Not on my Side!

I am (was) planning on installing an Osburn 1600 freestanding woodstove in my family room as a supplemental heat source. Before doing any ordering or construction I thought it best to check with my home owner's insurance company, the agent I spoke to told me that they require a 36" clearance from any wall. Wall construction does not matter, combustible or non combustible. I was going to do the install myself, a non combustible wall made with artifical stone over cement board with a 1" airspace on a corner wall, a non combustible hearth with adequate clearance (18" in front of door, etc.), triple wall stove pipe chimney through the roof (cathedral ceiling kit) 18"-20" clearance on single wall stovepipe. I would place the stove further away than what the manufacturers suggested distance from a combustible wall is (15"rear, 17"side, 12"corner) just to be safe. The agent told me that this is their policy and cannot be changed, it doesn't matter what I build. I was also told that I could install the stove (per manufacturer's guidelines) but in case of a problem (fire) I may or not be covered. I know the easiest solution is to change insurance carriers but I would rather not do that if possible even though I hate their commercials with the guy walking around carrying a big blue telephone. Any suggestions on how to handle this, it's starting to get cold and oil prices keep going up.
jbwiz

I appreciate the advice. The consensus seems to be to change insurance companies. The agent is looking further into this and I should hear from her tomorrow. She told me that numerous policy holders have wood stoves that have less than the 36" clearance, when I asked if they are covered in case of a fire she was not sure... it would be determined at that time! Not to mention any names but the insurance company uses the slogan "on your side", is this an Ohio thing or do other "on your side" policy holders in other states have to abide by the same rule? Appreciate all the help and I will definitly try to educate them, I already printed an owners manual to show them along with the literature. Thanks
jbwiz

I had another discussion with my insurance agent. She talked to an inspector today. I am allowed to install the stove with an 18" clearance as long as I put up a steel or asbestos protective shield. I told her I understand the steel shield but I heard from somewhere that asbestos causes cancer so why would they recommend such a material and where can I get it. Her reply was that asbestos does cause cancer but if I looked around I should be able to find some! After a brief pause I then asked about a fireplace. I can put a fireplace in because it has an approved chimney. I next asked if this is a local or state regulation, I was informed that this is their national policy. She did however suggest I put in propane or gas logs because they actually provide more heat than any woodstove. I finally heard enough from this Einstein and was thanked by her for being a responsible homeowner by checking with them first. I realize not all their agents are like this but I would urge any homeowners that have insurance from "on your side" make sure they are covered in case of an incident with a wood stove. Time to go shopping.
jbwiz