My insurance company, Vermont Mutual, refuses to issue a policy for a home with a pellet stove.
They said they don't care if it meets code, or even if it is functional. If there's a pellet stove, there is no insurance policy. How can I deal with this?
Asked by Michael Mertinooke
Posted Tue, 12/04/2012 - 17:30
Posted Tue, 12/04/2012 - 17:30
Tags: General questions
Yahoo
Technorati
Google
Facebook
Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
RedditOther Questions in General questions
In General questions | Asked by erik olofsson | May 22, 13
In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked by martin fahrney | May 23, 13
In Energy efficiency and durability | Asked by martin fahrney | May 23, 13
In Green building techniques | Asked by Gordon B | May 23, 13
In General questions | Asked by Leah Popp | May 22, 13
Michael,
Maybe you should call up a few other insurance companies.
Posted Tue, 12/04/2012 - 17:54
Yeah, I thought of that. Duh. I got even worse answers. V-M is apparently the one they all go to in this part of NH. Other companies like Liberty Mutual say they might (*MIGHT*) write a policy but I would need to transfer my autos and all other insurance to them.
Posted Tue, 12/04/2012 - 18:04
That's curious- I've never heard of that one before!
Do they have a similar take on wood stoves?
Posted Tue, 12/04/2012 - 18:54
YES! They consider wood stoves as the same as pellet stoves, which demonstrates their complete ignorance. Pellet heat is in fact far safer than gas, oil, or electric. And wood heat is about the most dangerous possible. BTW, I'm getting a flood of replies from agents representing many companies, and they all are giving me pretty much the same story. Please note I am a landlord, renting out the house. I'm guessing this would not be a problem if it was my primary residence.
Posted Tue, 12/04/2012 - 19:12
Michael,
My guess is that the fact you just disclosed -- that this is a rental property, and you are a landlord -- is the key to the mystery.
Posted Tue, 12/04/2012 - 20:19
Hmm. You're probably right. Doesn't make sense, though. I trust pellet stoves more than anything else. Safer and cheaper.
Posted Tue, 12/04/2012 - 20:58