Ballwin, MO asked in Insurance Defense for Missouri

Q: Homeowners insurance

If I’m the legal owner of a house and the property it sits on ( warranty deed in my name, no liens) can someone else get a insurance policy in there name on my property?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: It’s definitely an unusual situation. Typically, homeowners insurance is something the legal owner of the property would take out, since the purpose of the insurance is to protect the homeowner’s investment in the house and property. If you’re the legal owner, you should be the one holding the policy.

Someone else trying to get a policy on your property in their name could raise red flags because, generally speaking, the person who holds the insurance policy needs to have an "insurable interest" in the property. That means they need to have some kind of financial stake in it—like owning it, having a mortgage on it, or being a renter who insures their belongings.

If someone else is getting an insurance policy on your house without your permission, it’s worth investigating further. You may want to check with the insurance company to clarify what’s going on and, if needed, reach out to someone who can help you figure out if this is allowed or if any steps should be taken to protect your interests.

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