Insurance Dropping Coverage Due to “Significant Granular Loss”
I received a letter from my fire insurance provider (CA Fair Plan) stating that they are discontinuing my dwelling replacement coverage due to what they describe as “significant granular loss” on my roof. They’ve determined this based on over 10% of the roof appearing to lack granular coverage. However, they never conducted a home inspection, so I suspect they based this assessment solely on images from Google Earth or an aerial survey. In reality, my roof is in excellent condition with nearly no loss. Is this a common practice for insurers to revoke coverage without a proper inspection? I’ve already filed an appeal with detailed photos.
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation. Insurance companies do sometimes rely on satellite imagery and aerial surveys to assess property conditions, but this can lead to inaccuracies, especially if they haven’t conducted a physical inspection. Since you’ve already appealed the decision with detailed images of your roof showing its good condition, that’s a great step.
Here are a few things you can consider doing next:
Follow Up on the Appeal: Make sure to follow up on your appeal and ask for an update. Sometimes, these appeals can take time, so persistent communication can help keep your case on their radar.
Request a Physical Inspection: If you haven’t already, you can formally request that the insurance company send an inspector for a physical evaluation of your roof. Providing images of your roof showing its condition should strengthen your case.
Seek a Second Opinion: If possible, consider having a local roofing contractor inspect your roof and provide you with a professional assessment. This can serve as additional evidence in your appeal.
Review Your Policy: Make sure you thoroughly review your policy to understand the terms and conditions regarding coverage and the claims process. This knowledge may help you better argue your case.
Contact a Consumer Advocacy Group: If you continue to experience challenges, you may want to reach out to a local consumer advocacy group or a legal advisor specializing in insurance claims to explore your options.
Document Everything: Keep comprehensive records of all correspondence with the insurance company, including letters, emails, and phone calls. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate your situation.
It’s unfortunate that you have to go through this process, but being diligent and thorough in your approach can help resolve the issue. Good luck!