random insurance surcharge

[Guest nysos]

I just recently got an email from one of the secretaries at my insurance agent's office saying I owe them almost a $200 surcharge on my homeowners policy. I am still trying to iron out the details, but they were saying something about it being tied to a theft claim, which was on my renters policy over 2 years ago.

Anyone with insight on the insurance business be able to shed some light on this? It seems like an illegitimate charge that they are tacking on for next to no reason at all.

[D3vo]

How long have you had the policy? Did the application ask you if you have had a claim within the time frame? Did you answer no to that question? (assume asked and answered). If they found it and it was not disclosed your rate is going up to support their risk of covering your home.

[Guest nysos]

Finally got it clarified. It is apparently due that within a timeframe of claim for the break in at my old house. Before that rate got adjusted, I was in the process of purchasing my house and it didn't get applied to my house's rate. Pretty much occurred due to the timing of things. Now I have to figure out how the bank is handling it to see if I need to pay them so it goes to my escrow or pay my insurance company directly.

[vontar]

You know, now suddenly you are a higher risk them they planned because some criminal broke into your old apartment. You should track down the officer and claims from back then and add another 200 dollars to the claim that you just found out that event cost you more then you had known at the time. If nothing else tell the insurance company they owe that much more on your previous claim. Hey if they can go back and use that to jack up your rate some, you should be able as well as part of your initial damages. Cause them a headache over it anyways.

Edited September 1, 2012 by vontar

[D3vo]

That is a lot of surcharge. I think I would shop around for a new policy to compare my existing rates. I shopped recently to check my rates and Travelers (my existing carrier) came out on top by a wide margin.