Homeowners Insurance

So, being down here in SE PA seems the Insurance companies just won't consider writing a policy for someone who heats their home with coal. At least this has been my experience in shopping around. I have an OIL furnace backup so I landed a policy by stating that I use OIL for heating and mentioned nothing about my coal stoker. I use Coal about 90% and oil 10%. So what are the possible ramifications, concerns by me doing this? Interested in any opionions. Thanks

Have you asked them why? If I recall correctly someone mentioned they would not insure if it was listed as the primary heat, out of ignorance I'd assume they don't consider it primary heat. Writing it down as supplementary heat was fine.

As far as your question goes if you have some kind of issue related to your coal usage they could deny the claim.

Try Erie, no issue with them as far as I know and having been through a house fire I couldn't praise them enough.

It sounds like you talked to multiple insurance companies...did you tell them you heat with oil and have a coal stove for supplemental heat?

Recently I called my insurance company because of installing coal boiler. Only concern was if I ran out of coal how would dwelling be heated? I told them that oil boiler will kick on if water temp fell below coal boiler water settings. Got policy.

My homeowners is through State Farm. They had no problem with my koker. I had an existing policy with them, when I told them I installed the koker, my agent came out, took some pictures of my set up, I showed him it was installed with more than the keystoker recommended for clearances and that was that. No rise in premium, although he told me that folks around here with wood stoves pay a higher premium than other comparable policies.

Wiz wrote:Recently I called my insurance company because of installing coal boiler. Only concern was if I ran out of coal how would dwelling be heated?

I would have asked them if they ask that question of people that use oil or propane.

WNYRob wrote: No rise in premium, although he told me that folks around here with wood stoves pay a higher premium than other comparable policies.

I think that's acceptable because they present such a hazard if you don't maintain the chimney.

Richard S. wrote:

Wiz wrote:Recently I called my insurance company because of installing coal boiler. Only concern was if I ran out of coal how would dwelling be heated?

I would have asked them if they ask that question of people that use oil or propane.

HaHaHa! That's excellent Richard! Spot on!

dj

Richard S. wrote:

WNYRob wrote: No rise in premium, although he told me that folks around here with wood stoves pay a higher premium than other comparable policies.

I think that's acceptable because they present such a hazard if you don't maintain the chimney.

When agent mention this to me I ask that question. The look on his face He couldn't give me a answer. Imagine that

I never had an issue with homeowners and the coal stove.

About 6 years ago when I used a biomass Corn burning unit they didn't like that idea but eventually said it was OK after sending them info on the unit and safety concerns.

I have a farm policy, not sure if that makes a difference or not.

I'll second Richard, Erie is a great company to deal with also. Have my auto's with them.

Erie ... I always hear good things about them.

Oh .... not available in MA. Figures! We only get the shitty companies ....

Our home insurance is through Erie, they have been very good to deal with.

Invite your agent in to see the installation,show them the literature with the clearances,use a tape measure to show them it's all well and proper,spend a hundred bucks for a pistol shaped thermal temperature gun and shoot the walls and adjacent materials and show them the temps are no where combustible.Worked for me,raised my yearly premium 25 bucks.Oil furnace in the basement,Pioneer upstairs.Use mostly coal for heat.

My homeowners insurance is with USAA. I spent 30 years in the military, and they insure mostly military, but are now open to immediate relatives. Anyway, before I got my wood/coal furnace installed I spoke to them, and their response was "enjoy." Got it in writing too.

just changed to met life, added ALOT of coverage including 50,000 worth of coverage on the barn i just built and put the boiler out in the barn, which most insurance co will not go for!!. and all for less than what i had my house insured for with less coverage thru state farm.