Lexington, NC-- Who knew a long-overdue paint job could cost you your homeowner's insurance? One Lexington woman contacted News 2 saying she could spend part of 2012 without insurance because she hasn't painted her house.
A local insurance agent explained that chipped paint and exposed wood can cause dry rot, becoming a fire hazard. Also, the chipping paint makes the house more susceptible to water damage.
Janet Wagner's daughter, Rhonda Lankford, told News 2 that the insurance company cancelled her mother's policy because her house needs a paint job. The whole ordeal has brought on anxiety spells, putting the 67-year-old in the hospital.
Lankford explained that after the insurance company received her mother's down payment and first couple installments, then they sent an agent to her property for inspection. That's when Janet received a letter to repaint the house or lose coverage.
For Lankford's mother, who lives alone and is on a fixed income, there's no easy solution.
"We don't care if you have heat, we don't care if you have food, we don't care if you have insulin or medicine, we want your house painted," said Lankford.
A paint job costing close to $4,000 is not an option.
Lankford adds, "It's bad enough when the crooks are out here taking advantage of older people but when it's an insurance company or somebody you feel like you can trust, it's a shame."
Wagner was able to reinstate the coverage until June, buying her some time, but she's still left without a long term solution.
WFMY News 2