent in the state should be able to get you an application for a FAIR Plan policy.

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