Even the most diligent policyholders can let their homeowner’s insurance lapse. Your coverage may be affected by a missed payment or an oversight on your insurance bill. It’s easy to do: pay your past due insurance bill and your coverage will be restored.
It is risky to let your home insurance lapse and should be avoided. Even if your homeowners policy is only for a few days, you could lose coverage for any damage that occurs during that period, including fire, windstorm, or burglary. A lapse on your homeowners policy could also be noted on your insurance record, which could result in higher future insurance premiums.
What happens if my homeowners policy is cancelled?
Your home insurance policy will be cancelled if you fail to pay your bill within a specified time. Your home insurance could be canceled for other reasons than nonpayment.
- Your application was incomplete. If your insurance company finds out, they may cancel your coverage.
- High-risk: Your carrier might decide you are too risky to insure. The insurance company might reconsider insuring your case if you are in an area that has just experienced devastating wildfires and flooding.
- Negative home report or deferred maintenance: An insurance company might cancel your coverage if your roof is in dire need of replacement.
These scenarios could lead to your home insurance coverage being cancelled. It is important to find a replacement quickly, before your insurance expires and you are without coverage. If you neglect to pay your premiums, the homeowners insurance grace period lasts for 30 days. You should respond quickly to a notice of non-payment and reinstate your policy. This is what could happen if you don’t pay.
Your mortgage lender will purchase home insurance coverage
You agreed to continue home insurance coverage with your lender as named insured. This was part of the closing documents. The insurance company will notify you if your policy is canceled. If this happens, they may purchase a policy for you to keep your home covered.
Problem is that the lender might not shop around for the best home insurance deal. A new policy may require you to purchase a home insurance policy that is more expensive than the one you have. You may only be able to insure your home and not your personal items.
Your premiums could rise
Even if your home policy is reinstated, the carrier may note that you have lapsed. Your carrier could charge you more for insurance if you are found to be less risky because you were without coverage for a specific period.
It will be difficult to find coverage with another carrier
Other carriers may refuse to insure you if you fail to pay the lapse. Most insurance applications will ask if there has been a lapse in your coverage in the past. You might be denied if you have. Falsehood is worse than lying — if and when the carrier discovers, your policy could be cancelled for fraud or misrepresentation.
Losses would be paid out of pocket
A lapse in your coverage is when you aren’t covered for a specified period. You could lose your homeowners insurance for a few days or weeks. If something happens, you won’t have financial protection.
What can I do to get homeowners insurance coverage after a lapse occurs?
It is important to find coverage as soon as possible if your home insurance policy has expired. The process of disputing the lapse could take a while, even if you intend to do so with the carrier. It is important to have coverage while you wait for a decision. Start by contacting a few insurance companies to get quotes.
After you have received a few quotes, compare the rates, policy limits and deductibles to narrow your search to just two or three companies. Look at customer reviews to do your research about the carriers. Once you have chosen a home insurance provider, make sure to complete the application as accurately and completely as possible. Before your mortgage lender purchases home insurance for you, make sure that the effective date is set to immediately.
There are many ways to save money on homeowners insurance
You may be struggling to pay your monthly home insurance premiums. If this is the case, you might find ways to lower your rates. These are some ways to lower your rates.
- Bundling: Get your home and car insurance from the same company to get a discount.
- Switch carriers: Compare home insurance rates from several carriers. It may be cheaper to switch providers and pay less for coverage.
- Increase your deductible: You can raise your deductible if you don’t expect to file a homeowners case. This will lower your rates. It is important to increase it enough to lower your premiums and still be able to pay the claim amount.
- Adjust your property limits. Take some time to calculate the value of your personal property. This includes furniture, fixtures and electronics. Personal property insurance could be costing you more than it is worth. You can reduce the amount.
- You can easily add a security system to your home. You can save money on your home insurance by adding cameras, door sensors and deadbolt locks as well as smoke detectors and water leak detectors.
Questions frequently asked
What happens if your homeowners’ insurance is cancelled?
It can be very unpleasant to have your homeowners insurance cancelled. A letter will be sent to you explaining the reason for your insurance being cancelled and an effective date. To replace the canceled policy, you will need to search for a new home insurance policy. Don’t delay or your coverage may lapse leaving you vulnerable to theft or fire.
What is the cost of home insurance?
For a $250,000. home, the average cost of home insurance per year is $1,312. Rates can vary depending on where you live, how much your home is worth and the history of any claims.
Which is the best home insurance policy?
There are many high-quality home insurance companies. Bankrate’s top home insurance companies list includes Allstate, MetLife and Lemonade. Before you make a decision, compare quotes from several carriers to find the right coverage for you.
