Trouble getting insurance due to past claims - will an LLC help?

[Abigail Lipson]

I own rental properties in one city and two of them had insurance claims in the last 2 years due to hail and tree damage. I just purchased a rental in another state/city and am getting turned down for insurance due to those claims. The homes are owned in my name. An agent mentioned to me that I might have better luck if I formed an LLC on the new one because the claims in my name won't come up. Another agent mentioned that they may still look up the members of the LLC. Has anyone had experience with this issue and know a way to get a good insurance policy that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

(Please no comments about whether or not my properties should be owned in LLCs, as that is not what this particular post is about.) Thanks!

[Greg Scott]

Quote from @Michael Norris:

Berkshire Guard was the most competitive for 5+ unit properties in my state (Ohio) until they weren't and now just sent out letters to all their clients saying they are no longer offering coverage here at all - 100% non-renewal of the book of business. 

It's wild

That is wild, especially in the Midwest.

I haven't owned a SF rental in several years, so my current experience is in the apartment space. We've had friends own properties in high risk areas (coasts / fire-prone areas).  They have been getting killed with increases of 400% or more.  In the Midwest our experience has been typically 10-20% increases.  We just got off the phone with our broker on a renewal and it is right in that range.