If your insurance company cancels or doesn’t renew your homeowner policy, they have to give you advance notice. Then, you’ll need start shopping for coverage with a new company.

Your insurer can cancel your homeowner policy, but it must provide you with a:

• 45-day advance written notice to cancel or non-renew your policy.
• 10-day advance written notice if you didn't pay your premiums on time.
• Clear explanation of why it cancelled or non-renewed your policy.

Where to find other coverage for your home

• Ask your agent to help you find other coverage.
• If he or she can't find other coverage for you, they can get you a quote through the Washington State FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) Plan (www.wafairplan.com). It provides basic property insurance to people who can't get coverage.

What happens if I have a home loan and can't find coverage?

If you don't have homeowner insurance (which is generally required by your loan agreement), your lender can buy its own coverage to protect its investment in your house. But it's expensive and they add the cost to your mortgage payments. And, this coverage only protects your lender, not you.