[rentmyhouse]

I had been with Alfa for about 20 years for my homeowners insurance when they suddenly and for no valid reason jacked the rates by about 30%. This included my personal residence as well as 3 rental properties I own.
I spoke to my agent and he assured me that if I would switch my auto insurance (with Geico now) he could help me with the increase. I have two younger drivers on my policy and I wasn't about to raise all those red flags, so I decided to shop for other homeowners insurance.
After several quotes I decided to go with a company called Cincinnati for all my homeowers policies and was delighted with a reduction in my rates on all my properties.

Here is where it gets interesting. All this took place in December of 2009 and my previous Alfa policies have all been cancelled.

Now, after seeing almost every neighbor on my block have their roofs replaced with either full or pro-rated help from their insurance companies due to a large hail storm, I realize I should have tried to get Alfa to help before the policy was cancelled by me. I don't feel I should try and get a company I've only been with for a couple of months to help since they were not my provider at the time of the hail storm.

The hail storm occurred in April 2009 according to the roofing contractors canvassing our area looking for insurance backed roof replacement work, and being very successful I might add.

Finally, my question is can I still file a hail damage claim with Alfa for the hail storm that occurred in April of 2009 when they were my provider even though they were cancelled in December of 2009 or is this just a case of bad timing on my part?

[nikosmom]

The customary cutoff for many companies to file a claim is a year. Just call Alfa and see what they say; you don't have anything to lose at this point. I'm not familiar with this company but each company governs the time that you are allowed to file old claims.

Just know that the more time that has passed since a loss (whether it's storm damage or theft), the more difficult it is for you to prove your case. Plus, even if they are willing to take the claim, you're looking at recovering less because the damage was exacerbated by you waiting so long.


You can not file a claim with Cincinnati because they were not your insurance provider at the time of the storm.

[ballengerb1]

I agree, contact Alfa and point out the hidden aspect of roof hail damage. They will likely show other clients had claims after that April storm too. We hail very damaging hail and you had to actually get on the roof and inspect from about 1' above the shingles to see the small cracks and dents.

[jhicks278]

Update- Alfa paid this claim in full as they should have. No problems and thanks to those who answered the question for me.