Insuring a Log Home

Q: We cannot find an insurance company to cover our log home. Any ideas? The minute we say “log” they say “no.” — Cindy Smith, via e-mail  

A: We’re sorry you’re running into this frustrating problem. First, try a larger, well-known insurance agency, such as GEICO, Allstate, State Farm, AARP, or American Family. These companies may not insure log homes in all the states they offer coverage in, but they do carry log home insurance. GEICO sales agent Teresa Skinner says unless a log home is in disrepair they will almost always insure it, no matter where the house is located.

According to the Log Home Agency, the problem with finding insurance for a log home is often an employee issue, not an agency issue. Writing the policy to insure a log home takes extra time and effort; in some instances, it simply might be that the agent you spoke to doesn’t want to deal with the additional work.

American Family agent Brian Berrini agrees with the Log Home Agency. He notes that there are, however, individual agencies that won’t insure log homes because it’s “difficult to determine the replacement costs” on these homes.

Other agencies, he adds, will only offer policies to homeowners whose homes are made of professionally cut (or manufactured) logs.

The Log Home Agency also suggests contacting an independent agent. Since independent agents work for homeowners, instead of working for a particular insurance company, they’ll usually be able to find a policy that works.