Insurance questions....

Dgopetactical said:

I have Erie insurance, when I installed the stove I notified them, they just wanted to know make and model / purchase price, they did not ask for permits or inspection. I told them that I installed it myself and went by manufacturer specs. The only thing they were concerned with is that this was not my MAIN heat source. You always say no.

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Same company. Same experience.

Then... I was emailed pictures of tree limbs next to the house (they said to cut) and a porch light (they didn't like the wiring). But nothing about the stove. The model is listed on the poilicy mext to ul approved (or whatever that designation is).

I would call the county and ask if a permit is needed, the place that installed mine said no but one was needed. I had to get them to get a permit after the install and was told I was not to use it until I had a permit. The installer could self-certify it so no inspection was needed. The bad thing was the county was going to fine me if I did not get the permit in a certain time.

Don't sweat the permit......if they make you get one so be it... and it looks like its been burned,, it was a test run...

MarkSJohnson said:

Thanks Swalz...... for making me nervous!!

I called the fire department today, but the guy that I need to speak to was out. My wife called our insurance company, and they're sending a simple form for us to fill out so they have it on file.

I really hope there is no fine. I know I asked one of the the installers that I was looking at whether a permit was needed, but I can't say whether it's the guys that I chose to do the install. So I really have no recourse with the installers. And, I'm afraid, I'll be told that ultimately it was my responsibility.

It sucks because I was trying to do everything the right way.

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Seriously doubt you'd have recourse against anybody unless they specifically said "No permit is needed" and you have it in writing. No matter what, it is your "fault". It's your house so you have to do diligence. All legit contractors I've used have written on their paperwork who is responsible for permits. Given that, just read your manual and see if it was installed by it. I think you are worrying for nothing.

How much is the permit?

How much time do you have from install to inspection before a fine? Just go to the installer and ask him if he is sure maybe he didn't forget to turn a screw and have him write a new receipt for a date that gets you out of a fine and call it even.

You're good. It's just the wait and the unknown bothering you. Don't sweat it and think of the savings.

After we completed our own stove and pipe installation, we called the insurance company to set up an appt. for the inspector to come and inspect it. I had to work so my wife had to be home to meet with him. He thanked her for the specifications booklet and pipe pamphlet that we had laid out on the coffee table for him. He thought it was very organized. The only question she couldn`t answer was how many bags we use per year as we just bought the stove this spring. He took pictures of the stove, pipe and spec page with the clearances. He asked her a few questions, went outside and took pictures of the pipe above the roof line and said goodbye. She was sure he was going to pick it apart but instead was very pleasant. Now we can burn with a clear conscience!

I am in NH. I checked with code enforcement, fire department and insurance. The insurance was fine as long as Fire Department signed off on install. Insurance company also wanted to make sure it was not the "primary" heat, so if the stove went out we would still have heat. Other than that no surcharge or extra form or inspection. I am still in the process of getting the install accomplished. Waiting to get some parts for piping.