Multiple claims in your homeowners insurance history create coverage difficulties, but there are alternatives. Even the best home insurance providers may decline coverage after multiple claims. With independent agents, FAIR Plans and specialty providers, you find coverage despite claim history, though premiums are higher and options more limited. Consider these strategies:
Can't Get Homeowners Insurance Because of Claims History
Updated: January 19, 2026
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Key Takeaways
A history of multiple claims can make it harder to get homeowners insurance, but alternatives like FAIR Plans or working with an agent can help you find coverage.
FAIR Plans offer last-resort insurance for high-risk homeowners, providing basic protection when traditional insurers decline coverage.
Property condition, location and past claims all affect your insurability. Knowing how these factors impact coverage helps you avoid cancellations and secure a new policy.
What to Do if You Can't Get Homeowners Insurance Because of Your Claims History
Shop Around for Providers
Different insurance companies evaluate claims history differently. What disqualifies you at one insurer might be acceptable at another. Compare quotes from at least three to five providers, including those specializing in high-risk coverage. Standard carriers like State Farm or Allstate may decline your application, while companies focusing on high-risk homeowners might offer coverage at competitive rates.
Consult With an Insurance Agent
An experienced agent provides personalized advice and helps find affordable home insurance providers that are more accommodating to your specific situation. Independent agents work with multiple carriers, not just one company, giving them access to specialty markets most consumers don't know exist.
Agents can also explain exactly why you're facing denials and recommend specific steps to improve your eligibility. They understand which insurers accept certain claim types and can match your situation with the right provider.
Consider a FAIR Plan
As a last resort, Fair Access to Insurance Requirements or FAIR Plans are state-mandated insurance pools for those who struggle to get coverage in the regular market.
Improve Your Home's Safety
Safety upgrades make your home more appealing to insurers. Security systems, upgraded electrical wiring and disaster-resistant reinforcements improve your chances of better home insurance rates.
Review and Adjust Your Claims History
Review your claims history for inaccuracies and dispute any errors to improve your insurance prospects. You can request your claims history report through the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE), which tracks claims for most U.S. insurers. Ensure all claims listed are legitimate and contact the reporting agency immediately if you find mistakes.
Increase Your Deductible
Opting for a higher deductible makes insurers more willing to offer coverage, as it reduces their risk. A higher deductible means lower insurance premiums. Balance how much you can pay upfront against your annual premium costs.
Build a Strong Insurance History
Start with basic coverage through a high-risk insurer or FAIR Plan, then build a claims-free record over three to five years. After establishing this clean history, shop for standard market coverage with better rates and broader protection. The key is maintaining continuous coverage without gaps.
How Does a Claim Affect Your Home Insurance?
Filing multiple or high-cost homeowners insurance claims raises red flags for insurers. A history of frequent claims signals higher risk, which may lead to increased premiums, stricter policy terms or denial of coverage. Insurers use your claims history to predict future risk and adjust your rates or eligibility accordingly.
How Long Do Home Insurance Claims Stay on Your Record?
Insurance companies don't look at your claims history forever. Most insurers review the past five to seven years when deciding whether to approve coverage or set your premium. Older claims eventually fall off your record and stop affecting your eligibility.
Multiple claims within a short period create the most difficulty. Two or three claims in one year signal higher risk than the same number spread over five years. The impact fades over time, and you'll qualify more easily for standard coverage by avoiding new claims and maintaining continuous insurance as older claims drop off your record.
Other Reasons Why You Can't Get Homeowners Insurance
Your claims history isn't the only factor that leads to rejection when applying for homeowners insurance. Various other elements, such as the condition of your property, its location and even certain personal factors, influence insurers' decisions. Here are other reasons why you might face challenges in obtaining homeowners insurance:
Location in High-Risk Areas
Properties located in areas prone to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes or wildfires often face higher scrutiny. Insurers may view these homes as high-risk investments due to the increased likelihood of significant damage.
Age and Condition of the Property
Older homes or those in poor condition are more susceptible to structural issues, plumbing failures and electrical problems, posing a higher risk for insurers. Homes with outdated features, such as old roofing or heating systems, are particularly challenging to insure.
Presence of High-Risk Features
Certain property features, like swimming pools, trampolines or aggressive dog breeds, increase the likelihood of liability claims. Insurers might hesitate to provide coverage or charge higher premiums for homes with these features.
Poor Credit History
Insurance companies often use credit history as an indicator of a potential policyholder's risk level. A low credit score or a history of late payments signals financial instability, making insurers wary of providing coverage.
Lapse in Previous Homeowners Insurance
A history of lapses in homeowners insurance coverage is a red flag for insurers. It suggests a pattern of risk management that insurers find concerning.
Frequent Small Claims
Filing multiple small claims in a short period indicates a higher risk of future claims, leading insurers to reconsider offering coverage.
Know these factors so you can improve your chances of getting insurance: maintain your property, manage personal risks and fix issues that make your home risky to insurers.
What Are FAIR Plans?
FAIR Plans catch homeowners who can't get insurance anywhere else, usually because they've filed too many claims or live in high-risk areas.
States created these insurance pools in the 1960s to guarantee every property owner can buy basic coverage. You'll get far less protection than standard policies deliver. FAIR Plans cover:
- Fire Damage: Fire-related losses, the foundation of most FAIR Plans
- Smoke Damage: Smoke-related losses, usually tied to fires
- Windstorm Damage: Wind-related losses in hurricane and tornado zones
- Hail Damage: Hail-related losses, common across many regions
- Explosion: Explosion-related losses, less common but serious
- Riot or Civil Commotion: Losses from riots or similar chaos
- Aircraft Damage: Losses from aircraft, rare but covered
- Vehicle-Caused Damage: Property losses from vehicle impacts
- Vandalism and Malicious Mischief: Intentional property destruction
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
FAIR Plans are often seen as insurers of last resort and offer more limited coverage compared to standard homeowners insurance policies. They may not include liability or personal property protection. Consider FAIR Plans when other insurance options aren't viable to ensure some level of financial protection for your property.
Coverage and availability vary by state. Call your state insurance department for requirements and limitations.
How to Qualify for FAIR Plans
FAIR Plans help homeowners who can't get traditional insurance. These plans cover high-risk homeowners, but you still need to meet specific requirements:
- 1Proof of Denial
Show proof that insurers turned you down (usually one or more).
- 2Pass Inspection
Your home must pass an inspection of its condition and risk factors.
- 3Meet Safety Standards
Your property needs maintenance and safety basics: sound roof and solid walls.
- 4Live in Eligible Area
Some FAIR Plans only cover specific areas, especially natural disaster zones.
- 5Pay Property Taxes
Stay current on property taxes with no ownership disputes.
- 6Clean Claims Record
You can't have fraudulent claims on your record.
Each state runs FAIR Plans differently. These differences mirror each region's risk profiles and regulations. Research your state's specific rules and talk to local insurance professionals about eligibility and the application process.
How to Rebuild Trust with Insurers if You're Denied Home Insurance Coverage
Being denied coverage because of your claims history doesn't mean you'll never qualify again. Insurers want to see that you can manage risk responsibly, and small changes over time make a big difference. By following the steps below, you gradually improve your chances of getting approved for standard homeowners insurance.
- Keep Continuous Coverage: Never let your coverage lapse, even with a high-risk provider or FAIR Plan. Insurers want steady coverage with no gaps.
- Skip Small Claims: Pay for minor repairs yourself to avoid new claims. Fewer claims prove you're less risky.
- Boost Your Credit: Insurers check your credit when deciding coverage. Higher scores make you more reliable.
- Upgrade Your Home: Replace old systems, fix damage and install safety features. These upgrades attract insurers and can lower your premiums.
- Check Your Claims Record: Review your insurance reports regularly and dispute errors. Fix wrong info fast to improve your coverage chances.
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT CLAIMS HISTORY AND INSURANCE DENIALS
One claim won't make you uninsurable. Most insurers expect occasional claims, and a single roof repair or theft claim rarely leads to denial. Frequent claims or multiple claims within one year raise more concern.
Each insurer also evaluates risk differently using its own underwriting criteria. Denial by one company doesn't guarantee denial by others, which is why shopping around works even after rejection.
Why Can't You Get Home Insurance Because of Claims History: Bottom Line
Getting denied homeowners insurance because of your claims history is frustrating, but you have options. Start by shopping with multiple providers, as different insurers evaluate risk differently. Work with an independent agent who can access specialty markets, or apply for a FAIR Plan as a last resort.
Once you get coverage, rebuild your insurance profile. Skip small claims, keep continuous coverage and fix property issues fast. After three to five claims-free years, you'll qualify for standard coverage with better rates and more protection.
Home Insurance Application Denied: FAQ
We answer common questions about homeowners insurance denials and coverage alternatives after claim issues.
What makes a house uninsurable?
Houses become uninsurable when they pose excessive risk for homeowners insurance coverage. Common reasons include multiple past claims, poor property condition, high-risk locations like flood or wildfire zones and hazardous features. Poor credit or policy lapse history also makes coverage difficult to obtain.
Can an insurer refuse to renew?
Insurers can refuse to renew homeowners insurance policies based on increased property risks, frequent or severe claims and property condition changes. With nonrenewal decisions, insurers must provide advance notice, giving you time to seek alternative coverage.
Why does my claims history affect my ability to get homeowners insurance?
Your claims history shows insurers the risk and cost of insuring your home. Multiple or large claims indicate higher likelihood of future claims, creating greater financial risk for insurers. This history affects coverage availability and cost. Insurers charge higher premiums to offset perceived risk.
Why would you be denied home insurance?
Homeowners insurance providers deny coverage when you're deemed too financially risky to insure. Low credit scores, extensive claims history and high-risk area locations commonly result in homeowners insurance denials.
Denied Homeowners Insurance: Related Articles
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.