HOMEOWNERS UNDERWRITING GUIDE

Transcription

1 Federated National Insurance C O M P A N Y HOMEOWNERS UNDERWRITING GUIDE Federated National Insurance Homeowners Department PO Box Ft Lauderdale, FL (888) (954) (954) Fax OCTOBER 2005

2 Federated National Insurance Company HOMEOWNERS UNDERWRITING GUIDE Homeowners Manual Use your Federated National Underwriting Guide, as well as, bulletins as they become effective. Bulletins may change the outline of this guide. New Business All new business is to be bound online and submitted on a Federated National application. With Federated National, you have full binding authority. After fully completing an application it should be, signed by both producer and insured. Full premium is to be collected and all policy information including payment, trailing documents such as photos, credit certificates, appraisal/ replacement cost estimator and proof of purchase or prior renewal declarations page etc., should be sent to the attention of the Homeowners Department at: PO Box , Ft Lauderdale, FL All bound applications need to be postmarked with in 15 days of the effective date of the policy. Available Homeowners Forms Homeowners forms: HO-3 & HO-6 only. We do not offer Dwelling Fire policies Definition of Policy Forms & Coverage Homeowners (HO3) Provides replacement cost coverage on the structures and actual cash value on personal property. Homeowners (HO6) - Provides replacement cost coverage on additions and alterations that are not the responsibility of the association and actual cash value on personal property. USE THIS AS A GUIDE, IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING A POLICY PLEASE CALL THE UNDERWRITING DEPT Minimum and Maximum Limits HO-3 Coverage A $150,000- $500,000(wind & x-wind) Coverage B 10% of A (max 20% of A) Coverage C 50% of A (no adjustments) Coverage D 20 % of A Coverage E $100,000 or $300,000 Coverage F $1,000 (no adjustments) HO-6 Coverage A- $25,000 to $150,000 Coverage C- $10,000 to $150,000 Coverage D- 40% of C Coverage E- $100,000 or $300,000 Coverage F- $1,000(no adjustments) Policy Term & Payment All policies will be issued on an annual, 12-month policy period. Full term premium required payable to Federated National with all applications. Deductibles Standard deductibles are $1,000 for all-peril and 2% for hurricane. Other options are $500 and $2,500 for all perils and $500 for wind (subject to coverage A limitations). Older Homes Federated National will not accept homes (HO3) 50 years of age or older. Homes over the age of 30 must be accompanied by a 4 point inspection and must be mailed in with application. Photos Front and rear photos are necessary for all HO-3 applications. All photos are to be mailed in with supporting documents. -1-

3 Prohibited Risks The following are not acceptable for Federated National s Homeowners program: Type of Property 1. Coverage not at 100% Replacement Cost on HO Homes in poor condition and/or are poorly maintained or have unapproved roofs. 3. Any residence built 50 years of age and older. No Exceptions. 4. A residence with a non-fenced swimming pool or similar structure. Swimming pools must be fully screened with a locking door and/or yard must be completely fenced. 5. Swing sets or playground equipment must be completely fenced. 6. Mobile homes, pre-fabricated homes, or kit homes. 7. All Homes not on a continuous,closed, concrete foundation. No stilted homes. 8. Risks w/ more than two mortgages. 9. Risks that have been previously rejected, canceled, or non-renewed for underwriting reasons. 10. Properties with excessive or unusual liability exposure (i.e. skateboard or bicycle ramps, diving boards, pool slides or trampolines, etc). 11. Dwellings heated in whole or in part by solid fuel heating devices, such as wood burning stoves, or fireplace inserts (wood burning stoves inserted into masonry fireplaces), or heated by any other device which is not controlled by a wall-mounted thermostat. Exception: Factory or professionally installed central gas heat systems or fireplace systems. Location of Property 1. Residence subject to brush or forest fire. 2. Property located where there was a past history of sinkhole activity. 3. Risks under a tornado, tropical storm, or hurricane watch or warning. Please follow memos on the PTS system. 4. Homes not located along a well-traveled, hard-surfaced road with no visual obstructions and set back no more than 200 feet from roadway. 5. Dwellings located on more than 5 acres of land or on a farm, ranch, orchard or grove; or where farming activities or ranching operations take place. 6. Dwellings located in a condemned area due to conditions such as urban renewal or highway construction. 7. All properties in territories 005 or Risks eligible for windstorm coverage in Citizens unless windstorm is excluded. Risks located in special flood areas where a federal flood insurance policy has not been purchased or has not been continued in effect with matching limits 9. Properties located in protection classes 9 or 10 are not acceptable. 10. Properties located current closed county or closed zip code list. 11. Properties that are within 1 mile of the ocean, gulf, or Tampa Bay or 1,000 ft from a river, lake, bay, or intracoastal water way is not eligible.. PG. 2

4 Prohibited Risks (cont d) The following are not acceptable for Standard Form Homeowners Policies: Occupancy 1. Homes occupied by more than one family. A Duplex is unacceptable if owner is not a resident. 2. One family dwelling with more than two (2) roomers or boarders. 3. Fraternity, Sorority or any similar housing arrangement. 4. Any dwelling used primarily for commercial purposes. 5. Any incidental business occupancy other than an office. No customers or clients on the premises. 6. Any dwelling under construction. (Builder s Risk policies are not acceptable.) 7. Vacant or unoccupied dwellings. 8. Any seasonal or secondary home that does not have a monitored Burglar and Fire alarm. Alarm certificate must accompany application Loss History 1. Applicants convicted of arson in the past twenty-five (25) years, canceled for insurance fraud in the past fifteen (15) years, or material misrepresentation on an application for insurance in the past seven (7) years. 2. Individuals which have incurred three (3) or more claims in the three (3) years immediately preceding the policy effective date, except for acts of God. 3. Any risk that has suffered a personal liability claim in the past three (3) years. 4. Any risk which has had a property or contents loss within the past three (3) years and has not installed proper alarm systems and had damage repaired. 5. Any risk that has suffered more than one water damage claim in the past 10 years for new business and more than two water damage claims in the past 10 years for renewal business. 6. Any risk that has been without insurance in the past 4 months or 120 days. 7. There is a complete animal liability exclusions on all policies. There are no exceptions! - 3 -

5 FEDERATED NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY ENDORSEMENT FORMS Policy Forms a. HO-3 (Special Form) HO Special Personal Property Coverage HO Special Provisions FLORIDA HO Additional Interest Residence Premise HO Computer Related Damage or Injury HO Premises Alarm or Fire Protection System HO Limited Fungi, Wet Rot or Dry Rot, or Bacteria HO Additional Insured Residence Premise HO Permitted Incidental Occupancies HO Other Structures Increased Limits HO Personal Property Replacement Cost HO Windstorm or Hail Exclusion HO Home Day Care Coverage Endorsement HO Windstorm or Exterior Paint or Waterproofing Exclusion HO Supplemental Application FNIC HO 01 (2/00) Premium Notice FNIC HO 02 (2/00) Policy Jacket FNIC HO 03 (2/00) Florida Disclosure Notice FNIC HO 04 (2/00) Important Notice (Flood Insurance) FNIC HO 05 (2/00) Homeowners Insurance Outline of Coverage FNIC HO 06 (2/00) Existing Damage Exclusion FNIC HO 07 (2/00) Standard Policy Coverages FNIC HO 08 (2/00) Policy Declarations FNIC HO 09 (2/00) Hurricane Deductible Florida FNIC HO 10 (2/00) Coverage Limitation Endorsement FNIC HO 11 (2/00) Ordinance or Law Coverage FNIC HO 12 (2/00) Non-Structural Hail Loss Limitation FNIC HO 13 (2/00) Electronic Equipment Endorsement FNIC HO 14 (2/00) Loss Assessment Coverage FNIC HO 15 (2/00) - 4 -

6 FEDERATED NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY GENERAL INFORMATION Cancellation Procedures If a policy or binder is canceled, it shall be on a pro-rata basis. A copy of each cancellation notice shall be furnished to the producer of record, insured, and additional interest, if any. The Company shall return the unearned portion of any premium paid within fifteen (15) working days of the effective date of cancellation. The Company shall cancel a policy or binder if the insured: Has obtained the insurance through fraud or willful misrepresentation or willfully or knowingly makes incorrect or misleading statements in the prescribed application form. Has failed to pay any premium due under the policy. Fails to report all information of a material nature. Fails to provide information requested by the Company to develop the risk further or to complete an inspection. Has financed its policy and the premium finance company acting pursuant to a power of attorney granted by the insured requests cancellation for non-payment of premium. Fails to meet or comply with any underwriting guidelines. The company shall cancel a binder or nonrenew a policy if a producer does not have a contract to write business with the company. (Cont d) Policies in effect ninety (90) days or less: Immediate notice of cancellation if material misstatement, misrepresentation, or failure to comply with underwriting requirements. Ten (10) days notice for non-payment of premium. Twenty (20) days notice for any other reason. Policies in effect over ninety (90) days: Ten (10) days notice for non-payment of premium. Ninety (90) days notice for: Material misstatement Material misrepresentation Substantial change in risk Failure to comply with underwriting requirements Cancellation for all insureds with a given class Acts of God if insured has failed to take reasonable steps to prevent recurrence of damage. A binder canceled prior to the expiration date shown in the application requires ten (10) days notice of cancellation to the named insured. Such notices shall state reason(s) the application was rejected or why the policy was canceled. NOTES: 1) All mail will be honored by the post marked date 2) Disregard February 29 th in leap years when determining pro-rata earned premiums. 3) The insurer shall give the named insured written notice of cancellation or termination at least ninety (90) days prior to the effective date of the non-renewal pursuant to Section Florida Statutes

7 GENERAL INFORMATION FEDERATED NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY Minimum Premium The minimum premium to all applicable policy forms shall be $ This premium shall be returned pro-rata upon mid-term cancellations. All coverages will be rounded to the nearest thousand and all premiums will be rounded to the nearest dollar. Changes and Mid-Term Premium Adjustments All changes shall be made pro-rata using the rules and rates in effect at the inception date of the policy or latest subsequent renewal date thereafter. If insurance is increased, canceled, or reduced, the additional or return premium shall be calculated on a pro-rata basis, subject to the minimum premium requirement. The Insured s signature is required in order to make changes to coverages and cancellations. Hurricane/Tornado Procedures The Company will not bind coverage or make changes on risks located when a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch or Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for any part of the State of Florida. Within 48 hours after the warning or watch has been lifted, a personal visual inspection of the property by the agency is required to verify no loss has occurred prior to binding. Please self-monitor the storms. We are not responsible for telling you the beginning and end of restrictions. PLEASE REFER TO MEMOS ON THE PTS SYSTEM FOR ALL BINDING RESTRICTIONS -6-

8 GENERAL INFORMATION Notice of Binding to Federated National Insurance Company 1. Under no circumstances is coverage to be backdated. 2. All applications must be submitted to Federated National Insurance Company within FIFTEEN (15) days of the effective date. Claim Reporting Procedures Please be advised that we have a new toll free number for new homeowner losses. We have a 24hour/ 7 day a week claims company, that offers many emergency type services. To expedite claim service efficiently and effectively please instruct your insured s and claimants to call our Claims Dept. directly Credits/Discounts If you re submitting a new home application and requesting any credits or discounts such as hurricane shutters, burglar and/or fire alarms, sprinklers, etc., make sure you mail the appropriate documentation. Otherwise, the policy will be issued at a higher premium, the insured will be calling you, you will be calling us let s avoid these phone calls! Underwriting Disclaimer The Homeowners Underwriting Department reserves the right to grant any exceptions to the above guidelines. -7-

9 FEDERATED NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY FLORIDA BUILDING CODE WALL & ROOFING MITIGATION VERIFICATION AFFIDAVIT Applicant(s): Policy No. Property Address: Installation Date / / Specify the type of mitigation device(s) installed: Unknown is defined as a feature whose composition is try unknown or one that does not fall within the categories that are listed. Roof Covering Asphalt or Wood Shingles attached with Nails/Staples, Mortar or Adhesive/Epoxy Asphalt or Wood Shingles attached with Screws OR Clay/Concrete Tiles, Slate, Built-up Roof without Gravel Standing, Seam Metal, Single Ply Membrane Ballasted attached with Nails/Staples, Mortar, Screw or Adhesive/Epoxy Light Metal Panels attached with Nails/Staples, Mortar, Screws or Adhesive/Epoxy OR Unknown Roof Deck Attachment Plywood, Wood Planks, Particle Board/OSB, Metal Deck with Insulation Board attached with Nails Plywood, Wood Planks, Particle Board/OSB, Metal Deck with Insulation Board attached with Screws/Bolts or Structurally Connected Plywood, Wood Planks, Particle Board/OSB, Metal Deck with Insulation Board attached with Adhesive/Epoxy Metal Deck with Concrete, Pre-Cast Concrete Slabs, or Reinforced Concrete Slabs attached with Screws/Bolts or Structurally Connected Light Metal attached with Nails Light Metal attached with Screws/Bolts or Structurally Connected Light Metal attached with Adhesive/Epoxy OR Unknown Roof-Wall Connection Anchor Bolts, Hurricane Ties OR Structurally connected Nails/Screws Gravity/Friction OR Adhesive/Epoxy OR Unknown Window Protection Engineered shutters with any Glass Type (Class A) Non-Engineered shutters with any Glass Type (Class B) No Shutters with Annealed or Unknown Glass Type No Shutters with Laminated or Tempered Glass Type 1

10 FEDERATED NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY FLORIDA BUILDING CODE WALL & ROOFING MITIGATION VERIFICATION AFFIDAVIT Door Type Double-width, Sliding or Unknown doors Reinforced Single-width doors Single-width, Reinforced Double-width or Reinforced Sliding doors Roof Geometry Hip, Mansard OR Pyramid Gable End with Bracing, Stepped OR Gambrel Gable End without Bracing, Complex, Flat, Shed OR Unknown CERTIFICATION I certify that I am (CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING): a resident Licensed Building Contractor, a Licensed Building Inspector, a Registered Architect, an Engineer in the State of Florida, or a Building Code Official (who is duly authorized by the State of Florida or its county s municipalities to verify Building code compliance). I also certify that I personally inspected the premises at the Location Address listed above on the date of this Affidavit. In my professional opinion, based on my knowledge, information and belief, I certify that the above statements are true and correct. This affidavit and the information set forth in it are provided solely for the purpose of verifying that the certain structural or physical characteristics exist at the Location Address listed above and for the purpose of permitting the Named Insured to receive a property insurance premium discount on insurance provided by Federated National Insurance Company and for no other purpose. The undersigned does not make a health or safety certification or warranty, express or implied, of any kind, and nothing in this Affidavit shall be construed to impose on the undersigned or on any entity to which the undersigned is affiliated any liability or obligation of any nature to the named insured or to any other person or entity. Name of Company: License#: Date: Phone: Signature: Applicant s Signature: Date: Federated National Insurance Company reserves the right to confirm all information contained in this form via a survey of the risk. Any person who knowingly and with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive any insurer files a statement of claim or an application containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information is guilty of a felony of the third degree. 2

11 CLOSED COUNTIES SYSTEMWIDE 1. BAY 2. CALHOUN 3. CITRUS 4. COLUMBIA 5. DIXIE 6. ESCAMBIA 7. FRANKLIN 8. GADSDEN 9. GILCHRIST 10. GULF 11. HAMILTON 12. HERNANDO 13. HILLSBOROUGH 14. HOLMES 15. JACKSON 16. JEFFERSON 17. LAFAYETTE 18. LEON 19. LEVY 20. LIBERTY 21. MADISON 22. MONROE 23. OKALOOSA 24. PASCO 25. PINELLAS 26. SANTA ROSA 27. SUWANEE 28. TAYLOR 29. WAKULLA 30. WALTON 31. WASHINGTON

12 REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION 1. FEDERATED APPLICATION FULLY EXECUTED 2. 2 CLEAR PHOTOS (1 FRONT & 1 BACK) *IF THERE IS A POOL /SWING SET PLEASE CAPTURE THE ENTIRE POOL/ SWING SET INCLUDNG THE FENCE. 3. REPLACEMENT COST ESTIMATOR/ APPRAISEL *A CURRENT APPRAISEL SUPERCEDES AN RCE * FANNIE MAE APPARISELS ARE UNACCEPTABLE * PAGE 1 AND 2 ARE REQUIRED ON A R.C.E 4. CLOSING STATEMENT/ PRIOR DECLARATION PAGE *WARRANTY DEEDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE *DECLARATION PAGE MUST BE FOR PRECEDING POLICY PERIOD AND CAN NOT EXCEDE OVER 120 DAYS *FORCE PLACED INSURANCE DEC MUST ACCOMPANY AN SIGNED LIABILITY NO LOSS LETTER FROM INSURED. 5. CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO FEDERATED NATIONAL FOR FULL BALANCE 6. APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FOR APPROVED CREDITS 7. 4 POINT INSPECTION FOR ALL HOMES 30 YEARS AND OLDER THIS INFO MUST BE POSTMARKED WITHIN 15 DAYS OF EFFECTIVE DATE!!!!