The Villages Insurance Agency - Thumbs Down !!

[rivaridger1]

Yes, it is owned by the developer and in my opinion has fallen asleep at the switch. Very happy to sell you a policy and then refer you to the claims department of an insurance company they represent which will not answer the phone. We live in " hurricane country " folks. Hurricanes tear off roofs and this insurance agency does not know of anyone who can put a tarp on a damaged roof, let alone a roofing contractor who might respond to a phone call. Calls to question whether the owner of the agency might not have such information, doesn't it ?

By the way, when you go to the insurance company web site (ASI/Progressive }there is a little reminder if you do not put on a tarp any resultant damage associated with that comes out of your pocket.

[Daddymac]

Never put all your Eggs in one Basket

[dewilson58]

I've always handled claims with the carrier, not the agent.

[rivaridger1]

I am not asking the agency to handle the claim. The company they placed me with will not answer the phone to take the claim. One of their advertising pieces is associated with helping their customers with claims.
Certainly with their " connections " in the event of a hurricane they should have an idea of who could put on a tarp. By the way, they are paid commissions to act on their clients behalf.

[bluedivergirl]

I think everything is closed today. The younger people who live outside The Villages may not have fared as well as we did, and be unable to work today.

Another option would be to try and file a starter claim on line. We have shingle damage under warranty we started the process on-line.

[JoMar]

We received an email several days ago from ASI/Progressive with instructions how to file a claim and I did that this am online. If you need a contractor try calling the Warranty Department and as them for their roofers or talk to someone you trust. The crooks will be out and knocking on doors when they see damage.....be prepared. Depending on how old your home is the roof and shingles could still be under warranty as was mentioned before, and that should be part of your call to the warranty department....it will be part of mine.

[CWGUY]

Todays paper - page A 13
List of Insurance Co. phone numbers to report damage.

[rivaridger1]

Will try what you suggest tomorrow with respect to the warranty department. I never received anything on line from ASI/Progressive. Just tried again, twenty five rings and a disconnect. That's 15 times today.

[Villageswimmer]

Yes, it is owned by the developer and in my opinion has fallen asleep at the switch. Very happy to sell you a policy and then refer you to the claims department of an insurance company they represent which will not answer the phone. We live in " hurricane country " folks. Hurricanes tear off roofs and this insurance agency does not know of anyone who can put a tarp on a damaged roof, let alone a roofing contractor who might respond to a phone call. Calls to question whether the owner of the agency might not have such information, doesn't it ?

By the way, when you go to the insurance company web site (ASI/Progressive }there is a little reminder if you do not put on a tarp any resultant damage associated with that comes out of your pocket.


First, so sorry for the damage you received. Secondly, I'm sure it's very frustrating receiving such poor service or no service. I am very surprised since we always heard positive feedback about them.

Just a thought: have you tried contacting the county's EMA Office? They should certainly be able to refer you to someone who can put the tarp on. Or perhaps the fire department or public safety office. Hope this helps.

[John_W]

Villages insured our home with American Integrity. We have received two emails from AI in the last 5 days to let us know they would be standing by if they are needed. Also received a couple of years ago an American Integrity refrigerator magnet with a 24 hour hotline phone number. Fortunately our house didn't have any problems.

[villagerjack]

We had a lightning strike a few years ago and dealing with the Villages Insurance Agency was a blessing. The Agency President called me personally on his way to my home. I was put in touch with an adjuster who referred me to a Restoration Contractor. I too have ASI. Wonderful experience.

[waterlily]

Another option would be to try and file a starter claim on line. We have shingle damage under warranty we started the process on-line.

Hurricane damage is covered under home warranty? How long?

[ithos]

ASI is Florida based company so they are needless to say going to be overwhelmed. They recently expanded to 30 states but they have to have a very high percentage of FL homes.

They had one of the lowest rate of complaints filed with the state which is why I chose them. I hope Progressive steps up and helps them maintain their reputation of customer satisfaction.

[jnieman]

I posted this on a new thread but wanted to make sure you get it.

Claims FAQ (http://www.americanstrategic.com/claims-center/claims-faq)

[ithos]

Check ASI's website. According to their history timeline, before 2015 they operated in only two states. Florida and Texas.

Yeah, they may be awhile in returning phone calls.

[golfing eagles]

Will try what you suggest tomorrow with respect to the warranty department. I never received anything on line from ASI/Progressive. Just tried again, twenty five rings and a disconnect. That's 15 times today.

Exactly same thing happened to me (AFTER you navigate their voice menu)(In English). But ASI is located in St. Petersburg, so I doubt anyone was there.

[justjim]

My agent always ran "interference" for me . It's called service after the sale. I wouldn't be too happy either.

[BostonRich]

ASI sent me an email long before Irma hit telling me how to file a claim by email or phone. They seem very proactive. Luckily I won't need to file a claim so can't rate their service.

[Bogie Shooter]

I received a phone call from ASI last Tuesday, providing me with phone numbers & web sites in the event I needed to file a claim.
First time that has happened in 15 years.

[e-flyer]

ASI sent me an email long before Irma hit telling me how to file a claim by email or phone. They seem very proactive. Luckily I won't need to file a claim so can't rate their service.

Interesting, the only thing I got from ASI in the last month was a letter saying Progressive had bought them out.

[rivaridger1]

To be fair, at 1 AM this morning I made contact with ASI/Progressive and in theory got the claim underway. They put me in contact with a restoration service contractor who still has to return the phone call. If the 25 rings and hang up routine continues tomorrow for anyone, set your alarm for 2 AM and then call. You might get through.

[Biker Dog]

First of all The Villages Insurance is not owned by the developer. They sold it a few years ago. Secondly, our Villa was hit by the tornado back in 2007 and was insured through the Villages Insurance with ASI. We met with ASI rep 7 days after the tornado and received a check for the contents that days. She called our contractor while we were sitting there and told him "Get your guys out there, get it repaired, and don't worry you will be paid as per your estimate." We were back in our Villa in less than 30 days after that phone call.

That my friends is GREAT SERVICE!!!!!!!!!!

[Bogie Shooter]

To be fair, at 1 AM this morning I made contact with ASI/Progressive and in theory got the claim underway. They put me in contact with a restoration service contractor who still has to return the phone call. If the 25 rings and hang up routine continues tomorrow for anyone, set your alarm for 2 AM and then call. You might get through.

Makes sense since you were not the only one in FL who had damage............

[graciegirl]

I think everything is closed today. The younger people who live outside The Villages may not have fared as well as we did, and be unable to work today.

Another option would be to try and file a starter claim on line. We have shingle damage under warranty we started the process on-line.

Excellent and intelligent and reasoned response.

[graciegirl]

///

[bluedivergirl]

Hurricane damage is covered under home warranty? How long?

Shingle damage. The shingles are warranted against wind damage for 15 years. They're supposed to stay put against 135 MPH winds. They didn't.

[graciegirl]

Makes sense since you were not the only one in FL who had damage............

I am grateful you are my friend on TOTV who we have never met in person. Smart fella with lots of common sense.

[retiredguy123]

ASI sent me an email long before Irma hit telling me how to file a claim by email or phone. They seem very proactive. Luckily I won't need to file a claim so can't rate their service.
This is not a good pitch for ASI. I did not receive an email. Are we supposed to believe that an insurance company cannot even maintain an accurate database of their customers' email addresses? Not good.

[Carla B]

Received both an email and phone call last week from ASI. Maybe their data base for people who pay on line, like we do, is more accurate.

[retiredguy123]

Received both an email and phone call last week from ASI. Maybe their data base for people who pay on line, like we do, is more accurate.
I pay everything online. I didn't get an email or a phone call. I did get an email from them in January, thanking me for my payment, so they had my address.

[John_W]

The late Mitch Hedberg

http://www.azquotes.com/picture-quotes/quote-y-know-you-can-t-please-all-the-people-all-the-time-and-last-night-all-those-people-mitch-hedberg-12-83-14.jpg

[MSGirl]

I never got a message from AI

[John_W]

I never got a message from AI

My last premium was in July and I went on their website and made my payment, first time I did that. So probably I got the email because of that. Otherwise they wouldn't of had my email address.

[retiredguy123]

My last premium was in July and I went on their website and made my payment, first time I did that. So probably I got the email because of that. Otherwise they wouldn't of had my email address.
I paid online in January and they sent me an email thanking me for my payment. But, I did not get an email last week about how to file a claim like others did.

[John_W]

I paid online in January and they sent me an email thanking me for my payment. But, I did not get an email last week about how to file a claim like others did.

I guess they have selective memory.

[jimbo2012]

The shingles are warranted against wind damage for 15 years. They're supposed to stay put against 135 MPH winds.

I don't think so, where did you see that?

[spring_chicken]

First of all The Villages Insurance is not owned by the developer. They sold it a few years ago. Secondly, our Villa was hit by the tornado back in 2007 and was insured through the Villages Insurance with ASI. We met with ASI rep 7 days after the tornado and received a check for the contents that days. She called our contractor while we were sitting there and told him "Get your guys out there, get it repaired, and don't worry you will be paid as per your estimate." We were back in our Villa in less than 30 days after that phone call.

That my friends is GREAT SERVICE!!!!!!!!!!

7 days is not great service. I got hit by a tornado on a day that tornados wiped out 3 cities in my home state. My insurance company claims examiner was on site the next day and our check arrived the following day.

[golfing eagles]

Here's my tale of woe:

Villages warranty---just to find out who my original roofer was-----all circuits busy all morning except once, when the message said call back during normal business hours (10:30 AM)

Original Builder----number is wrong, the one TV information provided, and cannot find on-line

Villages Insurance---just gave me ASI claim number

ASI---continued voice menu followed by 24 rings, then disconnected.

My house is only 4 years old, and I have about 40 sq. ft. of roof exposed

At this point I'm open to suggestion, I have no ability to put a tarp up by myself.

Looks like my best option is to just take some pictures, go ahead and get a good roofer (if I can) and deal with the insurance bozos later even if I end up paying out of pocket

[jimbo2012]

I don't think you'll get a roofer even if you wave $100 bills in front of them, they have weeks of work ahead of you.

U really need emergency tarp service

[villagerjack]

Here's my tale of woe:

Villages warranty---just to find out who my original roofer was-----all circuits busy all morning except once, when the message said call back during normal business hours (10:30 AM)

Original Builder----number is wrong, the one TV information provided, and cannot find on-line

Villages Insurance---just gave me ASI claim number

ASI---continued voice menu followed by 24 rings, then disconnected.

My house is only 4 years old, and I have about 40 sq. ft. of roof exposed

At this point I'm open to suggestion, I have no ability to put a tarp up by myself.

Looks like my best option is to just take some pictures, go ahead and get a good roofer (if I can) and deal with the insurance bozos later even if I end up paying out of pocket

Try calling SACK ROOFING. They will deal with your insurance company. They did mine in record time. Good Luck.BTW Sack was not my original roofer. I dealt with a very competent gal, Kristin, she handled everything including permits, insurance etc.

[Biker Dog]

7 days is not great service. I got hit by a tornado on a day that tornados wiped out 3 cities in my home state. My insurance company claims examiner was on site the next day and our check arrived the following day.

We had closed up our home in PA and drive down here before we could meet with the Claims lady. That is why it took 7 days. chilout

[rubicon]

Here's my tale of woe:

Villages warranty---just to find out who my original roofer was-----all circuits busy all morning except once, when the message said call back during normal business hours (10:30 AM)

Original Builder----number is wrong, the one TV information provided, and cannot find on-line

Villages Insurance---just gave me ASI claim number

ASI---continued voice menu followed by 24 rings, then disconnected.

My house is only 4 years old, and I have about 40 sq. ft. of roof exposed

At this point I'm open to suggestion, I have no ability to put a tarp up by myself.

Looks like my best option is to just take some pictures, go ahead and get a good roofer (if I can) and deal with the insurance bozos later even if I end up paying out of pocket

Record this info times, telephone numbers names of people you spoke with etc. so that your insurance carrier knows you made a good faith effort to protect your property from any further damage Look for a roofing company that will effect temporary repairs. I'll PM you also

[golfing eagles]

Try calling SACK ROOFING. They will deal with your insurance company. They did mine in record time. Good Luck.BTW Sack was not my original roofer. I dealt with a very competent gal, Kristin, she handled everything including permits, insurance etc.

Good suggestion. However, you get directed to voicemail and the mailbox is full. May be worth driving over there

[Nucky]

Good suggestion. However, you get directed to voicemail and the mailbox is full. May be worth driving over there

I gotta the guy. He isn't answering either. I'mean trying to.

[bimmertl]

Good suggestion. However, you get directed to voicemail and the mailbox is full. May be worth driving over there

Be careful. Sounds like the roofing company will want you to sign an assignment of benefits. This allows them to proceed to work with your insurance company and basically puts you out of the loop. Your insurance carrier may not agree to all of their costs and you could be on the hook.


AOB fraud: An unchecked, growing problem in Florida | WTSP.com (http://www.wtsp.com/money/consumer/aob-fraud-an-unchecked-growing-problem-in-florida/458485629)

[Villageswimmer]

I have had very little interaction with insurance companies but I didn't realize that the Villages Insurance is, essentially, a middleman. Or so it sounds on this thread. If you have a claim (we don't) sounds like you have to file directly with the insurance company itself. Duh.

So, what are the advantages of using a company like TV Insurance? Why not just deal directly with the insurance company from the get go? I know I must be missing something.

[Wiotte]

I don't think so, where did you see that?



Landmark Roofing Shingles - CertainTeed (https://www.certainteed.com/residential-roofing/products/landmark/)

[dewilson58]

I have had very little interaction with insurance companies but I didn't realize that the Villages Insurance is, essentially, a middleman. Or so it sounds on this thread. If you have a claim (we don't) sounds like you have to file directly with the insurance company itself. Duh.

So, what are the advantages of using a company like TV Insurance? Why not just deal directly with the insurance company from the get go? I know I must be missing something.

A lot of carriers require the use of of agents. Some agents are independent and can shop carriers for you. Some agents are dedicated to one carrier.

[Villageswimmer]

A lot of carriers require the use of of agents. Some agents are independent and can shop carriers for you. Some agents are dedicated to one carrier.


Thanks. So the TV Insurance is considered an independent agent? They save us the hassle of making a lot of phone calls to shop? Is that it?

[dewilson58]

They are independent from the prospective they are not ASI employees, but I don't think they are independent and can offer different carriers.

A quick call to them and they will disclose who they can represent.

[dnobles]

We received a call and an email from ASI before the storm. I filed my claim on line and they just called me. No problems

[rivaridger1]

A good insurance agent not only shops for a good price, but also counsels you on the financial strength of the company they bring to the table, tells you about clients who have had both good and bad experiences in submitting claims to various insurance companies, and after you make a claim holds your hand and occasionally intercedes if the company is headed down an incorrect path. They also know local contractors and repair facilities and are prepared to offer advice when you are at a loss as to what to do next. There are not many " good " insurance agents, but when you find one listen carefully to what they have to say. If you care nothing about any of this and is all you want is the cheapest price get to know a good lawyer because you are going to need one. By the way, good lawyers are expensive.

[bilcon]

I also received e mails from American Integrity saying they would be there for us if needed. Read some of the customer comments about Progressive Ins. Not progressive or impressive! and their ads are STUPID....


"I never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong"

[eremite06]

Just wait for the Flim/Flam roofers to arrive from out of state. They're on their way.

[Barefoot]

7 days is not great service. I got hit by a tornado on a day that tornados wiped out 3 cities in my home state. My insurance company claims examiner was on site the next day and our check arrived the following day.
We had a fire in our Villages home on January 9 with extensive damage. I think 7 days is great service!
We have been waiting eight months to be reimbursed for the contents of our home that were destroyed by fire or smoke damage.
In their defence, the Insurance Company has been paying directly for a Restoration Company.
The Restoration Company is still working to restore our home, and doesn't yet have an Occupancy Permit.
Now that all the claims are being submitted for Irma, I don't know will happen. :shrug:

[Villageswimmer]

Thanks all for your comments. I understand this much better now.

We're thinking of putting our homeowners under State Farm. We originally didn't go with them because they were significantly more expensive than everyone else. Has anyone had experience with a ho claim with State Farm?

We currently have Cabrelli Coastal thru The Villages insurance. They weren't cheap. We have received nothing from them in the way of emails or calls proactively offering help. Anyone else have them? I had never heard of them before but an internet search showed an A. M.Best rating of A+ and many positive (not all) comments. I think their not reaching out when other companies have may be a red flag.

We don't have a claim for this event but we don't feel warm and fuzzy about this company now.

Any comments on Cabrelli Coastal or State Farm or specific recommendations are welcome. Thanks.

[JoMar]

Filed a claim with ASI-Progressive yesterday, got a call today and they are having a roofer call me to tarp the damage which is covered. An adjuster will also call since they are now heading to FL from Texas in masse. So far no complaints with response and attitude.....will see how it ends.

[Toymeister]

Thanks all for your comments. I understand this much better now.

We're thinking of putting our homeowners under State Farm. We originally didn't go with them because they were significantly more expensive than everyone else. Has anyone had experience with a ho claim with State Farm?

We currently have Cabrelli Coastal thru The Villages insurance. They weren't cheap. We have received nothing from them in the way of emails or calls proactively offering help. Anyone else have them? I had never heard of them before but an internet search showed an A. M.Best rating of A+ and many positive (not all) comments. I think their not reaching out when other companies have may be a red flag.

We don't have a claim for this event but we don't feel warm and fuzzy about this company now.

Any comments on Cabrelli Coastal or State Farm or specific recommendations are welcome. Thanks.
A tornado visited our area out of state, everyone with roof damage got a new roof, well almost. Not those insured by State Farm, the received individual shingles. Two homes next together same hail damage.

[villagerjack]

Be careful. Sounds like the roofing company will want you to sign an assignment of benefits. This allows them to proceed to work with your insurance company and basically puts you out of the loop. Your insurance carrier may not agree to all of their costs and you could be on the hook.


AOB fraud: An unchecked, growing problem in Florida | WTSP.com (http://www.wtsp.com/money/consumer/aob-fraud-an-unchecked-growing-problem-in-florida/458485629)

Sacks is a reputable company. They are not in business to screw people. My God, you have to trust someone.

[Bogie Shooter]

I pay everything online. I didn't get an email or a phone call. I did get an email from them in January, thanking me for my payment, so they had my address.

So, call them and ask why.

[John_W]

...Read some of the customer comments about Progressive Ins. Not progressive or impressive! and their ads are STUPID....


"I never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong"

Guess who this is?

https://www.emmys.com/sites/default/files/stephanie-courtney-900x600.jpg

^
^
^
^
https://rizklaw.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/flo-and-snapshot.jpg

[John_W]

For those with AI (American Integrity) Insurance and were left out of the loop, here is the email I received today.

Recovering from Hurricane Irma

Our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected by Hurricane Irma. Your safety is our first and foremost concern, so please continue to follow all weather advisories in your area.

If your home has sustained damage related to Hurricane Irma, there are two ways that you can report your claim to us immediately:
Call our 24/7 dedicated claims number at 844-My-AIIC-1 (844-692-4421)
File a claim online

As we assist you with the claims process, please keep the following in mind:
If safe to do so, cover any holes in the roof or window to protect your property from further damage. Nexxus Solutions Group, our preferred contractor network, can assist you with tarping your roof as well as other emergency services. They can be reached by phone at 855-963-9987 or email at aiic@nexxussg.com. Please provide them with your claim number if it is available.
Save all receipts to present to your adjuster.
Take photos of all of the damage to your home.

For more post-storm information, please visit our website at IntegrityStormResponse.com.

It is important that you contact us FIRST
if you need to file a claim

Here is the email I received on Sept 8th

We Are Monitoring Hurricane Irma and
Stand Ready to Respond

American Integrity is keeping a close eye on Hurricane Irma and we stand ready to assist any customers who may be affected by the storm. We have scaled up our network of adjusters and activated our catastrophe claims team in order to provide the best service to our customers. Check our website and social media frequently for the most up-to-date information.

Your safety is our highest priority. Below is important information about the claims filing process and storm preparation tips.

TO FILE A CLAIM

If your home is damaged by the storm, please contact us as soon as possible at 1-844-My-AIIC-1 to report your loss.

When filing a claim, please have the following available:
Your contact information
Photos of the damages right after the loss
Invoices for any temporary repairs or mechanical parts
Receipts and invoices for incurred expenses if your home is deemed unlivable. Please note that coverage for these expenses is known as Additional Living Expenses (ALE). Be sure to ask your claims representative if ALE is included in your policy

PREPARATION TIPS

Create a Home Inventory
Having a complete record of property expedites the claims process and helps ensure that you are reimbursed for your belongings. This can easily be done with a smartphone or video camera.

Make an Emergency Supply Kit
Be sure to have enough food, water, toiletries, and supplies to last for at least 72 hours. Include medicine, glasses, first aid items, a battery-operated weather radio, flashlights, batteries, a cell phone, and mobile device chargers in your kit.

Know Your Evacuation Route
Learn the location of your area's emergency shelters.

Take Precautions for Your Pet
Many disaster shelters are by law not allowed to accept pets. The LAST thing you want to do is leave your four-legged friend at home alone if you have to evacuate - if it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pet, either. Make a list of "pet-friendly" places, boarding facilities and veterinarians, including 24-hour phone numbers, and keep it with your disaster supplies.

Gather Your Important Documents
Keep your insurance policy and other critical papers in a waterproof and portable container, so you can quickly grab them on the go.

Eliminate Debris
Bring yard and outdoor items in if they could be picked up by the wind. Trim trees and shrubbery.

Thank you for being an American Integrity customer. We appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us, and we are grateful for your business.

Sincerely,

American Integrity Insurance Company

[RedChariot]

Filed a claim with ASI-Progressive yesterday, got a call today and they are having a roofer call me to tarp the damage which is covered. An adjuster will also call since they are now heading to FL from Texas in masse. So far no complaints with response and attitude.....will see how it ends.

Did you file this claim on line or by phone.

[Sparty6971]

Thanks John_W. I've had AI for 8 years and some change. Generally pleased but didn't get that info email. Lots of good info so thanks for posting it. I made a print of your posting for the file cabinet after this episode is resolved. Recommend all AI folks do the same.

For all: I had a little trouble getting hold of AI on Monday (gee, wonder why?) and most of Tuesday (gee, wonder why again). But Tuesday evening I got hold of them and had only a 2-minute wait for the next agent and got a great one, at least so far. Took all the info, made sure we were safe and OK, gave us a claim number and arranged for the adjuster to contact us and look over the shingle damage by this Friday which isn't too bad considering the number of claims they are already working.