Evictions and foreclosures came to a virtual standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic. But now that infection rates are falling in the U.S. and mask and social distancing requirements are beginning to become less stringent, many homeowners could be in serious hot water when it comes to paying their mortgage. It may not help matters that pandemic mortgage relief programs also are winding down at the same time that housing costs are on the rise. It follows that nearly one in four people face foreclosure nationwide, according to QuoteWizard. That site recently did a state-by-state analysis of foreclosure and eviction risk. The slideshow above reveals the top 10 states where homeowners are most at risk of foreclosure, according to QuoteWizard. Homeowners at risk of foreclosure might consider canceling their home insurance in an effort to cut costs, but insurance experts warn: Don't do it. Foreclosures can turn into long, legal battles. Should an insured loss occur during the foreclosure process but before the bank retakes possession of the property, the homeowner would be on the hook for repairs, not to mention the additional damage such a scenario could cause an individual's personal credit. Insurance agents who manage personal lines clients can go a long way toward reinforcing client loyalty by working with homeowners who are in financial straits to help them understand their options and, when necessary, find local and government resources that may help them stay in their homes. Keep reading:

• Five insights for underwriting homeowners in the new normal
• Homeowners' insurance issues following bankruptcy, foreclosure
• What seniors need to know about reverse mortgages