Eligibility Guidelines

Subject Dwelling Property Form 1 Dwelling Property Form 2 Dwelling Property Form 3 DP2-Special (Condo Units Only)
Accessibility / Unique Location A home not accessible year round, located on island/ remote mountain or other unique locations, contact Underwriting for approval.
Animals - Dogs Ineligible dog breeds: Bandogs, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chows, Akitas, Pit Bulls, Staffordshire terriers, American Pitbull Terriers, Presa Canarios, Wolves, Wolf Hybrids, and Dog Teams. Dogs with bite and / or aggressive behavior are ineligible.
Animals - Maximum Number

Prior approval needed by Underwriting if:

  • More than five animals of any kind or combination
  • Three dogs
  • Two horses
Animals - Other
  • Contact Underwriting for horses, llamas, livestock, or similar animals.
  • Chickens are permitted if no selling / distribution of eggs and no heated coop within 50 feet of dwelling.
  • Cats and other small house pets are eligible.
  • Contact Underwriting for unusual pets, such as ferrets and potbelly pigs.
Business on Premises Underwriting approval required prior to binding. Properties with business operations in detacted structures are ineligible.
Construction Underwriting approval required if DP 3 requirements are not met. Dome, Earth, manufactured, mobile, straw, hand-hewn log construction are ineligible. Not Applicable
Coverage A - Maximum $800,000 Contact Underwriting over $800,000 $300,000
Coverage A - Minimum Under $75,000, refer to Underwriter prior to binding. Not Applicable
Coverage C Contact Underwriting over $500,000.
Day Care Ineligible
Deductible-Base Base deductibles available: $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000. Percent options are available.
Electrical Amperage Underwriting approval required if DP 3 requirements are not met. 60 amps ineligible, 100 amps minimum.
Electrical Service Underwriting approval required if DP 3 requirements are not met.
  • Electrical systems should be free of knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring, and provide the service level and materials to meet the demands of the house size and technology / electrical appliances.
  • Homes built prior to 1960: the electrical systems (all wiring, connectors, fasteners, and service panels) replaced with modern materials. Suitable documentation must be provided.
Exterior Wall Covering Synthetic stucco (EFIS) and plywood are ineligible. Not Applicable
Farming Ineligible Not Applicable
Fire Protection

Underwriting approval required if:

  • Homes are over 10 miles
  • Property is not accessible year-round
  • Homes are located on islands without fire protection
Foundations
  • Concrete block, stone, slab, or masonry-enclosed foundations are acceptable.
  • Pier and post is eligible.
  • All other foundation types, Underwriting approval is required.
 Not Applicable
Heating Underwriting approval required if
DP 3 requirements are not met.
  • Central heat required.
  • Furnace / boiler must be 30 years old or newer.
  • Homes built prior to 1960 will need suitable documentation of last replacement.
  • Fuel storage tank above ground for oil heating require Underwriting approval.
  • Wood, kerosene, and solar heating require Underwriting approval.
 Not Applicable
Heating - Solid Fuel Burning Devices Underwriting approval required if DP 3 requirements are not met.

UL-approved units and fireplace inserts may be acceptable if professionally installed with proper clearances meeting manufacturer's installation requirements. Fireplace inserts require a continuous fuel from the insert to the top of the chimney. Submit the solid flue questionnaire and photo; prior approval is required. Solid fuel devices include wood, corn, and pellet stoves.

  • Barrel stoves, Franklin stoves, and homemade stoves are ineligible.
  • Exterior stovepipes are ineligible.
  • Woodburning furnaces refer to Underwriting.
  • Outdoor wood burning unit may be acceptable, minimum 40 feet from any dwelling.
  • Units used as primary heat source require prior Underwriting approval.
  • Units in garages and detached structures require prior Underwriting approval.
  • Surcharge applied to solid fuel burning units.
Mono-line Dwelling Property Contact Underwriting for rental or seasonal risks without supporting owner-occupied business.
Occupancy
  • One-to-four family
  • Owner or tenant occupied. Refer to Underwriter if LLC.
  • Ineligible if vacant or unoccupied.
  • Short-term, nightly, or Airbnb rentals are ineligible.
  • Student housing is ineligible.
Plumbing Underwriting approval required if DP 3 requirements are not met.
  • Plumbing systems must be well maintained and free of leaks.
  • Galvanized pipes, refer to Underwriting.
  • Homes built prior to 1960: the plubming systems must be mostly copper / PVC and free of leaks. Suitable documentation must be provided.
Prior Insurance Continuous coverage for a minimum of one year with no lapse is required. Prior cancellation, nonrenewal, or impending nonrenewal is ineligible.
Rental Dwelling Tenant occupied dwellings that meet Underwriting criteria can be acceptable with supporting coverage of the primary residence; contact Underwriting if no supporting coverage.
Rental Unit Maximum Five units (a duplex counts as two units)
Risks within 50 feet of Brush Refer to Underwriting.
Roof Condition / Age Underwriting approval required if DP 3 requirements are not met.
  • 20 year old and newer or lifetime roof surface such as tile, slate, and metal.
  • All roofs must be in good condition and free of curling or otherwise deteriorating components.
 Not Applicable
Roof Type Underwriting approval required if DP 3 requirements are not met.
  • Tin, rubber membrane, tar and gravel, or rolled roofs are ineligible.
  • Flat roofs over living areas are ineligible.
 Not Applicable
Seasonal Homes Seasonal homes that meet Underwriting eligiblity guidelines are acceptable with supporting coverage of the primary residence. Unsupported seasonal residences may be considered with prior Underwriting approval.
Swimming Pools

If adding liability to exterior pool, the following is required for all forms.

  • Six foot self-latching fence required.
  • Slides and diving boards over sufficient water depth are eligible.
  • Above ground pools without a fenced yard may be eligible if enclosed by deck around pool with a locked gate or additional fence / guard around pool. Ladders must swing up and lock.
  • Indoor swimming pool requires Underwriting approval.
 Not Applicable
Trampolines

If adding liability, the following is required for all forms.

  • Trampolines may be eligible with full safety netting and staken to the ground.
  • Surcharge will apply. Exclusion is also available.
 Not Applicable
Units / Families No more than four units or four families in one structure.
Wind / Hail Deductible Available with deductible options starting at $1,000.
Wood Burning Devices Underwriting approval required if DP 3 requirements are not met.

UL-approved units and fireplace inserts may be acceptable if professionally installed with proper clearances meeting manufacturer's installation requirements. Fireplace inserts require a continuous flue from the insert to the top of the chimney. Submit the solid fuel questionnaire and photo.

  • Barrel stoves, Franklin stoves, and homemade stoves are ineligible.
  • Exterior stovepipes are ineligible.
  • Woodburning furnaces refer to Underwriting.
  • Outdoor wood burning unit may be acceptable, minimum 40 feet from any dwelling.
  • Units used as primary heat source require prior Underwriting approval.
  • Units in garages and detached structures require prior Underwriting approval.
  • Surcharge applied to wood burning units.
Year of Construction
  • Homes over 100 years old require Underwriter approval prior to binding.
  • Homes on a historical registry are ineligible.
 Not Applicable