Citizen Insurance Florida: Your Ultimate Guide

Florida is a state that’s prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, tropical storms, and floods. To protect themselves and their properties, Floridians buy insurance policies that can offer them coverage during disasters. In this guide, we’ll discuss Citizen Insurance Florida, which is one of the leading insurance providers in the state.

What is Citizen Insurance Florida?

Citizen Insurance Florida is a state-run insurance company that provides coverage to homeowners, renters, and commercial property owners. It is not a traditional insurance company, but a non-profit organization that is governed by its policyholders. The company was established in 2002 after the destruction caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

Citizen Insurance Florida is a last resort option for Floridians who cannot obtain insurance policies from private insurance companies due to high-risk factors. The company provides coverage for high-risk areas and properties, and the premiums are generally higher compared to those offered by private insurance companies.

How does Citizen Insurance Florida operate?

Citizen Insurance Florida operates differently from traditional insurance companies. The company provides insurance policies to homeowners, renters, and commercial property owners who have been denied coverage by private insurance companies.

The policyholders of Citizen Insurance Florida are also its shareholders. They have a say in how the company is run and how the premiums are used. The company has a board of governors, who are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the policyholders.

Since Citizen Insurance Florida is a non-profit organization, the premiums collected from policyholders are used to pay claims, cover administrative costs, and reinvest in the company. Any surplus is returned to the policyholders in the form of dividends.

Citizen Insurance Florida Coverage

Citizen Insurance Florida offers coverage for residential and commercial properties. The coverage provided by the company includes:

Policy Type
What it Covers
Homeowners
Provides coverage for damages to the property, personal belongings, and liability
Renters
Provides coverage for personal belongings and liability
Condo
Provides coverage for damages to the property, personal belongings, and liability in a condo unit
Commercial Property
Provides coverage for damages to the business property, inventory, and liability

How much does Citizen Insurance Florida coverage cost?

The cost of Citizen Insurance Florida coverage differs based on several factors, including the location of the property, the age of the property, the type of coverage, and the deductible. The premiums for Citizen Insurance Florida coverage are generally higher than those offered by private insurance companies.

It’s best to contact a licensed insurance agent to get an accurate quote for your specific property.

Benefits of Citizen Insurance Florida Coverage

1. Coverage for High-Risk Properties

Citizen Insurance Florida provides coverage for high-risk properties that may not be eligible for coverage by private insurance companies. This includes properties located in flood zones, hurricane-prone areas, or properties with previous insurance claims.

2. Non-Profit Organization

Citizen Insurance Florida is a non-profit organization that operates for the benefit of its policyholders. The company does not have to generate a profit for shareholders, which means the premiums collected from policyholders are used to pay claims and reinvest in the company.

3. Claims Process

Citizen Insurance Florida has a streamlined claims process that makes it easier for policyholders to file a claim and receive their compensation. The company has a 24/7 claims hotline, and policyholders can track their claims online.

4. Financial Stability

Citizen Insurance Florida is financially stable, which means that policyholders can rely on the company to pay their claims. The company has a surplus of more than $7 billion, which ensures the company’s ability to pay claims in the event of a disaster.

5. Flexibility

Citizen Insurance Florida offers flexibility when it comes to payment options. Policyholders can choose to pay their premiums annually, bi-annually or monthly.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Citizen Insurance Florida the only option for high-risk properties?

No, Citizen Insurance Florida is not the only option for high-risk properties. Floridians can also obtain coverage from private insurance companies that specialize in high-risk properties. However, if you have been denied coverage by private insurance companies, Citizen Insurance Florida is a good option.

2. Can I cancel my Citizen Insurance Florida policy?

Yes, you can cancel your Citizen Insurance Florida policy at any time. However, you may be charged a cancellation fee.

3. Can I buy additional coverage from Citizen Insurance Florida?

Yes, you can buy additional coverage from Citizen Insurance Florida. However, the additional coverage may come at an additional cost.

4. How do I file a claim with Citizen Insurance Florida?

You can file a claim with Citizen Insurance Florida by calling the company’s 24/7 claims hotline or by filing a claim online using their website.

5. How long does it take for Citizen Insurance Florida to process a claim?

The processing time for claims varies based on the complexity of the claim. However, Citizen Insurance Florida strives to process claims as quickly and efficiently as possible.

In conclusion, Citizen Insurance Florida is a good insurance option for Floridians who cannot obtain coverage from private insurance companies due to high-risk factors. The company is financially stable, offers flexibility, and has a streamlined claims process. If you have any questions about Citizen Insurance Florida, it’s best to contact a licensed insurance agent.