wood stove u/l approved?

[ciggy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? iowa

I have switched insurance companies. The agent came out and took pictures of my house, and of a wood burning heater I have in the basement. She said everything was cool and that there would be no problems. I canceled my old insurance .They new insurers cashed my 1st check and I was insured. Now 30 days later I get a call from my agent and they are concerned about my wood burner. They want the manufacturers name and a serial number. I cannot find a serial number anywhere on the unit. I googled the maker and could not find any information, other than people looking for the same information as myself. I bought this heater used and have been using it for 10 years. I cannot find if this unit is U/L approved. What kind of situation am in here?

 

[infamous_insane]

Well hopefully they let you just remove it. They could cancel you if they want to. Is that there only underwriting problem?

 

[ciggy]

how could they cancel me? an agent from their company told me the wood burner was fine. they cashed my check. i canceled my old insurance when they told me everything was ok. now they are having second thoughts? i haven't had a chance to talk with the agent since she called a few days ago, but seems to me they agreed to my stove when they took pictures of it and cashed my check!

 

[moburkes]

how could they cancel me? an agent from their company told me the wood burner was fine. they cashed my check. i canceled my old insurance when they told me everything was ok. now they are having second thoughts? i haven't had a chance to talk with the agent since she called a few days ago, but seems to me they agreed to my stove when they took pictures of it and cashed my check!

Because the agent isn't the underwriter. Almost every insurance company will want to see proof that the stove was professionally installed, and want the manufacturer and serial number. It could be that your agent is unfamiliar with wood stoves. If you'd like, contact your "old" insurance company and ask to be reinstated. As long as they knew about the stove, they should have no problem with it. You will receive a refund (minus any cancellation fee, if any) from the current insurance company.

 

[infamous_insane]

I agree the agent should have known that wood stoved are not on the approved list of the company, but sometimes as an agent you forget, or overlook something that will keep the homeowner from getting coverage from the company.

No matter what the company has the final say on who they cover. (via the underwriter)

I definately agree that you might be able to get your old company to take you back. and whatever unused portion of the premium you paid will be returned to you. (a complex calculation of rates X days)

again, maybe they'll just let you remove it. but there are some companies that wont insure you at all because of, not just wood stoves but any number of other factors. (dogs, trampolines, pools with diving boards, your proximity to the water. ect ect.)

take your business away from the agent. that will teach him. most agents are just out to get the business, they really dont care about the product or effectiveness of the company when selling you.