Insurance options after fire loss

[Daniel Weaver]

So I currently own two single family rental homes in Memphis, TN. One of my properties had a fire in the attic caused by an electrical short that somehow caused the gas line to the furnace to blow up.

Thankfully a passing neighbor called the fire department, they responded quickly, and put out the fire while confined to the attic. Best case scenario for the situation, it seems to me. However, as would be expected there were still major damages to the house - HVAC, hot water heater and roof were damaged by fire, the ceilings, walls and floors damaged by the water draining from the attic. So my policy with National Lloyds paid out the cap for fire damage in the policy, $79k. Then, as I suspected they would, they cancelled my policy. 

Not sure why they would cancel, since there was no blame assigned to anyone for the cause of the fire, and the home will have upgraded electrical, HVAC, roof etc. so theoretically should be much lower risk now on several fronts, but I expected the cancellation anyway knowing how much insurance companies don't like to pay out. They're taking their marbles and going to play elsewhere I guess.

I've emailed my current agent to ask for options on getting new insurance, but thought I would ask here as well. How easily will I be able to find an insurance company to insure the home right after a $79k loss?

Relatedly, since the cancellation date given is sooner than repairs are likely to be finished, will I need a builders policy or vacant house policy temporarily until the house is repaired and re-rented?

[Jason Bott]

@Daniel Weaver you will need to get a builders risk/vacant policy depending on the amount of repairs left to do.

You can find insurance after the claim, just not as competativly priced.