UPC Insurance Home Coverage Options and Discounts Explained

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A Home Insurance Policy
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UPC Insurance offers a range of home coverage options to suit different needs and budgets.

Their standard home insurance policy covers damage to your home's structure, personal belongings, and liability for accidents that occur on your property.

You can also opt for additional coverage for high-value items like jewelry, art, and musical instruments, which is available up to $20,000.

UPC Insurance also offers a range of discounts that can help reduce your premiums, including a 5% discount for bundling home and auto insurance policies.

Discounts and Availability

UPC Insurance offers a range of discounts that can help reduce the cost of your home insurance policy. You can save on the cost of UPC home insurance if you qualify for any of these discounts.

To qualify for discounts, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as adding windstorm mitigation to your home or installing protective devices like burglar alarms and deadbolts. Some discounts are available for specific types of homes, like those with storm-resistant hip roofs or IBHS Fortified homes.

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Credit: youtube.com, Are these 10 Discounts on YOUR insurance policy?

Here are some of the discounts you can expect to find with UPC Insurance:

  • Windstorm mitigation: Save money by adding protection to your home from damages caused by hurricanes and windstorms.
  • Water loss prevention: Receive a credit on your policy by providing a certification that your plumbing system is secure and free from defects.
  • Secured community: If you live in a gated community.
  • Protective devices: If you have protective devices like burglar alarms, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and deadbolts installed in your home.
  • Package policy: If you sign up for a qualifying UPC home insurance package.
  • Payment type: If you sign up for a qualifying payment plan.
  • IBHS Fortified home: If your home was built according to Fortified Home construction guidelines set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
  • Hip roof: If your home has a storm-resistant hip roof.
  • Age of home: If your home is under a certain number of years old.

Pros

One of the biggest advantages of this insurance option is that it's available in high-risk states that are often difficult to find coverage in.

This can be a huge relief for people living in these areas, who may have otherwise struggled to find affordable insurance.

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Discounts Offered

UPC Insurance offers a range of discounts to help you save on your home insurance. You can save money by adding windstorm mitigation to your home, which can help prevent damages from hurricanes and windstorms.

Some discounts are available for specific features of your home, such as a secured community or protective devices like burglar alarms and smoke detectors.

A hip roof can also qualify you for a discount, as can a home built according to Fortified Home construction guidelines.

You can also save money by paying for your policy in a qualifying payment plan or by bundling your policies together, such as home and auto.

Credit: youtube.com, Committed use discounts and sustained use discounts

In addition, UPC offers a 5% reduction in home insurance premium if you buy flood coverage from them, including NFIP.

Here are some specific discounts UPC offers:

  • Windstorm mitigation: Save money by adding protection to your home from damages caused by hurricanes and windstorms.
  • Water loss prevention: Receive a credit on your policy by providing a certification that your plumbing system is secure and free from defects.
  • Secured community: If you live in a gated community.
  • Protective devices: If you have protective devices like burglar alarms, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and deadbolts installed in your home.
  • Package policy: If you sign up for a qualifying UPC home insurance package.
  • Payment type: If you sign up for a qualifying payment plan.
  • IBHS Fortified home: If your home was built according to Fortified Home construction guidelines set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
  • Hip roof: If your home has a storm-resistant hip roof.
  • Age of home: If your home is under a certain number of years old.
  • Wind mitigation for windows or doors
  • Senior/retiree
  • Newer home
  • Paying in full
  • Flood coverage (including NFIP) when bundled with other policies

Home State Availability

UPC Insurance used to offer home insurance in eight states, but it's no longer available in those areas.

The states where UPC Insurance is no longer offering home insurance are Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Massachusetts, and New York.

UPC Insurance stopped writing policies and began to non-renew existing policies in these states over the last two years.

Homeowners in these states will need to look for alternative insurance providers to protect their homes.

Curious to learn more? Check out: States That Are No Fault Insurance

Specific Information

UPC Insurance offers a range of protection options, including home systems protection and identity theft coverage.

The average annual rate for UPC insurance varies depending on the dwelling coverage amount, with a $1,491 annual rate for a $150,000 policy.

For a $350,000 policy, the average annual rate is $2,453, while a $550,000 policy costs $3,137 annually.

UPC also offers endorsements, including wind endorsement, which can provide additional protection for homeowners in areas prone to wind damage.

Basic Coverages Offered

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When you're shopping for home insurance, it's essential to understand the basic coverages offered.

Dwelling coverage is a must-have, as it pays to repair or rebuild the structure of your home after a covered loss. This coverage is a top priority for homeowners, as it ensures your home is restored to its original condition.

Other structures coverage is also crucial, as it pays to repair or rebuild other structures on your property not connected to your home, including detached garages, storage sheds, and fencing. This coverage helps protect your investments in outdoor spaces.

Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace your personal belongings after a covered loss, including furniture, clothing, tech gadgets, and other stuff you own. This coverage is a lifesaver when you need to replace essential items.

Loss of use coverage pays for hotel stays, restaurant bills, pet boarding fees, and other temporary living expenses after a covered loss if you need to live elsewhere while your home is being rebuilt. This coverage helps make the transition smoother.

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Here are the six standard coverages offered by UPC Insurance:

  • Dwelling coverage
  • Other structures coverage
  • Personal property coverage
  • Loss of use coverage
  • Personal liability coverage
  • Medical payments coverage

Personal liability coverage pays for legal and medical expenses if someone is injured or their belongings are damaged while at your home and you’re found legally responsible. This coverage provides peace of mind.

Medical payments coverage pays for small-dollar medical bills if someone is injured while at your home — regardless of who is at fault. This coverage is a thoughtful addition to your home insurance policy.

Home Cost

Home cost can vary significantly depending on the level of dwelling coverage you choose.

The average cost of home insurance with UPC Insurance is $1,263 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This is 33% cheaper than the national average.

For those with lower dwelling coverage limits, the average yearly cost is significantly lower. For instance, a policy with $100,000 in dwelling coverage costs just $578 per year.

Here's a breakdown of the average yearly cost of UPC Insurance home insurance for different levels of dwelling coverage:

Actual rates will vary based on location, policy limits, coverages, claims history, and other factors.

Flood

Severe flood damage to rural homes in Mocoa, Colombia, highlighting devastation and recovery needs.
Credit: pexels.com, Severe flood damage to rural homes in Mocoa, Colombia, highlighting devastation and recovery needs.

Flood insurance can be a lifesaver after a storm, but it's essential to understand the options available to you.

UPC sells two kinds of flood insurance, but they don't write policies directly for either federally backed or private policies.

The NFIP offers flood insurance backed by the U.S. government, with rates the same no matter where you buy from.

Private insurance rates can vary, so it's worth comparing to see if you can get a better deal.

Buying home and flood insurance from the same company can make the claims process smoother after a storm.

On a similar theme: Insurance Policies List

Going Out of Business?

UPC Insurance has announced it's pulling out of the home insurance market, but don't worry, existing clients are still covered. The company has stopped selling new policies in all states where it previously operated, including Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

It's worth noting that UPC Insurance has sold its policies in some of these states to HCI Group, which should help improve its financial strength.

Credit: youtube.com, EP67: Help! I'm Going Out of Business with Special Co-Host, Joe Thompson

In Florida specifically, UPC Insurance is no longer writing new business or renewing active home insurance policies. This means that if you're a Florida resident looking for home insurance, you'll need to explore other options.

Here's a list of the top-rated home insurance companies in Florida, based on their Policygenius ratings:

Keep in mind that these ratings and costs are subject to change, and it's always a good idea to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurance companies.

Quotes and Rates

If you're looking for cheap homeowners insurance quotes, UPC might be a good option - especially if you own an expensive home. For example, a UPC policy with $550,000 of dwelling coverage costs $3,137 per year to insure, on average, which is 7% cheaper than its competitors.

However, if you need lower dwelling coverage limits, UPC's rates might not be as competitive. For instance, a policy with $150,000 of dwelling coverage costs $1,491 per year from UPC, which is $303 per year more expensive than the cheapest insurer we found, State Farm.

You can see how UPC's rates compare to other insurers in the table below:

It's worth noting that UPC offers additional protection options, such as home systems protection, identity theft protection, water backup protection, water damage protection, and a wind endorsement.

If this caught your attention, see: What Is Protection & Indemnity Insurance

Optional Coverages

Person Holding Insurance Policy Contract
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Optional coverages from UPC are designed to provide extra protection for homeowners in specific situations. These coverages can be especially helpful for those living in coastal or warmer climates.

Golf cart coverage is one such option, which can be a must-have for homeowners with golf carts. Dwelling foundation coverage is also available, which can provide peace of mind for homeowners concerned about foundation damage.

Other optional coverages include service/utility line coverage, which can protect against damage to underground utility lines, and pet liability coverage for homeowners with certain breeds of pets.

Here are some of the optional coverages available from UPC:

  • Dwelling foundation
  • Service/utility line
  • Golf cart
  • Pet liability (some breeds)

Availability may vary by state, so be sure to check with a local UPC insurance agent to see what you qualify for.

Other Home Companies

If you're looking for alternative home insurance companies, here are a few options to consider. Auto-Owners Insurance has a perfect 5.0/5 rating from Policygenius and an A++ rating from AM Best.

People Discussing a Home Insurance Policy
Credit: pexels.com, People Discussing a Home Insurance Policy

Some of these companies have higher ratings than others, but come with a higher price tag. For example, Auto-Owners Insurance is one of the more expensive options, with a rating of $$$$.

Kin has a 5.0/5 rating from Policygenius, but it's not clear what its cost is, as it's listed as "NA" in the table. Similarly, Kin is also listed as having a 5.0/5 rating, but its cost is also unknown.

Other companies, like Alfa Insurance and Frontline, have lower ratings but are still worth considering. Alfa Insurance has a 4.1/5 rating from Policygenius and an A rating from AM Best, while Frontline has a 4.1/5 rating and an A- rating.

Here are a few more companies to consider, along with their ratings and costs:

Remember to do your research and compare rates before making a decision.

Optional Coverages Available

Optional coverages can provide extra protection for your home and belongings. UPC offers a range of optional coverages beyond standard options.

Credit: youtube.com, What Optional Coverages Are Available for Homeowners Insurance in New Jersey?

Dwelling foundation coverage is one of the optional coverages available from UPC. This coverage protects your home's foundation from damage.

Service/utility line coverage is another optional coverage offered by UPC. This coverage protects your home's service lines, such as electrical, gas, and water lines, from damage.

Golf cart coverage is a unique optional coverage available from UPC, especially relevant to homeowners in coastal or warmer climates. If you own a golf cart, this coverage can protect it from damage.

Pet liability coverage is available from UPC for some breeds. This coverage protects you from financial liability if your pet causes damage or injury to someone else.

Here's a summary of optional coverages available from UPC:

Company Evaluation

UPC Insurance has a strong financial foundation, with a surplus of $1.1 billion as of 2020. This surplus is a testament to the company's stability and ability to weather financial storms.

Their financial stability is also reflected in their A- rating from AM Best, a leading credit rating agency. This rating indicates that UPC Insurance has a strong capacity to meet its financial obligations.

With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, UPC Insurance has built a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

Evaluating a Company's Quality

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UPC Insurance has received over 10 times the number of complaints as similar-sized insurers in 2021.

Poor customer service ratings are a major concern for UPC. It gets more than three times as many complaints as a typical company its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index.

The most common issues consumers cited involved claims handling, including delays, unsatisfactory settlement amounts, and denials.

UPC's financial stability rating was downgraded from "A, Exceptional" to "M, Moderate" by industry reviewer Demotech.

This means UPC may have a hard time paying claims in difficult situations, like a hurricane season with multiple serious storms.

A rating of M also means you probably won't be able to choose UPC for home insurance if your mortgage is underwritten by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae.

Here are some key metrics to consider when evaluating UPC's quality:

UPC's recent decision to stop writing new homeowners insurance policies may be cause for concern over its financial strength in the future.

Homeowners currently insured with UPC will receive a notice in the mail at least 30 days before your policy ends.

If you are a current policyholder, you can still file claims with UPC if your home is damaged.

Business History

Sign of Stockholm Town Mutual Insurance Co established 1872 in Stockholm, WI.
Credit: pexels.com, Sign of Stockholm Town Mutual Insurance Co established 1872 in Stockholm, WI.

UPC Insurance has been in operation since 1999.

Its headquarters is located in St. Petersburg, Florida, giving the company a strong presence in the region.

UPC has been in operation for over 24 years, providing stability and continuity to its customers.

This long history speaks to the company's commitment to serving its community.

The company's headquarters in St. Petersburg is a testament to its roots and dedication to the local area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened with UPC Insurance?

UPC Insurance was ordered to cease operations and liquidate its assets in February 2023 after being placed in receivership by the Second Judicial Circuit Court of Leon County, Florida

What does UPC stand for in insurance?

UPC stands for United Property & Casualty Insurance Company, a leading provider of insurance solutions for individuals and businesses. Learn more about their insurance products and services.

Carole Veum

Junior Writer

Carole Veum is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for financial journalism. Her work has appeared in several notable publications, covering a range of topics including banking and mergers and acquisitions. Veum's articles on the Banks of Kenya provide a comprehensive understanding of the local financial landscape, while her pieces on 2013 Mergers and Acquisitions offer insightful analysis of significant corporate transactions.

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