Force-placed Insurance comes by many names. In some institutions, it is better known as lender-placed, creditor-placed, or collateral protection insurance. No matter what it is called, its purpose remains the same: to protect lenders from losses if borrowers fail to maintain adequate insurance coverage for their collateral.

How Do You Get Force-Placed Insurance? 

Your lender will require you to buy force-placed insurance if you fail to maintain adequate coverage for your collateral. For example, if you have a mortgage on a home and fail to keep your homeowner’s insurance policy in force, the lender may require you to purchase force-placed insurance. 

The same is true when you take out a loan on a vehicle. If you fail to keep your auto insurance policy in force, the lender may require you to purchase force-placed insurance. 

Your lender may also require you to buy force-placed insurance if you have taken out a loan on a piece of expensive equipment or machinery. If the borrower fails to keep their property insurance policy in force, the lender may require them to purchase force-placed insurance.

What Are the Disadvantages of Force-Placed Insurance? 

The major disadvantage of force-placed insurance is that it can be costly. The cost of the policy is typically higher than the cost of a voluntary policy, as the lender must cover their potential losses from the borrower’s failure to maintain adequate insurance coverage. In addition, force-placed insurance may provide less coverage than a voluntary policy, meaning that the borrower may not be fully protected in the event of a loss. 

Another disadvantage of force-placed insurance is that the borrower may be unable to choose the insurer or the policy terms, as the lender will typically select the policy and insurer. This means that the borrower may not be able to get the best possible coverage for their needs. 

Finally, force-placed insurance can be a hassle for the borrower. Not only do they have to pay the higher premiums, but they also have to go through the process of getting the policy, which can be time-consuming and stressful.

What If a Borrower Has Issued a Force-Placed Insurance on Your Property?

The first thing you can do if your lender has issued force-placed insurance on your property is to contact them to discuss the issue and try to resolve it. You can also ask for an explanation of why the policy was placed and negotiate a better rate or coverage. If the lender is unwilling to change the policy, you may be able to find a better policy from a different insurer.

You can also contact the insurer to understand the policy’s terms and ensure it offers adequate coverage for your property. You can negotiate a lower premium or better coverage if the policy is not meeting your needs.

Contact a Debt Settlement Lawyer

The borrower should contact a debt settlement lawyer to help them understand their rights and options if the lender has issued a force-placed insurance policy on their property. A debt settlement lawyer or insurance specialist can review the policy and help borrowers understand their legal rights. They can also help the borrower negotiate with the lender or insurer to get a better policy or coverage.

Do you need help with debt, bankruptcy, and other financial matters? Contact Angela R. Owens, a debt settlement lawyer who can help you free yourself from financial burden. Get in touch today for a free consultation call.