Q.A month after I switched my insurance to Allstate, I got a letter stating that my homeowner's policy was being cancelled because I have an uneven sidewalk. I've never heard of such a thing. I've emailed Allstate twice but haven't gotten a response. Why are they canceling me? It can't be because of a sidewalk.

--Judi Chamberlain, Cleveland Heights

A. Believe it or not, it's because of your uneven concrete sidewalk.

Allstate spokesman Jeff Ormond said uneven sidewalks are a trip hazard, and if someone was injured on your walk, Allstate would have to pay the claim.

Allstate, however, has reconsidered its position.

"The policy is being reinstated," Ormond said. He stressed that the company is re-issuing the policy based on your promise to have the walk fixed as soon as possible.

The walk is in bad enough shape that Cleveland Heights cited you for it – but it's worth noting that this is the only violation at your home, in a city where the pickiness of housing inspectors is legend.

Like most insurers, Allstate sends its own inspectors out to look over the homes of new homeowner's insurance applicants. If it can't get to the inspection before the policy is issued, it will inspect within 60 days.

Ormond said it's not unusual for Allstate to cancel new policies if its curbside inspection finds any of these items in poor condition:

• roofs

• steps and handrails

• foundations

• windows (specifically, broken windows)

Less often, it may cancel if sidewalks are broken, heaving or uneven, he said.

Based on the reactions I got when asking people in the insurance industry about this, other insurers might not see the same grave danger in a cracked walkway.

But insurers overall are getting more selective about maintenance issues in homes – something consumers should keep in mind if they plan to shop around for insurance.

Many insurers are particularly fussy about deteriorated roofs, because within the last few years, Ohio has had some monstrous hail storms, followed by some really aggressive roofing scams. In short, insurers don't want to insure a home with a roof with curling or deteriorated shingles because it's less likely than a roof in good condition to survive a storm.

Robert Denhard of the Ohio Department of Insurance said that insurers have 60 days after a policy is issued to cancel for any reason. The insurer has to give you 30 days' notice of cancellation, unless it's canceling you because you failed to pay your premium or lied on an application.

It does not have to allow you to appeal, Denhard said, although you can try to do so.

After the 60-day window, insurers can still cancel during the policy term, but only for the reasons they spell out in their policies. These conditions for cancellation are set by the insurers, and conditions vary by company.

You can usually find cancellation clauses listed in the "conditions" or "cancellation" section of the policy.

If you're still reeling over a cancellation because of a sidewalk, you also may be surprised to know insurers may be able to cancel your homeowners insurance in mid-contract if you do something during the policy that creates a "substantial" increase in risk – that could be something like installing a swimming pool that doesn't have a high fence around it or putting up a trampoline.

Consumer Wise If your insurer sends you a cancellation notice (meaning it's going to end your policy in mid-contract) or tells you it's not going to renew the contract when it expires, start shopping for another insurer as soon as possible.

"It's easier to find insurance if you're still insured," said Mary Bonelli of the Ohio Insurance Institute. "You may be considered a higher risk if you're without insurance."

Additionally, she points out, if anything happens while the property is uninsured, the cost of repairs would be on you.

Besides that, the bank that holds your mortgage likely requires you to keep your home insured.

In the meantime, try to work out a deal with your insurer. You may be able to get the repair made and keep your policy intact. This is one of those situations in which it can really help to have an insurance agent, because agents often have a lot of sway with insurers, and they also know how to navigate the system.

If you believe you were cancelled unfairly, contact the Ohio Department of Insurance at insuranceohio.gov or 1-800-686-1526.

If your paid-up policy is cancelled in mid-contract, you are entitled to a pro-rated refund.

Insurers don't report cancellations to insurance databases that keep tabs on consumers' insurance claims, so just getting a cancellation notice shouldn't prevent you from getting another policy.

Email your consumer questions (along with your name and city) to Sheryl Harris.

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