Can my insurer drop me after a claim?

Short answer: In most cases, not for a weather claim alone. In Florida, claims caused by an act of God can't be used as a cause for cancellation or nonrenewal unless you ignored a reasonable request to prevent the damage from recurring. New Jersey bars cancelling or nonrenewing an owner-occupied one-to-four family home solely because of weather-related claims. Other claims can count under an insurer's underwriting rules, so talk to Homeland before you file.

Florida

• Act-of-God claims: claims on property policies that are the result of an act of God may not be used as a cause for cancellation or nonrenewal, unless the insurer can demonstrate that you failed to take action reasonably necessary, as requested by the insurer, to prevent recurrence of damage (Fla. Stat. §627.4133(3)).
• Notice: for most personal residential policies, the insurer must give written notice of nonrenewal, cancellation or termination at least 120 days before the effective date, with some shorter exceptions in the statute (Fla. Stat. §627.4133(2)(b)).

New Jersey

An insurer may not cancel or nonrenew a policy covering an owner-occupied one-to-four family dwelling solely because of claims or losses due to weather-related damage, or a criminal act by someone who doesn't live there, unless the claim confirms an increase in hazard. The insurer may still offer to continue coverage on different terms (N.J.A.C. 11:1-20.4(e)(2)).

What can still count

Non-weather claims, like a supply line, a fire or theft, can be considered under the insurer's filed underwriting rules. That's not a reason to skip a real claim; it's a reason to make sure the claim you file is complete and documented the first time. If you get a nonrenewal notice, the notice period gives you time to shop for coverage. The Adjuster Advantage app can remind you before your renewal date.

Follow-up questions