What to do after a home insurance nonrenewal notice
A nonrenewal notice means your insurer will not offer a new term, but your current coverage stays in force until the expiration date on the notice. Use that time to find the reason, tell your mortgage servicer, gather your roof and claims records, and get quotes from an independent broker before the policy ends.
Your deadline is the policy expiration date, not the date on the letter. State notice periods vary, and in some states they are as short as 30 days. Count the days you have left today.
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- Write down the expiration date and the reason printed on the notice.
- Ask the insurer in writing for the specific reason if the notice is vague. Many states require an answer.
- Call your mortgage servicer and tell them you are replacing coverage.
- Gather your declarations page, roof age proof and claims history.
- Get quotes from an independent broker who can shop several carriers.
- Ask about your state last-resort or surplus-lines options if standard carriers decline.
Step 1: Read the notice for two things
Every nonrenewal notice should show the date your coverage ends and a reason. The date sets your clock. The reason tells you whether the problem is your home (roof, trees, condition), your claims history, or the insurer pulling back from your area. Our notice decoder explains the most common reason codes in plain English.
Step 2: Protect your mortgage
If you have a mortgage, your loan almost certainly requires hazard insurance. If your policy lapses, your servicer can buy force-placed insurance and charge you for it. Federal rules require warning letters first, but the simplest protection is to call your servicer early and send proof of new coverage as soon as you have it.
Step 3: Fix what you can
If the reason is condition based, such as roof age, overhanging branches or debris, a repair with dated photos and receipts can open doors with other carriers. See our roof-age guide before you replace a roof only for insurance.
Step 4: Shop with an independent broker
A captive agent can only offer one company. An independent broker can quote several admitted carriers, and if they all decline, surplus-lines carriers or your state's FAIR plan where one exists. Utah, for example, has no FAIR plan. Check your state's rules.
Step 5: Compare the new price fairly
A replacement policy may cost more. Use the premium increase calculator to see the change in dollars, percent and per month, and compare deductibles and exclusions, not just price.
Related guides
Editorial standards: written from state insurance department rules and statutes, cited on each page
Last updated November 3, 2026 · Rules change often; we update state pages monthly.
FAQ
Can my insurance company refuse to renew my homeowners policy?
Yes. Insurers can choose not to renew a policy at the end of its term, but state law sets how much notice they must give and often requires a reason. Check your state insurance department if the notice seems late or vague.
How long do I have to find new insurance after a nonrenewal?
Until the expiration date on your notice. The notice period depends on your state and can be as short as 30 days, so start shopping right away.
Does a nonrenewal go on my record?
New insurers often ask whether you have been nonrenewed or canceled. Answer honestly and be ready to explain the reason, especially if it was area-wide and not about your home.