Home Insurance Forum

State Farm is canceling my homeowners insurance effective Dec. 2. I've had the policy since 1981 and filed three claims totalling about $20,000. They say the house needs painting — which is not true. Is there anything I can do about this?

Roger, South Carolina

Dear Roger,

I spoke with Clayton Ingram, a spokesperson for the South Carolina Department of Insurance, about your problem. He says there are two steps you should take. First, call the department's consumer services division, either at (803) 737-6180 or toll-free at (800) 768-3467. The consumer services division deals with policyholders' problems exactly like yours. They can intervene with State Farm on your behalf, or, they can explain why State Farm's actions were legitimate.

The next step you'll want to take is to shop around for another insurer to cover your home. Ingram says that South Carolina's homeowners market is very competitive right now and you should find a company that will cover you quickly — possibly at a better price.

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