Non‑Renewal Notice? Here's Your Action Plan
You have 75 days to save your coverage. Follow this proven checklist that's helped 72% of homeowners successfully renew.
Your Checklist
Days 1-3: Immediate Actions (Do Today!)
These are critical first steps. Complete within 72 hours of receiving your notice.
Find the expiration date in your notice. Mark it on your calendar. You have 75 days by law, but start immediately.
Ask specifically: What mitigation will make you reconsider? What documentation format do you need? Who reviews the appeal?
Photograph all four sides of your home, the 0-5ft zone, 30ft zone, roof/gutters, and any problem areas mentioned in the notice.
Book with RF1 or another mitigation specialist. Same-week appointments are critical for meeting deadlines.
Book Emergency AssessmentDays 4-30: Critical Mitigation Work
Focus on high-impact items that insurers care about most.
Remove ALL combustibles: mulch, dead plants, firewood, debris. Replace with rock, gravel, or hardscape. This is the #1 priority.
Remove all leaves, needles, and debris from gutters, roof valleys, and behind chimneys. Consider installing gutter guards.
Cover attic, foundation, and soffit vents with metal mesh to prevent ember entry. This is a key insurance requirement.
Remove branches within 10 feet of roof/chimney. Trim trees touching the house. Clear "ladder fuels" that connect ground to canopy.
Replace wooden fence sections within 5 feet of the home with metal or masonry, or create a 5-foot gap.
Days 31-45: Documentation & Submission
Proper documentation can make or break your appeal.
Match the exact angles of your "before" photos. Include date stamps and location labels (e.g., "North side - Zone 0 cleared").
List all completed work with dates, materials used, and square footage cleared. Be specific and professional.
Include all contractor invoices, material receipts, and any permits obtained. This proves investment in mitigation.
Send via email AND certified mail. Request confirmation of receipt. Follow up within 5 business days.
Days 46-60: Follow Up & Alternative Options
Don't wait passively. Stay engaged with your insurer.
Call your agent weekly for status updates. Document all conversations with dates and names.
Contact independent agents, surplus lines brokers, and prepare FAIR Plan application as backup. Don't wait until day 74.
Your Documentation Package Must Include:
Essential Documents
- Before & After Photos
Minimum 20 photos, date-stamped, labeled by location
- Itemized Scope of Work
Detailed list of all mitigation completed
- Material Specifications
Vent mesh size, gutter guard type, etc.
- Contractor Documentation
Invoices, licenses, completion certificates
Photo Requirements
- • Date stamp (use camera feature or date board)
- • Location label ("North side - 0-5ft zone")
- • Wide angle to show full area
- • Close-ups of specific improvements
- • All four sides of home
- • 0-5ft zone (multiple angles)
- • 5-30ft defensible space
- • Roof and gutters
- • Vents with mesh installed
Don't Navigate This Alone
72% of our clients successfully renewed their insurance. We handle the mitigation, documentation, and carrier coordination.
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