That’s Quite Shitty: Allstate Cancelling NYC Homeowner’s Insurance Policies due to Hurricane Risk

Even more crappy service and bullshit policies from a Company that used to be pleasant to work with—what is this country coming to? This time it's Allstate Insurance. Originally posted on NYC Metblogs—I usually don't cross-post but this did seem applicable.

Allstate Insurance is engaging in some extremely shady and possibly illegal practices with their homeowners' insurance policies in the New York City area. I've been a customer of theirs for almost 10 years, with various insurance policies for my old condo in Manhattan and now my house in Brooklyn. I've paid every single one of my premiums on time and have NEVER registered a claim against any of my policies. I currently live in a townhouse, so there is no exposure on either side of my house. My house is a wood frame but was recently gutted and all steel columns were installed throughout. We are not near the shore or any rivers or canals and we sit fairly high above sea level. So imagine my surprise two weeks ago when I got a letter in the mail saying my policy, which is up in 2 months, is not being renewed.

The reason for this was cited as follows: "As you may know, the 2004 and 2005 Hurricane Seasons brought terrible destruction to the Southeastern United States, across a huge area stretching from Texas to Florida. The extent of the damage and devastation was unprecedented. We have an expectation that similarly destructive storms are possible all along the East coast in the coming years. Although no one can predict with certainty when or where a storm will hit, we believe there is a potential for significant damage in your area."

What a bunch of bullshit.

I immediately picked up the phone and called my Allstate representative, who has always been fantastic to work with through the years. She told me Allstate was NOT RENEWING homeowner's insurance for any single policy holders in all the five boroughs of NYC and Long Island. They are only renewing homeowner's insurance for policy holders who also hold another policy with Allstate, either car or life insurance.

So let's get this straight--it's not about risk at all. Hell, insurance policies are all about mitigating risk, there is no such thing as a property that isn't at some sort of risk. But with Allstate's current logic, two neighbors could have house built the same year from the same type of construction, and if one of them has just homeowner's insurance through Allstate but the other has homeowners' and also has auto insurance, one will lose their insurance and the other will keep it--not because of risk, THEY ARE RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER, but because Allstate is collecting a larger check from the multiple policy holder. Disgusting. Immoral. Illegal?

My boyfriend, who lives with me, has his car insurance through Allstate so we explored the possibility of putting my name on his policy and vice versa to qualify for renewal, but because his name is not on the deed to the house it was not feasible. I asked about taking a small life insurance policy out but was told that it would have needed to be in place prior to 2005 to qualify. My rep told me she was disgusted to be working for Allstate, that she didn't know how this could be legal for them to do and that she was so sorry to see me go after years of such a great working relationship. All well and good, but now I am without insurance.

I've spoken to Statefarm and am looking to get a few more estimates, and my boyfriend will also move his policy away from Allstate as he is sickened by this practice. I just filed a complaint with the NYS Insurance Department of Consumer Affairs. And I'll be making a Dennis Haysbert shaped voodoo doll. Any other suggestions?

Comments

[M, the ex sister-in-law]

That's bullshit! Also called "I forgot the term". I used to know, from my AOL years. Convergence! Its just a scam way to get more money from you!

[JP]

Insurance in general is a scam. Sorry to hear about that. i have heard horror stories of people getting their policies cancelled after having, for the first time in 20 year, made a claim. And a small claim at that. Sorry to hear about it for you.

[M, the EX]

That seems to be a growing trend with phone companies, too. Its not enough to have a phone, they're bundling that with internet service.

[ana]

Yes! generally speaking, insurance is really a scam. But we also must admit that it does help in times of needs and those who prefer to take a quote or two and get to shop are lucky in times that a need for it arises.

Another thing...I must admit you made me laugh at the picture that you have along with your post. HAHAHAHA.