Dogs

[Noah2012]

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

I've had homeowners insurance for over 25 years and never had a claim. I changed companies for a better rate in April with an effective date in June. My previous company sent me a letter to confirm my cancellation and the effective date.

After paying the premium in June, at the beginning of July my agent contacted because the new company was claiming that I had not had insurance since April. I provided a copy of the letter from my old company to prove that I had in order to resolve the matter.

Then, in mid-July, someone from the new company had come to my house and made note of my beware of dog sign and I was again contacted by my agent. As I had told her prior to signing with the new company, I repeated, "I have 2 coonhounds - one is a certified hearing dog - and a rat terrier. All are inside dogs." After some discussion she told me there was no problem.

Now, two weeks later, the company has asked for an additional $15 but my policy / coverage is identical. They have raised my premium but have not stated why.

I mean, sure, I know it's because of my dogs, and expect that they can raise my rate at any time for any reason, but I would like to know for sure from someone who knows. I've never had an issue with my dogs with regard to insurance prior to this. I feel a bit hassled and am thinking about going elsewhere.

Thank you.

 

[adjusterjack]

Obviously you are free to go elsewhere if the $15 surcharge irks you that much.

Just keep in mind that insurance companies typically have 60 days from the inception of a new policy to complete the underwriting of the risk and cancel if they don't like what they see.

Read your policy to confirm that. There will be an Amendatory Endorsement for your state showing the cancellation process.

Going somewhere else isn't likely to solve anything because you'll have a new 60 day underwriting period and things could get worse.

For $15 the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know.

 

[Noah2012]

I understand and thank you.

It's not the $15 so much as it is the way everything has been after the fact of having received my payment.

I switch companies every 5 to 7 years as rates increase - as they do - over time. I've honestly never had to pay extra for my dogs. And, I'm concerned that if this company is this way now, how will they be if I would have a claim for some reason?

I'm just not feeling good about it. But again, thanks for your reply. I wasn't aware of the 60 day review period so that's nice to know for the future.

 

[LdiJ]

I understand and thank you.

It's not the $15 so much as it is the way everything has been after the fact of having received my payment.

I switch companies every 5 to 7 years as rates increase - as they do - over time. I've honestly never had to pay extra for my dogs. And, I'm concerned that if this company is this way now, how will they be if I would have a claim for some reason?

I'm just not feeling good about it. But again, thanks for your reply. I wasn't aware of the 60 day review period so that's nice to know for the future.

Your "beware of dog" sign is what has caused this. In general people do not post a "beware of dog" sign unless their dog is potentially dangerous to non residents. Because you personally and publically stated that your dog is potentially dangerous to non-residents your insurance company has to acknowledge that and surcharge appropriately.

 

[Noah2012]

Your "beware of dog" sign is what has caused this. In general people do not post a "beware of dog" sign unless their dog is potentially dangerous to non residents. Because you personally and publically stated that your dog is potentially dangerous to non-residents your insurance company has to acknowledge that and surcharge appropriately.

A lot of law enforcement suggest posting a sign - even if you don't have a dog - as to discourage theft. Plus, my agent told me my dogs were not a breed that they were concerned about and made no mention of an increase.

But, shame on me because I've been reading horrible reviews and complaints about this company that I should have checked out sooner. Seems they have a pattern of collecting premiums and finding reasons to adjust or cancel policies within 60 days. Then, of course, only giving a partial refund on cancelled policies because, after all, they did insure for 2 months. They seem to deny valid claims, too.

So, I'm definitely finding another company this week. This one has me too concerned.

 

[quincy]

A lot of law enforcement suggest posting a sign - even if you don't have a dog - as to discourage theft ....

I agree that a "Beware of Dog" sign is a theft deterrent. The sign also provides notice to visitors that there is a dog on the premises (whether a vicious or a friendly dog). It should not affect insurance rates.

Whenever you are unhappy with the treatment you receive from any company, the best way to express this unhappiness is to take your business and your money elsewhere. I think you are smart to look elsewhere.

 

[adjusterjack]

I also shop around and change insurance companies when rates go up.

But, shame on me because I've been reading horrible reviews and complaints about this company that I should have checked out sooner. Seems they have a pattern of collecting premiums and finding reasons to adjust or cancel policies within 60 days. Then, of course, only giving a partial refund on cancelled policies because, after all, they did insure for 2 months. They seem to deny valid claims, too.

So, I'm definitely finding another company this week. This one has me too concerned.

Given that additional information, I concur with taking your business elsewhere.

 

[quincy]

Companies eventually learn that unhappy customers adversely affect their bottom line. The extra fees that are charged to increase profits are not very easy to collect when you have driven all your customers away.