homeowners insurance

[Lowtech]

I decided to put a wood stove in my fireplace, still to be picked out. But I was wondering if I needed to change my homeowners insurance policy to reflex the I have a wood stove.

Lowtech

 

[pen]

Yep, they need to know.

Is this a conventional fireplace or a pre-fab unit? Planning on putting a SS liner in?

Also, make sure you have enough hearth protection (follow the manual for whatever stove you choose) in front of the unit for safety (which the insurance company would require also)

Welcome to the site!

pen

 

[burnt03]

Depending on where you're at, they might have different requirements. For mine, I could have done a self install but they prefer to see it installed by a WETT certified tech. Even after that (submitting the signed work order, etc), I had to fill out a big questionnare noting measured clearances, how much I would be burning, etc etc and photos. Only ended up being $30 extra per year though, already saved that in heating bills!

 

[Lowtech]

The fireplace is some old type of maybe a homemade insert. The firebox is metal with a stone floor that comes out in to the room. I will try to post a few pictures. I would be interested in hearing what anyone can tell me about the set.

 

[rdust]

For mine it was easy, the house already had a natural fireplace in the Living room and the stove went in the family room. They just wanted to know the replacement value of the stove and if we had it inspected. They didn't need/want to send out their own people so it was painless.

 

[DanCorcoran]

I use USAA homeowner's insurance. When I called them, they said they didn't specifically need to know (for the cabin, not for my primary residence), but they'd make a note that I have one, just for grins. They said it didn't affect rates and no inspections or certificates were needed, nor are there any local (WV) regulations.

Needless to say, it was installed by local stove company using all new, quality materials and in accordance with stove manufacturer's recommendations.

 

[firefighterjake]

You need to call them . . . this may result in a change to the premium or none at all . . . they may want to send an agent to check things over, require a professional installation or not do anything except to note it in your policy.

 

[Elle]

I checked with my insurance company to make sure there are no issues. The only thing they require is that it is installed to manufacturer specifications for clearances and nothing more. My premiums will stay the same. HOWEVER...I had paneling in my house...I recently took all that off and put up drywall....they said that if I had paneling they might increase the premium but since I put the drywall up they will not... so take that for what it is worth. I could do it myself if I want and they don't need to check it. Of course I am having it professionally installed and I will take pics at every stage with a measuring tape just so they have proof that I met the clearances. That's just me being anal though....

 

[pen]

I will try to post a few pictures.

Look forward to seeing them. Having a couple sets of eyes check out the plans before inviting a live fire into a home is always a good idea.

For the best advice, since the discussion wouldn't be about insurance,start a new thread with any questions about a switch over that you have.

pen

 

[PLAYS WITH FIRE]

I called and told mine and said basically they will put a note in the my file and no increase:
insert
full masonry fireplace
no inspection
no increase

I feel much better knowing they know!