Homeowner's Insurance

[wamtazlady]

It was time to update the insurance on the house. Boyfriend died so now the insurance is in my name only. Have made some changes such as a gas insert instead of a wood burning insert in fireplace. Have replaced some of the old windows. Had to make sure the insurance would cover rebuilding the house in case of fire.

One of the questions was what kind of animals I own. At one time boyfriend's daughter lived in here with horses and pigs and lambs. I truthfully told them there was nothing here except for chickens. Ooops. The insurance company that the agent was trying to get my insurance through won't allow chickens. You see, someone might eat an egg from my chickens and get sick. Then they would sue me and the insurance company would have to pay. I was stunned as I don't sell eggs. My chickens are pets, not for profit.

Ended up getting insurance. Am happy with the rate. The chicken issue was taken care of in a few hours. However, it was a few hours when I was afraid I woudn't get insurance. Just wanted to see if anyone else has dealt with being turned down for insurance due to having chickens.

 

[PotatoHead]

That is a crazy story. I hate those insurance companies.....

 

[snow5164]

Thanks for the information, we just say we give our eggs to friends

 

[wamtazlady]

Thanks for the information, we just say we give our eggs to friends

I don't sell my eggs but that didn't make any difference. Just thought the situation was rather bizarre. At the moment I'm getting no eggs at all as my chicks are all too young.

 

[Folly's place]

I had the same experience a couple of years ago. Also long ago! Be careful out there!
We had homeowner's insurance, and didn't give a thought to having our first horse. Called them about insuring our barn under construction, no problem. Called them back about the barn, and found out it was listed as a garage, and the company didn't do farms. Nothing for horses!
So another company for farm insurance, covering livestock, BIG liability coverage, barn, etc.
Fast forward to the last episode; we have farm insurance through Hastings Mutual, and it's been fine. I decided to check around for other companies, maybe better for less?
Called Travelers; the horses, cattle, and farmstead were fine. Chickens, NO WAY! Didn't matter if it was one, or one million, or what purpose. NO CHICKENS!!!
I'm still amazed, not in a good way.
Make sure that your insurance company is good with what you have, so a claim isn't ever denied for such a reason.
Mary

 

[drumstick diva]

I know some insurance companies won't insure IF coop is attached to house (fire risk)

 

[Folly's place]

Hastings sent out an inspector two years ago, and he wanted us to upgrade our electrical to the coop. He was right, really, and we had a licensed electrician come out and do the work, sign off on it. Also a couple of other things that we had done. It pushed us to do things that were needed, but on the back burner.
I'm trying to be grateful to them...
Mary

 

[wamtazlady]

Hastings sent out an inspector two years ago, and he wanted us to upgrade our electrical to the coop. He was right, really, and we had a licensed electrician come out and do the work, sign off on it. Also a couple of other things that we had done. It pushed us to do things that were needed, but on the back burner.
I'm trying to be grateful to them...
Mary

Several years ago the insurance company demanded a new roof. Boyfriend had known the roof needed done and had even saved for it, but had put it off. Now if feels great to me that the roof is good for many more years.

 

[wamtazlady]

@Folly's place It was Travelers that turned me down. At least they are consistent. Boyfriend's daughter and her family lived in the house before we moved in. They had horses, pigs, and sheep. Those were okay to have.

 

[drumstick diva]

go figure