Are insurance companies dropping homeowners?

Asked by: Mr. Curt Schaefer  |  Last update: November 14, 2025
Score: 5/5 (35 votes)

Since 2018, more than 1.9 million home insurance contracts nationwide have been dropped — “nonrenewed,” in the parlance of the industry. In more than 200 counties, the nonrenewal rate has tripled or more, according to the findings of a congressional investigation released Wednesday.

Why are insurance companies canceling homeowners policies?

Common reasons for nonrenewal of home insurance include a history of frequent claims, failure to maintain the property, living in a high-risk area prone to natural disasters, changes in underwriting guidelines or risk assessment by the insurance company and failure to pay premiums on time.

What states are pulling out of homeowners insurance?

Florida and California have seen a mass exodus of insurance companies, but they are not the only states insurance companies are pulling out of. Homeowners in Massachusetts, Louisiana, Colorado, Minnesota, Arkansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma may also struggle to find a policy.

Why are insurance companies pulling out?

California insurance crisis: LA wildfires

Several insurance companies have either fled California, stopped writing new policies or otherwise reduced their exposure in the Golden State, citing business risks amid rising replacement costs and the inability to adequately raise premiums.

Is State Farm in financial trouble?

In a sign of financial trouble, State Farm General has asked for permission to dramatically increase insurance rates for millions of California homeowners and renters. The company saw its net losses grow to $880 million last year from $98.4 million in 2022.

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What do I do if my homeowners insurance gets Cancelled?

If you bought your expiring policy through an agent, ask him/her to go to bat for you with the company. NOTE: If your insurer did not give you 75 days notice, or their reasons for dropping you seem unfair, seek help from the California Department of Insurance (CDI) at 1-800-927-HELP, www.insurance.ca.gov.

Which insurance companies are going out of business?

  • 2024. PHL Variable Insurance Company. CT.
  • 2004. Western United Life Assurance Co. WA.
  • 2003. Villanova Insurance Company. PA.
  • 1998. Universal Life Insurance Company. ...
  • 2010. Universal Life Insurance Company. ...
  • 2013. Universal Health Care Insurance Company, Inc. ...
  • 1993. Unison International Life Insurance Company. ...
  • 2022. Time Insurance Company.

Did State Farm lose their AM best rating?

On March 28th, AM Best downgraded State Farm General from “A” to “B”. State Farm General is their Homeowners product in the state of California. It is separate from their Auto product.

What makes insurance companies drop you?

Too many insurance claims

The first step is often to increase your car insurance rate. From there, if a customer has another accident or files more claims, the insurer may send a notice that they won't be renewing the policy at the end of its term.

Are people dropping their homeowners insurance?

More Americans, Risking Ruin, Drop Their Home Insurance. Homeowners in places most exposed to climate disasters are increasingly giving up on paying their insurance premiums, leaving them exposed to financial ruin, according to sweeping new government data.

What is the new insurance law 2025?

This law was enacted to increase the minimum liability requirement to ensure that drivers in financial hardships are protected and properly cared for in the event of a car accident. The new minimum liability requirements will be adjusted to the following: $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person.

What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in the US?

How much is home insurance? The national average cost of home insurance is $2,181 per year for a policy with a $300,000 dwelling limit. This comes out to about $182 per month. But these are just average figures — what you pay for your policy will likely be different.

Is there any reason to keep old homeowners insurance policies?

Generally, you should keep most insurance documents for at least as long as the policy is in effect or, if your policy has ended, until any still-open claims are settled.

Is it illegal to not have homeowners insurance?

Theresa Simes, a Farmers Insurance® agent in Fountain Valley, California, discusses the need for home insurance. A: Home insurance isn't required by law, but there are other reasons to insure your home. If you have a mortgage on it, your lender will require you to have insurance until the loan is paid off.

Who owns State Farm insurance?

State Farm is a mutual company, which means that it is owned by its policyholders. Unlike publicly traded companies, State Farm does not have shareholders to whom it needs to provide dividends.

Why did State Farm get downgraded?

State Farm General's downgrade was related to a specific set of conditions in California that are making it difficult for homeowner's insurers to operate profitably in the state, such as the increased incidence of wildfires.

Is State Farm a good insurance company for seniors?

State Farm is our top pick for auto and home insurance for seniors, thanks to their affordable plans and excellent customer service.

Is Allstate more expensive than farmers?

The national average cost of liability insurance with Allstate is $61 per month, and the cost with Farmers is $109 per month. While Farmers has higher rates than Allstate, it also has more advertised discounts.

Who is the most trusted insurance company?

Best car insurance companies
  • Best for customer satisfaction: Erie Insurance.
  • Best for seniors: Nationwide.
  • Best for liability insurance: Auto-Owners.
  • Best for claims filing : State Farm.
  • Best for bundling: American Family.
  • Best for accident forgiveness: Progressive.
  • Best for military members and veterans: USAA.

What happens if a homeowners insurance company goes out of business?

In the event that an insurer goes bankrupt, your state's guaranty association steps in. Similar to how the FDIC protects bank customers, state guaranty associations pay in the event that your insurance company is declared insolvent and enters bankruptcy. The state may try to move your policy to more stable insurers.

Who bought out Geico insurance?

In 1996, GEICO became a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., headed by Warren Buffett, one of the country's most successful investors. For the past several years, Fortune magazine has named Berkshire Hathaway as one of its the most admired companies.

Why would State Farm cancel my homeowners insurance?

State Farm does contact customers in advance of their policy expiration date. Many cancellation letters indicated policies were being cancelled because they “present the most substantial wildfire or fire following earthquake hazards.” One of these letters obtained by NewsNation is dated Nov.

How many claims before State Farm drops you?

Insurers, like State Farm or GEICO, do not have a fixed number of claims that automatically lead to policy cancellation. This is more likely to happen if you have three or more claims, a record of DUI, at-fault car accidents with high bodily injury and property damage costs and other traffic violations.

Why did my homeowners insurance drop me?

Your home insurer can drop you for several reasons, including failing to pay premiums or living in a high-risk area. A home insurer is required to provide a written notice of its decision to cancel or not renew your policy.