Home Insurance Forum

We purchased our home in 1993. We chose American Family Insurance for our homeowners. In April of this year, we switched to Liberty Mutual.

The roof began leaking in July after we had a hail storm in June. We called Liberty Mutual to have our roof inspected. The first trip out, the adjuster said there was no storm damage. Our roofing contractor noticed significant hail damage during his estimate.

We asked them to both go up on the roof to see why there was a difference in opinion. The roofer showed the damage to the adjuster who said it occurred prior to April.

Liberty Mutual never inspected the house when we signed for coverage. We specifically asked the agent if there would be an inspection and he said no. We found this odd since American Family inspected our home before signing a policy.

Another insurance agent mentioned that there is a law in Missouri that states if there is no inspection performed, it is accepted "as-is." Therefore Liberty Mutual should cover any damage to the house, regardless of whether or not it is "old" damage. I can't prove one way or the other if it is old or new damage, but they are refusing to pay my claim.

I have paid for homeowners insurance, and now it seems worthless if they are not going to cover something they said they would cover when we signed the policy. What can I do? We are currently in the process of replacing our roof.

Shawna, Missouri

Dear Shawna,

I spoke with Carol Harden, of the Consumer Affairs Division of the Missouri Department of Insurance, about your problem. She says the best thing for you to do would be to call the Consumer Affairs Division right away. You can reach them at (800) 726-7390.

Harden says someone there will get you started on filing a complaint. She says that in all likelihood and as long as there wasn't any time you weren't without coverage, one of the two insurance companies will pay to repair the damage. If it is old damage, as Liberty Mutual claims, then it will probably be American Family's responsibility; otherwise Liberty Mutual will be on the hook.

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