United Policyholders (UP) is a non-profit 501c3 whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and a respected voice for consumers of all types of insurance across the United States. We don’t sell insurance or take money from insurance companies.
We give you the straight scoop… guide you on buying insurance and navigating claims… and fight for your rights.
If you get a “non-renewal” notice from your current home insurance company that says they’re not going to offer you a new policy when your current one expires, start shopping right away. State rules vary as to how much notice your insurer must give you if they’re non-renewing you. Colorado law gives you 60 days. Finding affordable home insurance takes more time than it used to, and UP is advocating across the country for longer notice periods.
Act Promptly
Read the paperwork from your insurer. Ask if there are home improvements you can make that will get them to reverse their decision to drop you. Note: The non-renewal notice must be sent to you 60 days before the policy expires.
Know Your Rights & Get Help
If you believe that you are being non-renewed in violation of the law, file a “Consumer Complaint” with the Colorado Department of Insurance: www.doi.colorado.gov/for-consumers/file-a-complaint
Shop for Options
An experienced agent or broker who’s staying current can help you find all options including “non-admitted” insurers. Watch UP shopping help videos and use CO DORA tools.
Be Prepared to Pay More
Aim to insure your home for what it would cost to rebuild it and the risks you face in your area. Keep good notes of your conversations. Avoid being in the 2/3 of homes in the US that are underinsured.
Last Resort
The Colorado FAIR Plan offers basic fire protection if you can’t find any other option. If you insure your home through the COFP, consider adding a “difference in conditions” policy to fill gaps in what the CO Fair Plan doesn’t cover. An agent can help you. www.ColoradoFairPlan.com
For more information and guidance, visit: www.uphelp.org/droppedCO
Questions to Ask Your Insurer
We hope you’ll never lose your home to a wildfire, but to avoid being among the many wildfire victims who are underinsured, contact your insurance company and ask:
- How much per square foot is my home insured for? Is that enough, given local construction costs?
- Do I have “Extended Replacement Cost”? If so, how much? If not, what would that extra protection cost? (50% should be offered)
- Does my coverage include building code/ordinance upgrades? (20% should be offered)
- Do I have enough Loss of Use coverage for up to three years?
- What causes of loss are excluded?
- What will my annual premium be with different levels of deductible?
- What discounts do you offer and how do I qualify?
Improve Your Home’s Chances of Surviving a Wildfire
- Have an impact-resistant “Class A” roof
- Install screens on vents to keep embers out
- Keep your roof gutters clear of leaves and needles
- Create and keep 5 feet of clear space around your home (no plants or trees)
- No combustible materials under or near decks
- Prune branches near the home
- If wood fencing touches your home, replace at least 5 ft. of it with metal
Home Insurance Shopping Help
Helpful home insurance shopping help resources from the nonprofit United Policyholders and the Colorado Division of Insurance.
- Dropped by Your insurer in Colorado: www.uphelp.org/DroppedCO
- Top 10 Preparedness Tips for Colorado: www.uphelp.org/COtop10
- Home Insurance Shopping Help: www.uphelp.org/COinsurancehelp
- DORA toolkit for homeowners and HOAs: doi.colorado.gov/homeowners-hoainsurancetoolkit