How to change your home insurance
Switching your homeowners insurance isn't as difficult as it may seem. First, you should buy your new policy before canceling your current insurance. Then, you can request for your prior policy to be cancelled on or after your new policy's effective date. This prevents any lapses in coverage. If you have an escrow account, then you also need to inform your lender that you're switching home insurers.
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When can you change your home insurance?
You can change your homeowners insurance whenever you want, though you may have to pay an early cancellation fee if your old policy hasn't expired by the time you switch. That's why it's typically easier to switch your home insurance closer to your policy's renewal date, so you can avoid any potential fees to cancel your policy. Check with your current insurer to see if they charge a fee for canceling early.
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Can you change your homeowners insurance after a claim?
Yes, you can switch home insurance companies after filing a claim with your current insurer. However, after you switch, your old insurer will still handle the claim, not your new one. Your claim will remain with your old insurance company until it's settled or denied.
How to change homeowners insurance with escrow
If you have an escrow account, you just need to give your lender a heads up that you're changing your homeowners insurance and provide them with the details of your new policy. They'll check that your new policy satisfies their coverage requirements, as well as explain how the process works on their end. Once you have a start date for your new policy, tell your lender so they can ensure your escrow payments go to the right company.
Learn more about escrow and homeowners insurance.
What is a homeowners insurance refund check?
You may receive a refund check from your prior homeowners insurance company if you cancel your policy before it expires, reimbursing you for the coverage you already paid for. You may also receive a refund in the event your lender makes a payment to your old insurer. This can happen if you forget to notify your lender that you switched home insurance companies, or if you forget to cancel the old policy. If you do fail to cancel your old policy, your previous insurer may only refund part of your payment.
Important note: If you receive a refund check from your previous insurer, you'll need to forward it to your mortgage lender so they can deposit the funds into your escrow account. This is important to do, because your escrow account may not have enough funds when it's time to make other payments out of it. Contact your lender for information on where to send your refund.
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