Homeowners Insurance Policy Rate increases $220?

Question

I bought a home in 2006. Had a policy for $550.00. Next bill 200+ more (nothing in policy changed). switched company

Got AAA policy $ 512.00 (same policy coverage) Next bill $734.00 - Only change here was $29 dollars for Earthquake and House is covered for 1,000 dollars more. (Keep in mind my house is less than $100,000 and in good shape for being 40-60yrs old)

Is there some unwritten law that states after providing insurance to homeowners for 6 months you have the right to jack up the price $200 every year?

Should I get new insurance company again? If so, what guarantees that they don't tack on an extra 200 like the last company. This pattern is discouraging at this rate I will run out of insurance companies before I pay off the house.

My insurance is paid through an escrow account so taxes already went up and insurance goes up - Monthly Mortgage Payment goes way up!

Something none of us need.

Please offer any of your experiences and advice.

Answer 1

Being a good consumer is your best bet here. Home insurance rates are rising pretty much everywhere. Your best bet is to shop around..... I suggest calling at least 3 Independent Agents in your state and get quotes. Unfortunately with all the horrible storms and fires in the past few years, insurance companies have taken quite a hit. The only way for them to rebuild is to charge you more.... its not fair or just but its the reality. Sorry I couldn't give you better news but at least you have some options.

Answer 2

It is common for your policy to increase to keep up with ever rising inflation, however, $200...that's not normal.  What companies have you been insured with?  Email me.  I might be able to help you.  [e-mail]

Answer 3

Shop around and see if you can get a better price, I am having the same problem.  Last year my policy was for went from $585 to 725. After adding my car and a upgrade in security system it went down to $670.  Now this year the price is $836.  I looking around for some new insurance. I right now have Allstate and I was told the policy is high because of all the claims from the hurricanes.  Statefarm already gave a almost $200 difference.

Answer 4

Even though you might have bought your house for $100,000, the cost to replace your home is probably more like $175,000.  My guess is they did a new cost estimator on your home and based on the increase in pricing of building materials your house would be more to rebuild than originally quoted.  

I know this doesn't make you feel any better, but if you have replacement cost (which if you don't, you should) your insurance company is probably increasing the amount to cover this, which if you had a fire you would be very happy that your house was covered for $175,000 instead of $100,000 when you go to rebuild.

Answer 5

There is a lot of useful and intresting information here to help answer your quetion.

http://insurance.online-assistant.info

Answer 6

going up 200 at every renewal is high.  a home policy should and will go up every year due to built in inflation guard.  but your coverage amount on the home should also increase about 3-4% every yr to keep it at replacemetn value.  I cnnot imagine your premium going up 200 without any coverage increase.  i would contact your agent and ask why it went up.  if they tell you its just a rtate increase, then yes , i would suggest going elsewhere yet again.  some companies will get you in the door with a new policy discount or such, so the nest time you go to get a policy, ask them up front what discounts they are giving you.  try going where you have your autos insured.  you will get a multi policy discount for writing both lines of business, and thats a discount that stays.  i dont know where you live, so i cant advise on companies to try.  if Erie Insurance writes where you live, they are a great company, I carry all my insurance with them.  State Auto is good, and so is Liberty Mutual.