In the course of commenting on tower ratings, I realized that
I hadn't seen a post on insurance. Or if I had, I've forgotten.
In the US, in the post-9/11 environment, the insurance industry
has become highly risk averse. They had under-priced homeowners
insurance in many areas of the country, as a loss-leader for more
profitable lines, like life and auto. (and the payout on the NY towers
was shared across the entire industry.)
In addition, there is now a firm called "CLUE", or Comprehensive
Loss Underwriters Exchange, which provides a loss history which
all carriers can see.
As a result, you need to be VERY careful with what you claim.
Or even inquire about.
In 2002, in the backwash of hurricane Lili, I lost a 100' tower
and antenna system when a 90' oak fell across a guyset. In the
same storm, I had a branch break off a 150' tall white pine, and
damage my roof. The insurance company logged that as two claims.
Earlier that year, we had two events with large trees downed, touching
the house. I called the insurance carrier to verify coverage in one.
My wife called in the other, as I was away. They logged them as
claims, with no payout.
Now, I am having difficulty getting homeowners insurance on my place
in MD,
even though I am not in the deep woods any longer. I'm paying double the
market
rate, with a carrier which is in state receivership. I will continue
in that situation for a period of 3 years.
And THAT was after 30 years with the same carrier having home, car, boat,
$1M liability umbrella, and life insurance, and no real claims history.
Short form: It may be worthwhile to examine specific tower insurance,
through the ARRL program. Some homeowners policies are excluding towers
and other accessory structures, as well, so you have to check.