CFM Insurance
Carrier website links, underwriting access points, mapped product lines, and appetite notes in one place.
This appetite summary is only a guide. Confirm eligibility, submission requirements, restrictions, and binding authority directly with the carrier or underwriter before relying on it.
Carrier appetite summary
Verified current guidance is published in CFM’s 04/2024 Homeowners Agent Manual. CFM writes farm and residential property throughout Missouri and markets homeowners coverage through local independent agents. For Home, preferred risks are well-maintained owner-occupied or seasonal/secondary dwellings with accurate insurance-to-value, agent-inspected condition, and no unusual liability hazards. Public website positioning shows three core home segments: newer higher-value homes for top-tier replacement cost forms, well-kept newer homes, and older but well-maintained homes. Website product guidelines highlight minimum deductibles of $1,000 and minimum dwelling values of about $125,000 for Homestead Exclusive, $80,000 for Homestead, and $40,000 for Home Protector; newer construction and clean recent claims are emphasized. Operational underwriting points from the manual: agent inspection is required on each bound risk, and photos showing all sides of the dwelling plus all structures on premises must be submitted. Agent binding authority is generally for qualified single dwellings up to $500,000 on the dwelling; over $500,000 requires underwriting approval, and total insured value at one location over $4 million also requires prior approval. New business requires first payment with the application unless mortgagee billed. Builders risk is available only for new construction, must be written at start of construction, requires a 360Value cost estimator, and the agent must notify CFM and submit completion photos when construction finishes. Home form fit/appetite: FO-3 replacement cost appears aimed at better-quality risks with continuous masonry/concrete block foundation in excellent condition, modern code-compliant romex wiring with breaker box, central forced air/thermostatically controlled furnace/electric heat, strong maintenance, and generally homes built after 1960; manufactured, modular, double-wide, and single-wide mobile homes do not qualify for this higher form. Expanded replacement cost is tied to stronger risks such as insurance score level 1, 100% of 360Value, Coverage A of at least $250,000, and dwellings built within the last 25 years, though older homes may qualify with charge. Seasonal dwellings may be written if form-eligible, with supporting coverage in the agency and a repair/rebuilding endorsement. Vacant dwellings must be on a separate policy, are intended for temporarily vacant risks, are re-evaluated each renewal, exclude theft/vandalism, allow premises-only liability, and require supporting coverage in the agency. Property restrictions/declines: roofs must be in good condition; all roofs over 15 years old are written ACV, and underwriting may restrict or exclude roofs. Wood shingle, slate, and tile roofs are not eligible. Corrugated metal roofs require prior approval and are limited to FO-1 or FO-2 ACV; flat roofs are FO-1 only with prior approval. Asbestos siding/roofing is excluded, including debris removal/disposal. Wood shake siding and stucco require prior underwriting approval. Tiny homes must be on permanent foundation with approved water/sewage, carry a mandatory $1,500 deductible and minimum $30,000 value, and do not qualify for FO-3 or expanded replacement cost. Airbnb/VRBO or other home-sharing properties are not allowed. Greenhouses must be separately handled as Type 3 buildings and commercial exposures are not allowed. Shared docks are ineligible. ATVs are not written in the home program and must be insured in farm or elsewhere. Liability restrictions are important for home submissions. Supporting property coverage is required for personal liability. CFM says not to submit applicants with liability losses in the past 3 years; prior dog-related claims in the past 3 years; certain prohibited dog breeds or vicious animals; wild/dangerous animals or reptiles; felony history; illegal activity/fraud history; irresponsible living conditions; certain horse/boarding exposures; unfenced pools; rental property with a swimming pool or wood heat; pools with diving board/slide unless minimum depth is at least 8 feet; U-pick operations; trampolines lacking enclosure and spring pads; bed and breakfast; short-term rentals; sawmill exposure; zip line exposure; premises caring for 6 or more persons; and properties with debris, poor maintenance, unsafe stairs/decks, or poor fencing. Personal liability is designed for risks not exceeding 40 acres or with no more than one large animal/farming operation. Commercial liability/premises-only is used instead when worldwide personal liability is not appropriate, including seasonal and vacant policies. Geography/fire protection: manual confirms Missouri-only farm/residential property. Fire protection classes are based on road miles to responding fire department and water supply, ranging from protected through unprotected classes, so distance/water source materially affects acceptability and rating. Broker/producer notes: CFM relies heavily on local independent agents and explicitly expects the agent to personally underwrite each new risk, inspect the property, complete all application questions, provide values accurately, and submit photos/documentation for structures and certain special features. Additional documentation may be required for water-loss homes within 3 years, solar panels over $25,000 (invoice), contract-of-sale properties (copy of contract), and other scheduled items. Submission quality and visible pride of ownership appear central to acceptability.