Chickens and bees and property insurance canceled

[ShannonR]

Maybe look at other insurance agencies, and consider what kind of coverage you are looking for? It would also depend on where you’re located, and what is permitted in your area. It is never a good idea to point out a “risk” in a negative manner to these people, I’m not saying to lie or conceal your bees... but don’t directly say “we have to be careful here because there are bees”... it’s like saying “this is my dog Fred” instead of saying “this is my rescued pit bull from a dogfighting ring who is scared of sudden noises, but has never bit or attacked anyone, Fred”

Excellent post!!

 

[DobieLover]

I could see the bees as being an excellent reason to cancel the insurance. There are a goodly number of people who are deathly allergic to bees, and with such a high concentration of them in a single backyard, it makes the possibility of being stung many, many times more likely than a dog bite.

However, the cancellation letter did not mention bee keeping as an exclusionary item.
I would still address the itemized reasons for cancellation and ask for another inspection. Regardless, it is very much taking unnecessary risk to own a home without home owners insurance. And if there is a mortgage on this property, the mortgagee will be forced to do whatever is needed to secure a HO insurance policy.

 

[PirateGirl]

I agree with the above comments about asking if you can amend things to become compliant. If not, I recommend working with an insurance agent that deals with many different insurance companies. They will do the leg work for you and find a policy that is a good fit. I know insurance can be a nightmare, but an agent will help get you through it and do the bulk of the work.

 

[Kris5902]

It varies greatly based on where you live , but insurance is basically mandatory where I am... you can’t have a mortgage or car without it. What about a rider or exclusion in a policy so it covers everything except your bees, we had to get one for our hot tub when we installed it!

The mailman slips on a patch of ice on your front walk (which you’ve shoveled and salted, of course) you’re covered, but your bees sting an allergic person and you’re on the hook for their hospital bills?

There might be more going on here than just a prejudice or policy against bees and chickens. If that was the reason for canceling the policy I would think that the company would cite them as a reason as well.

I didn’t know it when we got our insurance, but when my disabled brother-in-law died in our basement suite (stroke), the biohazard clean up and ozone treatment was actually covered under our policy. My best friend worked in insurance for two years and one of my Aunt-in-laws for about 20 years (for context of where I’m speaking from)

 

[ShannonR]

However, the cancellation letter did not mention bee keeping as an exclusionary item.
I would still address the itemized reasons for cancellation and ask for another inspection. Regardless, it is very much taking unnecessary risk to own a home without home owners insurance. And if there is a mortgage on this property, the mortgagee will be forced to do whatever is needed to secure a HO insurance policy.

There may be a reason the insurance company is beating around the bush as to their real reason for cancellation as well, that was the impression I got. Maybe avoiding a lawsuit or trying to somehow maximize profits... follow the $$

 

[DobieLover]

There may be a reason the insurance company is beating around the bush as to their real reason for cancellation as well, that was the impression I got. Maybe avoiding a lawsuit or trying to somehow maximize profits... follow the $$

No arguments there. But the fact remains that the items listed for cancellation will be the same for all insurance companies so it is best to just address them and move forward.
Plugged gutters and "debris" in the yard could be construed as owner negligence, rightly or wrongly. That would be a red flag for an insurance company for a high risk policy they do not want to issue.

 

[feathermaid]

Well I hope all that gets worked out. I just wanted to say...

 

[JedJackson]

What a bummer. I'm sorry this happened to you. It seems odd that they wouldn't just give you a list of things to fix, as they usually do. If it was me, I'd clean things up a bit and start calling around. Some insurance companies might be more willing to deal with bees than others. And I do think that is probably why they cancelled you, but who knows? Anyway, welcome to BYC, and I wish it was under better circumstances. If we can help with anything, the forums are always open.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Greetings Ginnyvaet66, Welcome to BYC!
Let's pray next year is better. God Bless

 

[MissChick@dee]

Maybe look at other insurance agencies, and consider what kind of coverage you are looking for? It would also depend on where you’re located, and what is permitted in your area. It is never a good idea to point out a “risk” in a negative manner to these people, I’m not saying to lie or conceal your bees... but don’t directly say “we have to be careful here because there are bees”... it’s like saying “this is my dog Fred” instead of saying “this is my rescued pit bull from a dogfighting ring who is scared of sudden noises, but has never bit or attacked anyone, Fred”

U R funnie lol