Hi, we have just received a Notice of Non-Renewal of our H.O. policy in SW Florida. We have an open claim that has resulted in litigation for underpayment of Hurricane Ian damages, mostly related to our tile roof. Our insurer (Florida Peninsula) has stated the reason for non-renewal is “Damage to roof.” Our agent called and asked if they would lift the non-renewal while the claim is open, and they refused, apparently telling her the reason was that we caused “unreasonable delay” in getting the roof repaired. That is ridiculous, as it is FL Peninsula who has delayed at every step, from the first claim payment and all through the litigation (e.g., they respond on last day possible, or missed deadlines in several instances).
We paid for and provided expert reports, and they have paid us approximately $10,000 for the roof. We do not have the money to pay over $100,000 (number derived by experts we hired) to repair our roof, or it would be done by now. Our tile is obsolete and we have significant damage, including shifted tiles and wind uplift.
Our policy will be non-renewed as of July 29, 2024, in the middle of hurricane season. What can we do for insurance? Are there any insurers in Florida who can write a policy that excludes the roof? We do not want to go without insurance (have a mortgage), yet we don’t have the money to replace our roof and even if the case settles, we probably don’t have time to get it all finished by July 29. We feel like the insurance company has “put a gun to our head” and we would appreciate your help and advice. Thank you.