I’ve seen it swing both ways, honestly. Sometimes it’s the agent, sometimes it’s just the underwriter’s mood that day. Out of curiosity, did either of them actually send someone out to look at your shed, or was it all paperwork?
With some companies, you’d think you were building a nuclear bunker, not just putting up a shed. I’ve seen underwriters get worked up over a garden gnome in the background of a photo before… but then other times, it’s just a stack of forms and nobody ever sets foot on your property. It really does depend on who’s handling your file that day. Shelter did actually send someone out to look at my roof once because they “couldn’t see it well enough on Google Maps.” State Farm? All paperwork and a few blurry photos. Go figure.
Honestly, you nailed it—sometimes it feels like these companies are just making up the rules as they go. I’ve had Shelter ask for a dozen photos of my siding, but State Farm barely glanced at my paperwork. It’s wild how inconsistent it all is. At the end of the day, I just want decent coverage without jumping through hoops or paying extra for “inspections” that seem pointless. You’re not alone in thinking it’s a bit much sometimes.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. It’s almost like each company has its own secret playbook. I remember State Farm asking for a pile of paperwork when I got my car insured, but then barely checking anything for my neighbor’s house. Sometimes I wonder if these “inspections” are just box-ticking exercises... It does get frustrating, but hang in there—eventually you find a company that fits, even if it takes a few tries.
Shelter was a weird one for me. When I switched to them a couple years back, they sent someone out to look at my roof, but the guy barely glanced at it and was gone in five minutes. Meanwhile, State Farm had me digging up every receipt for repairs from the last decade. It’s almost like they’re making it up as they go along. I get wanting to be thorough, but sometimes it just feels random. Still, Shelter’s rates were better for me, even if their process was a little odd.