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.

Landmark Roofing Shingles - CertainTeed

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?

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.

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

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.

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"

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

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:

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.

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.

Avoid State Farm
 

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.

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

So, call them and ask why.