Home Insurance Forum

Dec. 27, 2007

We have had some unfortunate luck in our house over the past 18 months resulting in four claims totaling approximately $10,000. We have now been dropped by our existing home insurance carrier and cannot find another carrier willing to take us on. These were our first claims in more than 20 years. Where can we go now to find home insurance?

Shahrokh, Illinois

Dear Shahrokh,

If your current insurance company drops your coverage, that doesn't mean that another insurance company won't be willing to pick you up. Your first step should be to keep shopping around in the private market. If only a couple of insurance companies have turned you away, keep looking at others.

A good resource would be an independent insurance agent in your area. The Independent Insurance Agents of America has an agent locator tool on its site: independentagent.com.

If you still have no luck, contact the Illinois Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan, which is the insurer of last resort. This should only be used as a last choice because premiums will be more expensive. You can find a list of state plans and telephone numbers in Which states have a FAIR plan?.

FAIR Plans were created for people who have difficulty obtaining insurance from private insurers because their property is considered "high risk."

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