The single most feared factor in the insurance business is not hurricanes, not bush-fires, not wars, not meteor strikes but what's known as 'moral hazard'. Moral hazard is, in simple terms, lack of inhibition in preferring a claim under less than above-the-board circumstances.

For example, if your camera is insured for home use only, you cannot make a claim if the insured camera suffers damage during a jungle safari. Most of us, being honest persons, would not even want to claim under such circs. However, since, as a rule it takes all kinds to make this world, there exist individuals who would make a claim as if the damage occurred at home. Such individuals are considered to be 'moral hazards'.

Coming back to your original question, insurance companies know from empirical evidence that the incidence of moral hazard is greater – much greater – in those cases where there's a break iin coverage. It's likely that the insured is trying to renew the policy after a loss has occurred.

You need to provide evidence to the insurance company that you did not intend to let the policy lapse. That it lapsed, is a fortuitous happenning (please note the wording – underwriters love such language) and not a deliberate omission. 'I do not want to be penalised for something over which I had no control' is the line you need to take. You could strike lucky with this line.

It is more expensive to have Code Enforcement come in and seek relief from the courts (assuming you don't comply and apply for as built permits) because you may have to pay their attorneys' fees when they win.

I believe you apply for as built permits from the Building Department in the city. Make sure you're in the incorporated portion of the city, otherwise you'll have to go to the County Building Department.

Also, if the bank didn't know that these additions were unpermitted, you wouldn't have an recourse. Most foreclosures are sold as is and requires buyer's diligence. A title insurance policy may or may not disclose unpermitted additions (depends on the wording of the policy). As I recall, a title insurance policy only guarantees that you have marketable title to the property.

Also, if you are going to allow animals check your policy, they are not likely to cover your property if you allow any dangerous animals.

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An appraiser doesn't come out until after the claim. The agent is doing "front line underwriting" and establishing the value of your house.Try this site

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"Homeowners insurance" covers the owners dwelling [house/garage] and contents [owners personal property on the premises]. "Owner" [landlord if he is the owner] takes out this policy and is responsible for the premiums. If building is leased or rented out, it does NOT cover tenants personal property, such as furniture, electronics, etc, or even tools borrowed from a neighbor.

"Renters insurance" covers the tenants personal property only. They take out this policy and pay the premiums.

Home owners policies cover every circumstance EXCEPT what is listed in writing, or "exemptions". These are normally: floods [obtain this through FEMA], home businesses losses [such as a fire in a residential garage being used as auto repair business], or anything else that is listed in writing. If your house up in Alaska gets stampeded by purple elephants, and it is NOT listed as an exclusion, it WILL be covered.