Home Insurance Forum

Mar. 7, 2007

Can insurance agents ask a new customer about claims made against current or previous homeowner policies that were canceled or nonrenewed? I need advice because American Family is not renewing a policy I have had for two years. During that time, I filed three claims but American Family only paid two. One claim was disallowed because it did not meet the policy criteria. I had American Family Insurance on a previous home for 12 years with only one claim.

Brad, Illinois

Dear Brad,

Insurance companies can certainly ask about your insurance history. When you apply for insurance or make a claim, your insurance company may look at a whole range of information, including your insurance claims history, driving record, medical records, credit report, credit score, and criminal history. They use this personal information to determine your level of "risk" as their customer. We have a story on the topic that might prove useful to you. Take a look at See what your insurance company sees: A guide to obtaining your own reports.

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