Advice Topics
- Buying (154)
- Selling (180)
- Renting (39)
- Market News & Trends (11)
- Finance & Legal Info (79)
- Tips & Advice (85)
- Working With an Agent (51)
- Marketing (4)
- Investing (13)
- Affordable Housing (13)
- Green Housing (2)
- Schools (1)
- Remodeling (29)
- International Real Estate (8)
- Terms & Definitions (23)
- Home Loans (10)
Top Contributors (View All)
Find a Top Real Estate Agent Near You
Can I not have home owners insurance?
I know it's risky to not have home insurance. But it's so expensive and often unused. It's a chance we're thinking of taking. But are we required to have home insurance or can we not have home owners insurance?
Asked By Terrance | Lexington, KY | 170 views | Buying | 3 months ago
Answer(4)
Julianne Clark / Your Lowcountry Realtor
Charter One Realty
Hi Terrance -- if your home is paid for and the is not a mortgage/financing on it -- the short answer is yes. If you have a loan on the property -- the mortgage company will find out at the expiration of your current policy and tell you to get coverage or they will get coverage for you. The coverage that the "get for you" will be more expensive than what you are currently paying. Property insurance is going up due to increase in labor cost, supply costs and country wide hurricane/flood/wildfire claims. We are all feeling your pain!
- 3 months ago
Helpful (0)
Unhelpful (0)
Tom Matthews
Gibson Sotheby's International Realty
Terrance,
This is an unfortunate situation that we are all finding ourselves in. My first recommendation is to vote with your wallet and make hold these politicians responsible. There is no reason that insurance should be unregulated and allowed to increase 30% year over year!
But in regards to you personally, if your home is paid for then you have more flexibility and here is the reality. The equity position in a home is generally a top 5 assets for many American home owners and you need to weigh the risk of not having insurance. If you had a water damage, wind, or fire and the repair was $50k to $75k could you pay out of pocket? Insurance is too expensive until you need it! I feel for you! Concord, MA real estate
- 3 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Are you ready to find a top agent near you?
Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.
Sander Scott
Key Realty
Great question, Terrance! Whether or not you’re required to have homeowners insurance depends on your situation, and I can break that down for you:
Are You Required to Have Homeowners Insurance?
If You Have a Mortgage: If you’re financing your home with a mortgage, your lender will require you to have homeowners insurance. This is because the lender has a financial interest in your property and wants to protect it in case of damage (e.g., fire, storms, or theft). Not having insurance could result in the lender forcing a policy on you, often at a higher cost than if you’d purchased it yourself.
If You Own the Home Outright: If your home is paid off and you don’t have a mortgage, then you are not legally required to have homeowners insurance. You have the option to forgo it if you’re willing to take on the financial risk. That said, while it’s not required, most homeowners choose to maintain insurance because of the protection it offers.
Risks of Not Having Insurance:
Catastrophic Loss: Without insurance, you would be responsible for covering the full cost of repairing or replacing your home and belongings if something catastrophic happens, such as a fire, flood, or natural disaster.
Liability Coverage: Homeowners insurance typically includes liability protection, which covers you if someone is injured on your property. Without this coverage, you could be personally liable for any medical or legal costs.
Cost Considerations:
While it’s true that homeowners insurance can be expensive, there are ways to reduce your premiums:
Shop around for the best rates.
Consider bundling with other insurance policies, like auto insurance.
Increase your deductible, which can lower your monthly premium.
Look into any discounts for things like home security systems, fire alarms, or even loyalty discounts with your current insurance company.
Final Thoughts:
If you have a mortgage, you’ll need homeowners insurance. If you don’t, you aren’t required to have it, but the risks of not having it are significant. Weigh the potential savings against the financial exposure you could face in case of a disaster or liability claim.
For more insights on real estate and homeownership, feel free to check out my YouTube channel @livintc, where I discuss various topics related to buying, selling, and maintaining homes.
I hope this helps you make an informed decision!
- 2 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Home Insurance is required if you have a mortgage loan. The lender needs to protect the asset that is being securitized with a loan. If your insurance expires then the Lender may impose "forced insurance" which can be higher in price. The Note has these requirements listed.
- 3 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Related Questions
-
What is the first step in buying a home?
- Asked by Mike M.
- 752 views
- Buying
- 3 years ago
-
How to buy a house without closing costs or down payments?
- Asked by Timothy S.
- 855 views
- Buying
- 3 years ago