Purchasing homeowners’ insurance is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your biggest investment—your home. But not all properties are easy to insure. Some houses are considered “hard-to-place homes” because they carry higher risks, making traditional insurance companies more hesitant to provide coverage.
If your home falls into this category, don’t worry—there are still solutions available. At TPG Insurance, we help homeowners navigate these challenges and find policies that provide reliable protection. Keep reading to learn what makes a home “hard to place,” how you can make your property more insurable, and what options exist when the standard insurance market won’t provide coverage.
What are Hard-to-Place Homes?
Insurance companies assess risks before issuing a policy. If they believe the likelihood of a claim is high, they may either raise premiums or decline coverage altogether. Common factors that make a home hard to insure include:
1. Location in Disaster-Prone Areas
Homes located in regions prone to wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, or flooding are often more expensive—or sometimes difficult—to insure. Insurance providers may see these areas as high-risk due to the increased chance of major damage.
Tip: Install weather-resistant features, such as a reinforced roof, storm shutters, or fire-resistant building materials, to protect your home. These upgrades can help lower risk and make coverage more accessible.
2. Vacation or Secondary Homes
A home that sits vacant for much of the year is more vulnerable to break-ins, vandalism, or undetected damage, such as burst pipes. Because of this, vacation properties are considered riskier than primary residences.
Tip: Add a monitored security system that alerts you (and emergency responders) to issues in real time. This shows insurers that you’re proactively protecting your property.
3. High-Risk Features on the Property
Pools, trampolines, playgrounds, or natural hazards like steep drop-offs or bodies of water increase liability risks. If someone is injured on your property, you could be held responsible.
Tip: Install proper fencing, gates, and safety barriers. Taking these preventive steps reduces liability and demonstrates responsible ownership to insurers.
4. Older Homes or Outdated Systems
Historic or older homes can come with outdated plumbing, wiring, or roofing. These issues not only increase the chance of damage but also raise replacement costs.
Tip: Keep your insurance provider updated on any renovations, system upgrades, or safety improvements you make. Documenting these changes can make your home more appealing to insurers.
What to do When Standard Insurance Won’t Cover Hard-to-Place Homes?
Even after making improvements, some homeowners may still struggle to find traditional coverage. That’s where FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) Plans come in.
FAIR Plans are state-backed programs that act as insurers of last resort. They provide basic coverage when the private insurance market declines your application. To qualify, you typically need to show proof that you’ve been denied coverage elsewhere and that you’ve taken steps to reduce risks on your property.
For more information on FAIR Plans in your state, you can visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website.
Why Work with TPG Insurance to Secure Hard-to-Place Homes?
At TPG Insurance, we specialize in finding solutions for homeowners with hard-to-place properties. Our team works closely with multiple carriers to explore all options, ensuring you don’t go unprotected. We also offer home and auto bundle discounts, helping you save while securing comprehensive coverage for your family.
Protect Your Investment Today
No matter what challenges you face, you deserve peace of mind knowing your home is protected. If you’re struggling to insure your property—or simply want to explore better coverage options—TPG Insurance is here to help.
📞 Call us today at 909.466.7876 to speak with one of our insurance experts and discover how we can protect your home, your family, and your future. Also, discover What You Need to Know About Roof Coverage in Home Insurance.
