I recently got a call from my agent saying there was an inspection of my newly purchased home and they reported “undisclosed dogs” on my property. Now they want pictures and my rate will go up.
My agent didn’t ask about pets on the property when I was looking for a policy. Undisclosed makes it sounds like i was trying to hide that fact. I would have gladly told them about the dogs if I knew.
Is it an agent’s responsibility to ask their client about dogs or any other factors that could affect your coverage before it’s purchased? Or did I miss something?
I was asked about my dogs after I already purchased home owner coverage?
byu/NoTheStupidOne inInsurance
Posted by NoTheStupidOne
2 Comments
Yeah your agent didn’t ask the underwriting questions and the inspection caught it lol
Check the emails your agent sent you. Somewhere along the line, you had to sign (or esign) an application. While your agent likely filled out that application for you based on what you told them, you’re still on the hook for any falsehoods or omissions, and somewhere on that application was a question about pets (or at least about dogs). The agent should have asked directly, and maybe they didn’t, but that doesn’t absolve you of responsibility.
It’s important to understand that the agent represents the insurance company, not you. They cannot make representations on your behalf. That doesn’t make them adversaries, but it’s good to know that they’re not your advocate either when push comes to shove.