If notice in writing signed by the insured, or his agent, is given before loss or damage by any peril insured against under the standard fire insurance policy to the agent of the company of any fact or condition stated in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-16, it is equivalent to an agreement in writing added to the policy and has the force of the agreement in writing referred to in the standard fire insurance policy with respect to the liability of the company and the waiver; but this notice does not affect the right of the company to cancel the policy as stipulated in the policy. (1899, c. 54, s. 43; Rev., s. 4761; 1907, c. 578, s. 1; 1915, c. 109, s. 11; C.S., s. 6438; 1929, c. 60, s. 1; 1945, c. 378; 2009-171, s. 2.)