Short answer
Get your own coverage back in place and send proof to your servicer. If your homeowners policy lapses or doesn't meet your loan's terms, the servicer can buy force-placed insurance and charge you. It usually costs more and may protect only the lender. Federal rules require two written notices first, and once you prove you had coverage, the servicer must cancel it and refund overlapping charges within 15 days.
What notices must the servicer send first?
Under Regulation X (12 CFR 1024.37), before charging you the servicer must:
- Send a first written notice at least 45 days before any charge.
- Send a reminder at least 15 days before any charge, and no sooner than 30 days after the first notice.
- Wait out the 15 days after the reminder without getting proof that you have coverage.
Open your servicer's mail promptly, even when it looks routine.
How do I get it removed?
- Call your insurance company and reinstate your policy or buy a new one.
- Send the servicer proof of coverage and anything else it asked for.
- Ask it to cancel the force-placed policy.
Within 15 days of getting proof that you had coverage, the servicer must cancel its policy and refund or remove the charges for any time your own policy was also in force. If you think the servicer made a mistake, you can send a written notice of error.
I have escrow. Can this still happen?
Usually not for a missed premium. If your insurance is paid through escrow, the servicer generally must pay the premium on time, even advancing money if your payment is up to 30 days late. When you're more than 30 days behind but have escrow for insurance, it can't force-place coverage unless it can't pay from escrow, for example because the insurer canceled or didn't renew for reasons other than nonpayment, or the home is vacant. If your policy was canceled because the servicer missed paying it from escrow, the CFPB suggests you may want to talk with an attorney. See how escrow works.
What if my insurer drops me?
Shop for a new policy right away; an independent agent can quote several companies. Send the new declarations page to your servicer before the old policy ends. The homeowners insurance guide covers what lenders require.
Sources
- CFPB, What can I do if my mortgage lender or servicer is charging me for force-placed homeowner's insurance?
- Regulation X, 12 CFR 1024.37, Force-placed insurance
- Regulation X, 12 CFR 1024.17(k), Timely payments from escrow
Checked November 2, 2026. Rules and dates change, so confirm current details before you rely on them.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Program availability, eligibility and terms vary by lender and are subject to change and to underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend.