Insurance company abruptly cancels Kansas City woman’s homeowners policy
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When an 86-year-old woman had her homeowners insurance policy suddenly for reasons that made no sense, she called FOX4 Problem Solvers for help.
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Barbara Johnson showed us her wall of memories, featuring family members who all once filled her Agnes Street home in Kansas City.
She’s lived here since the 1960s. She bought the home with her husband for $3,000, and after he died she raised their two children as a single mom. Among it all, she managed to go back to school to become a second-grade teacher.
Now she worries she might lost the only house she’s ever owned.
“They are canceling my insurance,” Johnson said.
She received a letter from Hartford Insurance Company telling her she had 30 days to find a new policy — not because she missed a payment or made a claim. She’s never done either of those things.
The reason Hartford cited: “physical changes which increase the hazards.” The hazards are listed as “existing damage, broken and missing siding, per the inspection.”
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It’s that explanation that’s so confusion to Johnson.
“I have no idea what they are talking about,” she said.
Johnson took us on a tour around her home. It was hard to spot any serious problems. The small addition on the back has no siding, but it’s been like this since the 1960s.
The roof is in good shape, so are the gutters. The front porch was recently rescreened and the door was replaced.
“I know it’s an old house, but I’m trying to keep up,” Johnson said.
But when she called Hartford to complain that she didn’t deserve to have her policy canceled, she said the employee she talked to was rude.
“He said we have already inspected your home, and this is what we have decided,” she said.
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That’s why she called FOX4 Problem Solvers.
Getting your homeowners policy canceled is a serious problem. A cancellation can make it difficult — or even impossible — to find a new insurer. It’s like having an eviction on your record.
Problem Solvers contacted Hartford, which sent us a statement saying it doesn’t discuss individual policy decisions. The company went on to say, “We periodically inspect properties to ensure that they are properly maintained in accordance with our underwriting standards.”
“I have no idea what they are talking about because no one has been here in my yard,” she said.
Unable to persuade Hartford to give Johnson home a second look, FOX4 had her call the Insurance Consumer Hotline at the Missouri Department of Insurance for help. The agency investigates complaints against insurance companies and will sometimes mediate solutions.
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In this case, the Missouri Department of Insurance enrolled Johnson in the Missouri FAIR Plan, a state program that’s been around since 1969 and provides insurance coverage for people no longer able to qualify on the open market.
Johnson’s insurance premiums are more expensive under the Missouri FAIR Plan, but she’s happy to have coverage and continue to live in the home she loves.
