Wood Burning Stove - Home Owners Insurance?

16 years ago

Those of you who did tell your HOI company that you added a wood burning stove or insert, what did they require/say? Did your rate go up?

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Comments (6)

old-vt-crafter
16 years ago
When we installed our stove all they required was a certification that it was done to code. And the installer supplied that. They want to be sure the stove is installed correctly. My agent said that DIY installations always raise red flags. Simply because most DIYers take a shortcut and don't do a complate job like proper chimneys. A vast majority of house fires caused by stoves are DIY installations. Or they aren't aware that the chimney must be cleaned on a yearly basis, because nobody told them. That's what the installer does. He tells you how to maintain a safe heating appliance.
But the rate didn't increase at all.
chelone
16 years ago
Our rate didn't go up, either. We installed our stove ourselves and obtained a signed inspection from our building inspector/code enforcement guy. We sent a copy of the stove's specs. and the inspection form to the insurance company.

There have been more than a couple of woodstove related fires and some deaths because of improper installation. Very tragic and unnecessary; I would ALWAYS tell the insurance company there was a woodstove in the house... if you don't and something happens you may well negate the terms of your policy's coverage.
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First, get another insurance agent! Many don't have a clue about these things! They get nervous because many inexperienced homeowners install the stoves themselves and then there's a fire because they didn't take all the necessary precautions. "But I SAVED money doing it myself!" From what I see the location is perfect for a wood stove or another gas unit. You already have a raised hearth and a non combustable back. The only place I might see a situation arise is the chimney itself. Today's stoves need a 6 inch flue. If your chimney is 8 inches you'll need a liner installed. That can be labor intensive but for a professional it's done every day. Go to a COUPLE of stove shops. Tell them what size area you wish to heat and they'll find the right size unti for you. Also tell them the dimensions of the raised hearth. The hearth might be too small for a wood unit, but only a professional can tell for sure. Also write down the height of the centerline of the opening in the back wall from the base of the hearth. I like wood fires. Not gas. But that's a decision only you can make.
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A co worker had something similar happen to her, but in her case it was the insurance for their church. After having insurance with this company for a number of years, all of a sudden they got a cancellation notice because they were too close to a gas station. Same kind of deal, imminent cancellation. She called around to other insurance companies and found out that her current insurance company had to give them a certain amount of time (30, 60 days? not sure exactly) to find coverage before they could cancel them. So they shopped around and got another policy. Cost them more $ unfortunately, but they got coverage. So start calling some other companies and find out your options, They agreed to cover you now all of sudden they won't? They may have to cover you for a minium amount of time before cancellation, since you must have had coverage with them for your mortgage. Abbey
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Replace it or risk starting a fire in house. You will need to change flue pipe as well.
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One of my dear friends has had two similar leaks in her home. She had to battle with insurance, but both times they've paid for furnished, short-term housing in a 3 bedroom apartment. She has 3 kids and they really wanted to put her in a hotel (well, insurance really wanted them to stay at the house), but it just wasn't practical with a family (or safe). Repairs took much longer than expected (I think one was 4 months and the other has been 6 months so far). Supplies are taking longer with COVID and every step just took a really long time. She has had to advocate to get everything covered, but if other flooring was damaged and can't be repaired, that needs to be replaced. You need to be living in a place with a working kitchen, if possible.
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jayh
16 years ago
Nope, I called up my homeowner's insurance (allstate) on a freestanding wood stove and the lady said they treat it like a spaceheater... I have a gas fired boiler but it's off and I only use that when I'm on vacation.

Jay
christinegreene52
8 years ago
I would like the names of insurance companies that cover wood burning stoves. Ours will not cover them either in the house or in the store/shop out back. What is there now is a non working propane heater. A replacement would cost $300 - $500. I already have a wood burning stove I could install. Which could be assembled in the same space and connected to the same exhaust pipe in the roof. Chris
Christopher_H
8 years ago
Time to open the phone book and start calling some Independent agents in your area. Those who represent multiple companies.
jrb451
8 years ago
Our State Farm HOI did not include a premium increase for having a wood burning insert/stove.

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Wood Burning Stove - Home Owners Insurance?

Comments (6)

old-vt-crafter

chelone

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jayh

christinegreene52

Christopher_H

jrb451

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