Can an insurance agency change a policy without notifying you?
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Can an insurance agency change a policy without notifying you?
Due to the recent flooding my house had flood damage and insurance is now
saying that I never had that coverage, even though when we established the
insurance we had possible flood/sewage backup. They are refusing to take any
steps to help and are putting the blame on city utilities.
Asked on November 29, 2017 under Insurance Law, Tennessee
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
No, neither the insurance agent nor the insurer itself can change a policy without your consent: an insurance policy is a contract, and like any other contract, all parties to it must agree or consent to any change. If you believe you can prove that you had insurance coverage (e.g a copy of a policy or declarations page with it; proof of payment for such coverage; etc.), you could sue the insurer for breach of contract: for not honoring their obligation to pay a claim covered under the policy.
Or if you told an independent insurance agent or broker (if you used one) to get you flood coverage and they indicated they would but in fact did not, you may be able to sue the agent/broker for professional negligence for carelessly failing to do so, and/or for fraud for lying about what they could or would do.
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