Cancellation of Package versus Standalone Policy

A New York subscriber recently asked the following question:

I have a client who has a package auto, home, and umbrella policy. The client recently sold his vehicles and no longer needs to obtain the auto coverage.

Our client has requested to cancel his New York automobile policy (that is insured under a New York package policy). The client still wishes to continue the home coverage.

However, the company said that because the insured no longer has the auto coverage with them, they have to cancel the home policy. We sent the request to just cancel the auto portion of the policy and request to keep the home, but the company said they are cancelling the home.

I was under the assumption by New York state law that a company cannot do this. Please advise if this is legal for a carrier to do this.

ANSWER: Package policies are different than standalone policies and are often contingent on the insured having all the property in a package to cover. Without the auto, the policy no longer qualifies for a true package policy; the carrier may be able to convert it to a standalone policy, but if they do not offer lone homeowners forms, then their only option is to cancel unless the insured is willing to add a named nonowner policy to the package to cover the auto portion. We are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice; we suggest you consult an attorney or the state insurance department. Read More