Increased Number of Carriers Halting Certain Lines

Over the past few months, some insurers have pulled back from writing certain lines of business in certain states due to increased hazards and increased construction costs. Both State Farm and Allstate quit writing new business in California. Farmers has also announced it is limiting new homeowners in policies in California and will stop writing new and will nonrenew Farmers-branded auto, home, and umbrella policies in Florida as well. Farmers made an attempt to nonrenew thousands of homeowners policies in Georgia if a roof was over 15 years old, but it rescinded those nonrenewal notices when the attempt was brought to the attention of the insurance department. The department immediately ordered Farmers to reverse those nonrenewals as they violated state regulations. Georgia’s insurance commissioner is considering disciplinary actions against the company as well. Companies are only allowed to change underwriting guidelines for new properties and cannot nonrenew existing customers under new guidelines.

Now, Liberty Mutual has joined the group by announcing it will cease writing new or renewing existing businessowners policies in California in the fourth quarter of 2023. New business will cease to be offered in October, and nonrenewals will begin in December.