We received a cancellation notice of our homeowner's insurance policy, effective in two weeks. We just changed companies and saved $1,200 by doing so.

Now they say we need a new roof, (the house is 13 years old) and, this is the worst part, they said they're also canceling due to a vicious dog.

She is a mixed breed, mother is 100% Lhasa apso and the father could be a chow, some think Pomeranian but we don't know for sure. She does have the red coloring and she is fluffy but she's small.

Anyway, the insurance inspector was here when no one was home, and they took a picture from outside, through the screened lanai and into the house through the glass sliding doors.

They say she is a chow by looking at her through the window.

Our insurance agent said that if we can, get a letter from the vet saying there is no way to tell she has chow in her, especially because the father is unknown. He said he would fight for us but said it doesn't look good.

He mentioned that a lot of pet owners are having trouble, but then most don't even need a reason to cancel you.

He said one way to avoid it is get rid of the dog. There is NO WAY.

She is the friendliest little fluffy-butt, the neighborhood kids love her to death. We keep her on a leash all the time and we have never had any incident. She is eight-years-old.

I was crying for two days just at the prospect of getting rid of her, not that we will, we would live under a bridge before we did that. But even that they would "accuse" her like that is heart-breaking to us. How dare they.

So if the ins. company won't budge, we will be forced to go into Citizens, the dreaded and most expensive company in the state of Florida, which is in a messy insurance crisis to begin with.

The vet faxed a letter to them yesterday, we have offered up her obedience school diploma as well as letters from the entire neighborhood stating her disposition. We have a police sergeant who lives next door we might ask him to write something. He loves our dog.



This is the list of dogs considered to be dangerous so insurance companies are denying coverage.

"Blacklisted" breeds may include:

Pit Bulls
Alaskan Malamutes
Rottweilers
Akitas
Chow Chows
American Staffordshire Terriers
Doberman Pinschers
Boxers
German Shepherds
Great Danes
Siberian Huskies
Wolf-hybrids
Perro de Presa Canarios.

Any dog that has any of the above breeds in their lineage.

[January]

((((((((((( Pet ))))))))))

I'm so, so sorry.

Hugs,

Jan

[bipolar_bear]

(((((((((((((((((((((Petunia))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) I hope you prevail with the insurance company. I am sorry that this is happening.

BB

Oh my goodness, I had no idea the insurance companies can do that..
it sounds like you are taking good steps to win out...I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you...

((((hugs))) freewill

OMG You life is a pile of poop right now. No wonder you had to have a few days off.
How can they cancel you before they even insure you?
How can they "inspect" your home without you being there. I would think a letter from the vet might help but these days who knows. Between property taxes and homeowner insurance.....forget it. No wonder there are more people leaving FL than coming in. I can't blame them.
Never even thought about our having a dog. Luckily she is not on the list. She is also afraid of her own shaddow. But how can someone assume like that just by looking through the window. Come to think of it, I would want her to bark and act vicious if someone was peeking in my windows.
I know everyday I go to my mailbox and hold my breath before opening it. I know I need a new roof (mine is 20 years old) and can't afford to replace it. As in your case they really don't need a reason to cancel.
I'm afraid I'm not very good at writing these posts but let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
My heart goes out to you. :

[(JD)]

I have a policy that does NOT include any collectibles or animals, specifically stated so in the policy. I go through AAA as they are a warehouse for decent insurance companies...helping you choose the best and least expensive for your own needs. Even if you don't use AAA, there are other Independant Insurance agencies that work with many different companies.

TC

[(JD)]

Petunia, you can also have the dog declared an emotional support animal, by a therapist. That might help them change their minds?

How can they cancel you before they even insure you?

Our agent wrote up the policy, and sent it off to "the mother ship." We paid in full for the year and two weeks later they canceled it, after sending out an inspector.

If Citizens refuses I don't what will happen. We are currently looking for other agents who might help. We emailed one that works for a company that claim to be pet friendly.

Now I wish we never switched to the lower rate just to save $1,200.00 because now it's gonna cost us anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000 to put a roof on. Sad part is there are only some shingles that are curling. That's all that's wrong with it. But because of the threat of hurricanes...well, you know how that goes.

It's just mind boggling. She's my baby.

My new roof would cost $21,000. And that was the low estimate. Even on a good day I don't have that much laying around.
A loan you say? Well with these storms with funny little names like Katrina and Wilma, mortagaged to the hilt comes to mind.
I like Sky's ideas for the support dog.
TC

Well, I guess I should wait for the new roof estimate, huh? That estimate was two years ago. The house is 2,400 square feet.

We have some people coming out Monday and Tuesday.

If Citizens says no, we'd have to sell...and we all know no one is buying.

_Sky, that's an excellent idea.

I know, we are going to have to sell. What a great time to put a house on the market. No wonder I'm battling depression.

[(JD)]

Maybe the market isn't as busy as last year, but also the price of houses and rent isn't as high as it was last year. I find that in general you can still make a profit on real estate, over what you paid for it if you had it at least 3 years.

There are other insurance companies than Citizens. In fact, the other companies in FL are given a benefit from the State for each policy they get OFF Citizens coverage! You need to really have someone shopping around on this, as they won't write (as you know) during a storm watch.

Did you say why you quit the other company? Will they take you back? (Or was that Citizens?) You can limit your coverage, though I know many pad the household items coverage making it much more than the average person needs.

If you need more help, let me know... I'll try harder. TC

We had our original policy canceled because the company was no longer writing in FL. We were automatically transefered to another carrier.

We searched for better rates but no one was returning our calls and time was running out.

THEN we switched again because we were offered a better rate, from $3,000 down to $1,800.

2 weeks later they sent the inspectors out.

[bebop]

got an idea. have the dog stay with a friend and tell them you don't have it anymore. then go get the dog back!

[sabby]

(((((((((Pet)))))))))))

What a nasty thing to have to go through. Have you considered writing to the State of Florida Insurance Department and put in a complaint against the insurance agency? They may also have ideas for you concerning other insurance companies that aren't so restrictive. It seems their tactics are questionable at best.

Good luck hon....I hope it all works out for the best real soon.

Hugssssss
J

[(JD)]

Yes, My ins co also said they wouldn't renew, but guess they worked it out with the State (FL demands that if they refuse to write all of FL, or all types, then they can't write any (or something like that.) I still have to make them increase the coverage, as I can't rebuild with what they would give

Citizens IS the State Insurance fund

[h0kie]

When we called to get our renter's insurance, the company was immediately interested when my father (who was "renting" us the home) said we had a dog. Luckily she's a beagle. My cousin's wife's father (got that) has a German Shepard/wolf mix that is the sweetest, smartest, most well-behaved dog I've ever met. He's basically a big puppy. I hate that some people are ruining it for everyone.

I hope things work out for you. You're in my thoughts.

[sabby]

Hi Sky

Was I misunderstanding you about Citizen's? If so, I apologize.

When I mentioned getting in touch with the State of Florida Insurance Department, I meant the governing body who licenses the insurance comapnies to sell insurance in Florida. Every state has an insurance department who does that. They also take complaints about insurance companies, can mediate with insurance companies on your behalf, and revoke licenses etc.

Hugs
J

That list of dogs is what really amazes me! Great Danes???? They are too lazy to get off the couch, let alone bite anyone!

Seriously, any dang dog could bite under the right circumstances. If they are going to include all those breeds, and related mutts, they might as well say that they don't cover pet owners.

Maybe you could get some rider added to your policy to exclude dog related problems?

Also, in Fla. do have to replace the roof, or can you install a new one over the existing one?...much cheaper option.

em

[Perna]

Yes, Petunia, looks like the dog "problem" is widespread:

http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affe...og_breeds.html

Even the Humane Society is having problems so I don't know that the vet/neighbors will be able to do anything either. But notice at the end of this article there's a "Humane Society insurance incident form" -- fill that out and the Humane Society might be able to help too?

sabau,

The state of Florida is in an absolute insurance crisis. I plan on filing a complaint but I will just be another tiny ant in the millions that have already filed.

Companies are not renewing policies, canceling policies and tripling the cost if you are lucky enough to get it in the first place.

It's a widespread problem that has affected everyone. I heard on the news the other day there are seven companies now writing in FL. I am trying to find out who they are.

The new Gov. says "don't worry, help is on the way."

I plan on contacting anyone I have to but first I need insurance. The time frame of two weeks is ridiculous.

There is a bill trying to get pushed through right now about breed discrimination that might help in the future.

Maybe you could get some rider added to your policy to exclude dog related problems?

em,

We are looking in to that right now. We even said we would drop the coverage completely and take that risk.

I'm trying to keep a clear head about all this and not go into a full-blown panic.

Yes, Petunia, looks like the dog "problem" is widespread:

Yup. I was shocked when I started researching.

I filled that form out yesterday plus I am giving it to my insurance agent.

I found this website to be helpful in explaining things so my rattled brain can handle it.

http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/insu...m#cannotinsure

The law deems a dog vicious or dangerous if it...

* threatens someone, unprovoked, in a public place

* has a known tendency to attack unprovoked or otherwise endanger people or other domestic animals

* bites, injures, or attacks a person or domestic animal without provocation, on
public or private property

* is trained or kept for dog-fighting, or isn't licensed.

The insurance companies do it by the most reported dog bite/attack claims.

My dog is the sweetest dog. You would all love her. She would be so happy to see you, she would roll over and show you her beautiful belly.

[Wants2Fly]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
emily4040 said:
That list of dogs is what really amazes me! Great Danes???? They are too lazy to get off the couch, let alone bite anyone!

Seriously, any dang dog could bite under the right circumstances.

Maybe you could get some rider added to your policy to exclude dog related problems?

Also, in Fla. do have to replace the roof, or can you install a new one over the existing one?...much cheaper option.

em

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

I thought the same thing when I read that list: Great Danes? Boxers?

I'm sure the list is based on an actuarial table of incidents but this is insane.

I'd have misgivings about installing a new roof over an old one. Sometimes the plywood underneath is soft, not just the curling tiles. Plus, after the black tar paper underneath dries out, presumably its not effective anymore. Lastly, I'd wonder if the new roof was creating an environment underneath for mold to grow.

Of course, I know zip about roofing; I'm just a super-cautious weenie.

I think you should be glad that you have a home and can even have a dog. I live in a FL condo where I can't (yes, I know about the psychiatric help dog loophole, but when I'm working, I'm away from too long to be fair to the dog's needs), and my HOA slapped me with a $7K assessment after Wilma for the roofs. I had zero control over that, but I have to pay the debt anyway. Plus, all of our units are under a builder's lien bec. of a dispute with the first roofer hired, whose work couldn't get approved by the building inspector and is now being torn off.

Buyers cannot get a loan on a residence with a lien on it, so even if I was willing to sell at a loss, I cannot.

So that's my rant. I am ready to leave SF if the right situation arises.