05/05/2025
Why Staying Put May Be the Smartest Move Right Now
I know insurance rate increases are frustrating, and it’s totally natural to want to shop around. But right now, moving to another company isn’t as simple or as beneficial as it might sound. The insurance market has gotten much tighter, and jumping ship can come with unexpected downsides.
For starters, switching companies usually triggers a much deeper review of your property. That means new inspections, not just of your roof but also your yard, trees, driveway, and even the inside of your home in some cases. They will be looking at everything from cracks in the drywall to the type of wiring and plumbing you have. Any of those could raise red flags and put your new policy in jeopardy.
Roofs are a particular concern. These days, most carriers will not write a new policy on a roof that is more than 10 years old unless it is in pristine condition. Even then, it can still be a tough approval. If your roof is approaching that age, it is often much safer to stay with your current insurer who already accepted the condition when they first wrote the policy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that new policies always have a "probationary" period. Carriers are much quicker to cancel if they do not like what they find in those first months. When you stay put, you avoid this risk completely.
I completely understand wanting to explore options when prices go up, but right now, the safer move is often to hold onto the coverage you already have. The grass is not always greener, especially in this market. My job is to help you protect your home and avoid surprises. Unless there is a truly compelling reason to switch, I strongly recommend staying where you are for now.