If you’re a Connecticut homeowner, don’t be surprised if your next home insurance renewal letter looks different — or doesn’t come at all.
According to The New Haven Register, roughly 14,400 homeowners across the state received non-renewal notices in 2023, marking a staggering 45% increase over the previous year. What once seemed like a coastal issue is now reaching homes well inland. The shift has left many homeowners scrambling to find alternative coverage — often at significantly higher premiums.
This growing trend raises urgent questions: Why is this happening? What can homeowners do? And how do you stay ahead of the curve before you're forced to react?
Let’s break it down.
❗Why Are Insurance Companies Dropping Connecticut Homeowners?
Insurance carriers are reassessing risk across the Northeast — and unfortunately, that reassessment is increasingly landing on the backs of homeowners.
Here are some of the key drivers:
🌪️ More Frequent and Severe Weather
Even though Connecticut isn’t hurricane-prone like Florida or wildfire-prone like California, we’re still seeing a sharp uptick in weather-related claims. Windstorms, flooding from heavy rain events, and even tornadoes are pushing insurers to rethink how they price — and whom they insure.
🧾 The Cost to Rebuild Keeps Rising
Materials and labor costs have skyrocketed due to supply chain challenges, tariffs, and inflation. The average cost to rebuild a home today is far higher than it was even two years ago. This makes every claim more expensive — and every policy more risky.
⚖️ Insurers Managing Portfolio Risk
Some carriers aren’t reacting to your specific home — they’re managing exposure across an entire region. That means even if you haven’t filed a claim or live in a low-risk town, you could be caught in a broader underwriting shift.
✅ What Can Homeowners Do to Protect Themselves?
If you’re a homeowner in Connecticut, here are six proven strategies to help you avoid being dropped — or at the very least, mitigate the damage.
🧱 1. Implement Risk-Reducing Home Improvements
Insurance companies reward homes that are built or retrofitted to better withstand damage. Some of the most impactful upgrades include:
Reinforced roofing
Storm shutters or impact-resistant windows
Gutter guards and water management systems
Sump pumps and backflow valves
Upgraded electrical or plumbing systems
Many of these improvements can qualify you for discounts — but more importantly, they lower the risk that your policy will be flagged for non-renewal.
🔧 2. Upgrade Your Home’s Risk Profile
Even if you're not planning major renovations, small improvements can still make a big impact:
Trim overhanging tree branches
Replace aging roof shingles
Seal foundation cracks
Install smart home safety tech like leak detectors, monitored smoke alarms, or security cameras
These upgrades not only reduce claim risk — they demonstrate to your insurer that you’re a proactive, low-risk policyholder.
💼 3. Bundle with Auto or Other Policies
Many insurers offer discounted rates — and better retention odds — if you bundle your home, auto, and umbrella policies with them. More importantly, bundling builds loyalty. If your carrier needs to make cuts, long-term bundled customers may stand a better chance of staying covered.
🛒 4. Shop Around Before Renewal
Don’t wait until you receive a cancellation notice. Get ahead of it:
Start shopping for new policies 3–4 months in advance
Work with an independent insurance agent who can access multiple carriers
Ask specifically which companies are still writing policies in your ZIP code
The earlier you start, the more leverage you’ll have.
📊 5. Maintain a Strong Insurance Record
Multiple small claims over time can be more damaging to your record than one large one. If the repair cost is within your means, consider paying out-of-pocket to preserve your claim history.
The cleaner your record, the more attractive you are to your current (or future) insurer.
🧐 6. Ask About Underwriting Criteria
If you’ve been dropped — or fear you might be — don’t be afraid to ask why. Understanding what triggered the decision can be key to fixing the issue.
Was it the roof? Proximity to water? Tree coverage? If it's something you can address, you may be able to:
Request a reinspection
Get reinstated
Or find a new policy with a different carrier using that information to your advantage
📚 Stay Informed — Before You’re in a Bind
The best defense is being informed before your options shrink. As the insurance market evolves, we'll continue to track trends, and break down what it all means for you as a homeowner — not just a buyer or seller.
That’s why we encourage you to subscribe to our blog and podcast. Whether you're staying in your home for the next five years or getting ready to sell, being informed is your best insurance policy.
🏠 Final Thoughts
The current wave of non-renewals in Connecticut is more than just an inconvenience — it’s a signal that the landscape of homeownership is changing. But with the right knowledge and proactive strategies, you can protect your home, your finances, and your peace of mind.
Got questions about your own policy situation? Or want help understanding how to prepare your home for the next renewal cycle? Reach out — we’ve got insurance professionals that are here to help you navigate it all.
