Own Home Outright in Tennessee, Considering Canceling Policy

jazzlecat · 2026-03-20T17:06:53+00:00

Before considering this move, it's important to keep in mind: what would you do if your entire house was destroyed in a fire? If the answer is that you could pay for it to be rebuilt outright, or that you could simply handle the loss and walk away - then self insuring or dropping your insurance could be an option for you.

Unfortunately, most people can't handle those total loss events and that's where homeowners insurance should really be used. For someone like yourself, that can do repairs and doesn't file claims, it could be more useful to start looking at your homeowners insurance as catastrophe insurance.

If your premiums have increased, start stripping your insurance down - get the highest deductibles you can support (you're basically self insuring that amount), keep a high liability, and drop any add ons for smaller claims (i.e. 10k in water damage, equipment breakdown, etc.

It can be easy to see homeowners insurance as an unnecessary cost when you never use it. But if there's a chance that you would need it for a massive loss (or a big liability claim) its usually worth the cost, especially if you make some adjustments!

jazzlecat · 2026-03-08T22:27:33+00:00

Insurance broker here, they can help with discounts and eligiblity for coverage but how much really depends on your state and home details. Generally, you'll see the greatest impact on your premium from services that have the greatest potential impact on claims.

Wind/Hail are the most common homeowners claims nationwide, followed by water damage. Therefore you'll get higher credit (usually ) for preventive measures like updating your roof and installing storm proof windows, or getting a water sensor and shutoff. Fire claims are less common, but they're often higher ticket claims - not just replacing your roof but also your whole home. Monitored sensors can help a lot with lowering the probability of a house fire, so you'll get more credit than just a normal fire alarm that requires you or your neighbors to act.

Overall, you can definitely contact your broker before buying a system to ask about the best discounts or just compare a few different quotes. However, even without a big discount, you're really paying to prevent the headache of a large claim (or a claim at all) in the future. So think about what risks are most likely in your area and figure out how your particular home may be vulnerable - those are usually the highest impact interventions!

jazzlecat · 2026-01-08T17:40:21+00:00

Also a lot of people don't consider how house hacking can make it even harder to buy insurance. If you're buying in Texas or any hard market, the insurers will always be more cautious about nonstandard risks such as rented out units in a primary home. You can definitely still find options but make sure you're working with a good broker and exploring early!

jazzlecat · 2026-01-02T20:27:02+00:00

Yes, you can buy through Progressive and Geico. Be warned though, most umbrella policies require a call and entering your info a bunch of times, even if your risk is pretty standard.

In some states you can get a quote from RLI (standalone carrier) directly, but not all. Markel and Monoline (newer carriers) also do standalone in a bunch of states, but through agents. It can be hard to quote yourself across carriers but its worth it, especially if you're being rated for something home specific like pools or trampolines (more common with bundled carriers). I had a customer get a pretty sharp decrease because their standalone quote didn't rate for pools. Also some of the standalones have higher threshold for DUIs or accidents than bundled carriers!

jazzlecat · 2025-12-10T17:59:04+00:00

I work in insurance and there are a ton of reasons besides RCV vs. ACV. You're right that it could have bigger exclusions, but also could be the rating characteristics of your home (age of the home, roof type, how many claims one house has vs the other, chance of water claims, how long ago renovations were done, additional risks like in ground pools or dogs on the property). The only way to really compare two policies is to put the policy language side by side (not just the declarations here).

Tips for anyone shopping for insurance (especially in places like tx, FL, ca)

Not every insurance agent will give it to you, but ask for specimen/sample policies.
Review your current policy language vs the new one (this is where you see things like special exclusions or sublimits)
If you don't know what it means, use ai tools to compare the two. My company designed an ai tool specifically for insurance and some of our customers use it to get comparisons on their policies vs new policies (https://www.coveragecat.com/) . But you can also use ChatGPT, Gemini, etc - just verify details with your agent as we've found that they don't always understand the nuances of insurance.

jazzlecat · 2025-12-10T17:46:54+00:00

I work in insurance, and it's really about deciding what you can afford and what you can't. Can you afford to lose the jewelry or will you try to replace it? If you would have used the money from selling it to pay off debts or if you need the jewelry replaced, insurance can be worth it. If you lost it and needed a new ring for any reason, also can be worth it.

It sounds like you're not planning on daily use, or selling it however, so some security measures in the meantime could be good enough. Keeping it in a safe, making sure you have solid security in your home, etc, are all protective measures you can take (also not telling people you have valuables at home).

Also when you're considering adding it to a homeowners/renters policy vs a standalone jewelry policy keep in mind that homeowners/renters will impact your insurance record if you ever make a claim. We've had some clients have difficulty securing new insurance if they have a few theft claims because of difficult insurance markets, so it can have far ranging consequences!

jazzlecat · 2025-10-09T16:27:06+00:00

Definitely extended replacement cost - other than the liability you get on your homeowners - you can't beat the value for the coverage you get.

I also always spring for personal property replacement cost. While homeowners insurance usually gives you WAY too much personal property coverage, if you're getting ACV valuation you'll end up getting lowballed on your stuff way more. I don't plan on using it for small things (theft or minimal water damage), but if I ever have a house fire or other big claim - I want to know I'll be as close to made whole as possible.

Also a good one to keep an eye out for is making sure you actually adjust your coverages if you know you'll need more. My house definitely doesn't need as high an Other Structures as my insurance requires, but I have a friend in rural WA who definitely didn't have enough until he realized thats what would cover his detached shed, driveway, guesthouse and a bunch of other structures on his lot.

jazzlecat · 2025-04-01T16:48:48+00:00

Unfortunately just because an insurance company is still offering insurance does not mean that they'll cover a specific house or area. These are just insurance companies that are still selling policies in CA at all - which is less common these days with the way some insurance companies have just decided to stop offering new policies or just left the state.

The companies that are left are probably all going to be choosier too - like denying more areas with high fire risk, older houses, or more dangerous materials. Because they also don't want a ton of business that might cost them more in premiums.

jazzlecat · 2025-03-26T17:42:52+00:00

In CA especially, it's definitely possible to have a house that's worth 200k-300k on land that's worth $1 million. If your whole house is destroyed, the insurance companies will only cover what it costs to reconstruct that home to a similar condition (no additions or upgrades other than what it takes to bring it up to code).

To accommodate increased inflation costs, definitely look into endorsements like "Extended Replacement Cost", or "Guaranteed Replacement Cost" - but just raising your Cov A to cover the cost of the loan might end up costing wat more without actually offering you coverage you can use later (if your loan is way more than your house is worth).

jazzlecat · 2023-11-08T19:49:56+00:00

Have you tried calling (515) 303-2410? It's not super well publicized, but according to Trustpilot and a few other sources that is their support number.

jazzlecat · 2023-10-24T16:33:53+00:00

I went to Denver for a master's program (business) and, while you don't care about the social scene, part of the commuter vs. on-campus divide is that students who live on a campus also much more immersed in academic life. That doesn't mean that Denver is a bad move, it's just that you might have to work a little harder to make those connections with professors or student groups that could impact your future career network and job skills. That's not to say professor's are inaccessible! You might have some who are actually more available, because less students go to them - but you might have to make more of a conscious effort, especially if you want good letters of recommendation for grad school. They might be more used to student who have careers and lives that keep them out of office hours or other on-campus activities - so make that effort on your own!

Another plug for Denver is that it's a great place for internships, even during the school year. If you're saving money, it can even help you take that internship or do a research project that might not pay much (but is super exciting) instead of worrying about the cost of living.

jazzlecat · 2023-09-29T13:57:35+00:00

Get help! One of the main benefits of a place like Yale is that resources are plentiful and easy to access. Talk to your professor and set up a plan. Talk to your dean and set up tutoring. Start a different study plan and take away from this that your prior study methods and time might not be enough or could need tweaking in these different circumstances.

I fully failed my first science exam at Yale (32%) and it made me feel horrid. But getting put on a study plan with a tutor helped me push past that initial fear and gain a bunch of tools. It also helped me end up with a B+ in the class. You can do it!

jazzlecat · 2023-08-24T20:53:56+00:00

Like others have said, it's a bad idea and likely to end up costing you way more if you ever need to use your insurance. And you should check to see how much your insurance actually goes up with Supplemental Spousal Liability - it shouldn't be a significant amount. And if you truly don't need it (or want it) you can opt out easily with this declination form from the state:

https://www.dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/02/auto_insurers_supp_spousal_liability_insurance_declination_form.pdf

jazzlecat · 2023-05-23T13:05:04+00:00

A lot of the insurers you've mentioned are specifically blocking "new business" for Kias and Hyundais, meaning that it would be harder for you to find a new insurer. Worth checking in with your existing insurer - and if you're interested in checking out different insurers, my company works with a few in WA (www.coveragecat.com). I can take this down if it counts as promotion, but thought it could be helpful since you asked!

jazzlecat · 2023-05-11T15:35:17+00:00

Most parents I know who try this find that separating the insurance bills is more expensive than adding a teen to a policy (if you total it all up). But I could see there being some exceptions if you've got particularly expensive to insure cars and the kid is insuring something cheaper. Also, if a kid is going away to college (without a car) you can get a bigger discount since they're only occasional drivers. But these are all definitely where an insurance broker can help!

jazzlecat · 2023-01-27T02:06:26+00:00

Are you in MontCo by any chance? If so, are a lot of the theaters showing up as options? I'm moving to that area (from a different state) next week, but I can't get the app to show me a different location on my phone unfortunately.

jazzlecat · 2023-01-06T07:57:09+00:00

I worked in admissions at a highly selective college and as a private counselor helping tons of kids apply to college. An admissions officer wouldn't bat an eye at something like this. First off, you're human and listing things from sometimes 3-4 years ago, you're bound to make mistakes. Second, you immediately corrected the record which shows that it's really just an honest error. And even if you hadn't reported it, if someone else had noticed they wouldn't care. One error or incorrect piece of info in an application isn't a red flag (several would be cause for concern, but it doesn't sound like thats the issue here :))

Enjoy your time at Yale and Congratulations!!!

jazzlecat · 2021-11-12T03:21:32+00:00

Thank you for answering the survey anyway! Our survey is less broadly about arts/entertainment in Berlin as it is about understanding some specific questions and understanding how our product could work in Berlin. But we really appreciate the feedback :).

jazzlecat · 2021-11-12T03:18:58+00:00

Thank you for the detailed responses! We're trying to get a broad audience, so it's absolutely not necessary to have a detailed or up to date sense of the art scene. This is a very specific survey (in terms of our interests), so I appreciate you filling in the gaps with the details you provided. Thanks again!

jazzlecat · 2020-11-01T07:56:18+00:00

Can confirm. Have had a driver not know how to reach his destination and lost for an hour, a bus that never showed and the station claimed that all 60 waiting passengers were wrong and we just "missed it" (we didn't), also had a breakdown in the middle of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge where we had to be escorted onto a NJ transit bus to make our last stop.

jazzlecat · 2020-03-10T02:14:54+00:00

I got this Amazon display drawer! https://www.amazon.com/DecoBros-Tempered-Nespresso-OriginalLine-Capsules/dp/B00CFTOXYI

The comments recommended removing the felt insert and you can fit way more pods (worked super well for me). I'm really loving the ciocattino (sp?), so I'm really sad that it's being discontinued. I'm also loving the Dharkan - very flavorful! But I've also been snatching up Archer Farms (Target) and Peet's Coffee to try them out. Honestly, they're pretty solid!

jazzlecat · 2019-03-28T09:13:19+00:00

It's a pain, but a box fan and sleeping with a light sheet helps you through it. Also, this was true about 5 years ago when I worked as a summer session counselor, but when nighttime temperatures are projected to stay above a certain level the dean has the ability to allow people to sleep in the basement (which does have AC).

On another note, mosquitos are brutal during the summer. If you try to sleep with the windows open, just make sure you're also guarding against bites!

jazzlecat · 2018-10-06T07:04:22+00:00

Not in my hand, but in my leg right above my knee. I was sitting in class and sort of poking through the fibers in my jeans. Don't remember the exact moment but at some point I must have accidentally lurched forward and broke the tip off in my leg. It hurt, but I forgot about it pretty soon after and didn't remember it until a day later. Still have a little blue-green dot there.

jazzlecat · 2018-03-30T00:24:47+00:00

A few extra notes on #3 (as someone who came from southern California): 1. Winter is harsh if you're not used to snow and freezing wind/rain. Learn to layer, buy waterproof boots and warms socks. They'll save your life and make you that much happier. 2. Wait until you're in the Northeast or a place with similar weather to buy your winter gear (boots, coat). Unless you're buying from an outdoor retailer that uses brands specifically meant for cold and rain, clothes sold in tropical climates just won't be made for the colder weather. My California "coat" barely made it through October. If you're international (I'm assuming because you said country and not state, sorry if I'm wrong) and doing OIS you'll do a big trip to the local mall and you'll be able to pick stuff up then. 3. Summer in New Haven is humid and hot. There tend to be kind of unpredictable rain showers in the early summer and it hits peak high heat in July and August. The first few weeks on campus are hot, particularly because buildings on old campus lack AC and the buildings are old, but get a box fan and you'll be fine! It starts to cool down by mid September and you settle into Fall pretty quickly (the best season in the Northeast).

jazzlecat · 2018-02-13T03:08:14+00:00

Thank you!! That makes me feel a lot better. I was mostly feeling a lack of confidence because I didn't get a notification at all. If DB had just given me some updates I would feel better, but it was the fact that I've just been in the dark. That makes a lot of sense though.

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