What insurance carriers are writing policies on homes with these conditions?

For the insurance professionals out there, as a home inspector I have these questions.
Are any insurance carriers writing policies on home with any of the following:
1) Knob and Tube wiring
2) Edison type screw in fuses
3) Zinsco electric panels
4) Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels
5) Challenger electric panels
29 Comments 4.6k Views

Answers (1-10)

If you miss - That's why you have insurance - The key is not to miss - call Bob at Allen Insurance

For Knob and tube wiring there is an inexpensive procedure that can be done so that insurance companies will accept the risk. There is a different type of fuse that can be used that is acceptable to insurance companies. 3-4, i have never had a problem with these electrical panels. Not to say that it doesn't happen, but our agency writes a lot of habitational risks and they have never been a problem.

We represent 10 insurers (some National / Regional / Local) - knob & tube / screw in no go... currently my insurers are not drilling down to specific panels / types of breakers - only that its 100 amp +.There may be some smaller / regional insurers still accepting screw in, but more than likely has to be 100+ amps.   However, just did have a underwriter question to confirm not Stab-Lok with one risk.  If one National insurer starts, others will follow.

I totally know what you mean, we work real hard at making connections with Real Estate agents so they don't throw us under the bus. My response to customers that state that is, they have cheaper rates however, they don't know your insurance needs like I do and they are just going for the least amount of coverage, stick with me and we'll find something that works best for you. Even if you have to go thru state insurance.

 We do!  If I can't get you coverage with Allstate or one of our partners, I will do the shopping for you. We have a great network of people who all work together, to find our customers exactly what they need.

We write policies for older homes that may have wiring and electric panels not at current standards. However, we provide the clients coverage that will allow them to submit a claim to update them.

State Farm will not write a home with any of these panels and certainly not knob and Tube wiring. I have written a home that replaced an FPE panel within 30 days of writing the property. 

Business from Scottsdale, AZ
Answered on Dec 4th, 2018

Maybe just maybe, a Lloyds program. Obviously none of your major carriers will. Check Statewide Insurance, might have a solution.

That's a hard one.  Most if not all major companies will not write any of those risks, especially knob and tube and screw in fuses.  I have also seen the other three items as ineligible if present in a house.  You can always go to the Texas Fair Plan as they will insure about anything although they will ask about the first two items.  The other thing is that as an insurance agent, there are times when a company may do something that they wouldn't normally do especially if they know a home upgrade is happening soon where these items will be rectified.  All the agent can do is try.  Hope this helps.

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