Has anyone heard of this insurance company? (Jacksonville: home owners insurance, mortgage)

[GuardWife]

I have lived in Jacksonville for about 7 years now, and once my husband returns from Kuwait (in 2 weeks) we are looking at buying a house. I've actually got one all picked out and put down a binder deposit on it and we're going through the paperwork so when he comes home all he has to do is sign on the dotted line! At least that is the plan.

We will be brand new homeowners and have never had homeowners insurance, obviously. I've called around for quotes and received a good one from an AllState agent .. although it's not with AllState since he said they are not writing policies now. The company is with Cypress Property and Casualty Insurance.

Does any one have any dealings with them?? I've looked them up in the BBB and they had 2 complaints in the last 36 months which is good I thought.

Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

[floridasandy]

have you checked citizens.? i checked everybody in my area and they were the least expensive.

[GuardWife]

Thank you .. I will definitely check them as well!! Did you go with Citizens? They are good and reputable?

[I love the Bears]

Check out your state insurance dept website - they might have some info for you - homeowners is wild right now in FL

[riveree]

Allstate was never a good insurance company anyway, they just spent a lot on marketing and had a recognizable name. Same goes for State Farm. I'd avoid them both.

I speak from experience because I HAD Allstate...well, my husband had them and when I signed up for the husband, Allstate came along with the package .

Allstate dropped us, as they did tons of Floridians. No rhyme or reason - never had a claim, always paid on time, excellent credit, etc., etc.

Anyway, I had a steep learning curve on Homeowner's Insurance, and here's the short of it:

These companies PAY - and that's what matters if you ever had a problem:

AMICA: Excellent insurer, expensive, possibly too expensive for a first-time homebuyer, but if you want to give them a try, call them direct - no need for an agent with this one.

LIBERTY MUTUAL: May not be writing policies, you'd have to check.

TOWER HILL: A Florida-based insurer, so they're always writing policies, good rates, good insurer - I'd recommend trying them (you'll need a broker/agent).

FLORIDA FAMILY: Also a Florida-based insurer, they're a good back-up if you can't go with one of the above listed companies.

Check the websites to find an agent who is authorized with these companies in case your isn't.

And now a word on Citizens: Don't go with them unless it is a LAST RESORT! Citizens is NOT a private insurance company. They are a goverment high risk pool. If you/your home is not high risk, you are far better off going with a private insurer like the ones above before even considering Citizens. Citizens used to be outrageously expensive, but they have been forced to lower their rates recently. Still, most agents will tell you that once you go with Citizens you are likely stuck with Citizens - private insurers don't want to pick up a house that has been deemed "high risk" enough to warrant Citizens insurance. In fact, the rule is you can't even go with Citizen's until you've been rejected by private insurers first (though they may be getting more lax with that now, lots of changes lately).

Hope that helps .

[vpdianne]

I have never heard from this company, but if it has anything to do with All-State stay away. I had many friends that lived in the Gulf Coast and when Katrina hit. They are still in ligation with State Farm, NationWide and All State. One of them offered her 7K for the roof, but nothing for the house. the house was gone.

I have been with American Stragtic (mis-spelled)for about 5 years now. Find yourself an agent that brokers through them. Hope this is helpful.

[GuardWife]

Thanks for the replies!! I did some more researching .. and I called an agent for Tower Hill .. but they are also and agent for ASI (American Strategic Insurance Group) and they are the lowest by far and works with the builder that we're using giving different builder discounts.

I know there is one person above that has dealt with ASI .. has anyone else dealt with them?

[drtwedt]

I know it's been a while since you posted but hope you get this before you get your insurance. I'm active duty in the Navy and we switched from Allstate to USAA recently and they are great. It's only available to military (active and reserve). I know the price for auto insurance is great along with the service. From what I've been told it's the same for home owners insurance. Hope his helps. We'll be retiring out there come next summer, can't wait.

[FLPL75]

Originally Posted by drtwedt

I know it's been a while since you posted but hope you get this before you get your insurance. I'm active duty in the Navy and we switched from Allstate to USAA recently and they are great. It's only available to military (active and reserve). I know the price for auto insurance is great along with the service. From what I've been told it's the same for home owners insurance. Hope his helps. We'll be retiring out there come next summer, can't wait.

I was thinking the same thing, if you have the chance get USAA .
I have had them for 30 years. The also have a great mortgage division, when we thought we were relocating their rates and closing costs were the lowest.

karla

[challman]

Don't use Tower Hill. They canceled me for ridiculous reasons and didn't even give me any time to correct the issues. If this is how the treat customers during good times, I'd hate to have them when I need to make a claim.

http://cdhallman.blogspot.com/2010/05/goodbye-and-good-riddance-tower-hill.html
http://cdhallman.blogspot.com/2010/0...ower-hill.html