Hoarding can hurt homeowner’s insurance coverage
Lori Johnston:
Hoarders have another reason to get help: Being a hoarder could hinder the ability to get or keep homeowner’s insurance. The potential pitfalls in the homes of hoarders, people who can’t stop acquiring items and have a hard time getting rid of their belongings, include fire and injury. As a result, hoarders are at a higher risk in the eyes of a home insurer, says Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute.
The link between hoarding and homeowners insurance is an issue that could affect you, your family your friends or your neighbors.
Jeff Szymanski, executive director of the International OCD Foundation, says the hidden disorder of hoarding has come to light since 1993, with more research about the condition. Although it’s difficult to determine how many people are affected by the disorder, he says estimates of 5 million hoarders in the United States appear to be accurate.