Connecticut Notice On Homeowners Nonrenewal Guidelines

The Connecticut Insurance Department published a Notice to all homeowners insurance companies operating in the state concerning valid reasons for nonrenewal. The Department has received complaints from policyholders regarding insurers nonrenewing homeowners and dwelling fire insurance policies due to, in some cases, unsubstantiated concerns about the quality of the property’s roof based on information received from aerial footage. The Notice provides the Department’s position on the acceptable use of aerial imagery to evaluate roof damage, and the extent of roof damage needed to support underwriting action.

The Department’s position is that cosmetic roofing problems such as discoloration and streaking are not a legitimate reason for the nonrenewal of a homeowner or dwelling fire policy. The use of aerial imagery technology showing cosmetic damage alone cannot be used to support nonrenewal actions. There must be evidence of material degradation of a roof that would increase the risk of a loss–aerial images that unambiguously show material damage may be used to support nonrenewals.