Consumer guide and premium comparison for homeowners insurance

              2910 N. 44th Street, Ste. 210
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 364-2499
(1-800) 325-2548 outside Phoenix
www.azinsurance.gov
Arizona
Department
of Insurance
Janice K. Brewer
Governor
Christina Urias
Director
2010
Consumer Guide and
Premium Comparison for
Homeowners
Insurance
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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
􀂃􈍈 How to use this Guide ........................................ 2
􀂃􈍕 Understanding Homeowners Insurance ............. 3
􀂃􈍈 Homeowners Insurance Premium Comparison
Example A Dwelling: $100,000....................12
Example B Dwelling: $300,000....................13
Example C Dwelling: $500,000....................14
􀂃􈍈 Homeowners Insurer Telephone Number……..15
􀂃􈍈 How to File a Complaint…………………………16
􀂃􈍁 Abbreviations used in this Guide……………….16
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How to Use This Guide
The Homeowners Insurance Premium Comparison and Consumer Guide,
developed by the Arizona Department of Insurance (ADOI), is designed to help
insurance consumers understand and compare the cost of homeowners
insurance. The wide range of premiums between insurers demonstrates the
savings an average consumer can realize by taking the time to compare rates
between several insurance companies.
This publication contains the results of a survey of homeowner insurance
companies that were asked to “quote” an average annual premium for
homeowners policies (form HO-3 or equivalent) for hypothetical dwellings valued
at $100,000, $300,000 and $500,000 located in Phoenix, Mesa, Peoria, Flagstaff
and Tucson as follows:
HYPOTHETICAL I: PHOENIX Located at 7th Street and Greenway;
Phoenix, Arizona 85022
HYPOTHETICAL II: MESA Located at McDowell and Power Roads; Mesa,
Arizona 85215
HYPOTHETICAL III: PEORIA Located at 99th Avenue and Beardsley Road;
Peoria, Arizona 85382
HYPOTHETICAL IV: FLAGSTAFF Located at Cherry Avenue and Verde
Street; Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
HYPOTHETICAL V: TUCSON Located at Ina and Oracle Roads; Tucson,
Arizona 85704
Insurers are listed in the Premium Comparison tables based on the lowest to
highest Phoenix masonry dwelling premium. All premiums contained in this
publication were provided by the listed insurers using rates in effect as of March
1, 2010. All premiums were based on 12 months of coverage.
To use the Premium Comparison in this Guide, select the hypothetical dwelling
and coverage limits that align most closely with your needs and look under the
city nearest yours to find rates similar to what you might pay. Since these quotes
are based on a hypothetical applicant, they are not indicative of what your actual
premium will be with any particular company. You will need to obtain quotes
prepared specifically for you to get that information, but this will give you a
baseline.
While price is always a consideration, consumers should also consider the
insurer’s service and the type of insurance contract and coverage available. The
ADOI recommends that consumers consult their professional insurance
representatives for advice concerning coverage and other purchasing
considerations.
If you have questions or comments regarding this publication or any other
insurance matter, please call the Consumers Affairs Division at (602) 364-2499 in
Phoenix, or (800) 325-2548 outside Phoenix, or write us. In addition, our web site
at www.azinsurance.gov contains this and other consumer-oriented insurance
publications that may be of further assistance.
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Understanding Homeowners Insurance
BASIC HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVERAGES
Homeowners insurance combines more than one type of coverage into one
policy. Usually, four types of coverage are contained in the policy: (1) Dwelling
and Personal Property; (2) Liability; (3) Medical Payments; and, (4) Additional
Living Expenses.
(1) Dwelling and Personal Property Coverage
Dwelling coverage helps pay for any structural damage to your home. Other
structures such as a detached garage, a storage shed or any other building
on your property are usually covered for 10% of the coverage on your house.
Personal property coverage pays for your contents including household
furniture, clothing and other personal belongings. The amount of insurance is
usually 75% of the policy limit on your dwelling. Your policy also provides
more limited coverage for personal property, commonly 10%, if it is stolen or
damaged while you are away from home, including when you are on vacation.
(2) Personal Liability Coverage
Homeowners insurance provides personal liability coverage that applies to non-automobile
accidents on and off your property if the injury or damage is caused
by you, a family member, or your pet. The liability coverage in your policy pays
both for the cost of defending you and paying for any damages a court rules you
must pay. Unlike other coverage in a homeowner’s policy, the liability coverage
does not have a deductible that must be met before the insurer pays. The basic
limit is usually $100,000 for each occurrence, but you may request higher limits,
which are normally available for an additional cost.
(3) Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments coverage pays if someone outside your household is injured
at your home regardless of fault and pays for reasonable medical expenses. In
limited circumstances, Medical Payments may pay if you are involved in the
injury of another person away from your home.
(4) Additional Living Expenses
If you must temporarily move into a motel or apartment due to a loss covered by
your policy, the insurance company will pay reasonable and necessary additional
living expenses, generally for up to 12 months. The typical policy pays up to
20% of the policy limit on your dwelling for expenses that exceed your normal
daily living expenses.
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE
Homeowner’s insurance generally provides the following additional coverage:
• Debris Removal. The policy usually covers a fixed amount toward the cost
of having debris that is left as a result of the loss removed from the premises.
• Trees, Plants and Shrubs. Trees, plants and shrubs around the house are
usually covered for 5% of the insurance on the house, up to $500 per item
against theft, fire, lightning, explosion, vandalism, riot, and even falling
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aircraft. Windstorm damage to trees, plants and shrubs is normally not
covered.
Ask your agent about the following additional benefits offered by some insurers
for extra premium:
• Credit Card Coverage. Many policies pay up to $500 to cover unauthorized
credit card use.
• Identity Theft. Some insurers offer coverage for expenses arising from the
misuse of your identity.
• Mold. Some insurers offer limited coverage of losses related to mold.
COMMON EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Most homeowner’s policies do not cover:
• Loss to animals, birds, fish or automobiles.
• Damage caused by flood, surface water, overflow of a body of water, or spray
from any of these.
• Water damage due to backed-up sewers or drains.
• War, nuclear hazard, neglect, earth movement or power failure damage.
• Property used for any business purposes.
• Mold, fungi, wet rot and dry rot.
• Damage caused by continuous or repeated seepage or leakage of water or
steam over a period of time.
Most homeowner's policies limit coverage for certain types of personal property
such as:
• Cash, securities, jewelry, furs, and stamp and coin collections because they
are especially susceptible to loss.
• Fire arms
• Computers
• Antiques or art objects
HOMEOWNER INSURANCE POLICIES
Several types of homeowners insurance policies, which vary according to
coverage and type of dwelling insured, are available from insurers in Arizona.
The basic policy covers fire or lightning, windstorm or hail, theft, explosion,
smoke, damage from vehicles and aircraft, glass breakage, removal of property
endangered by peril, vandalism and malicious mischief, and riot or civil
commotion.
The broad policy covers all the perils covered by the basic plus: building
collapse; freezing or accidental discharge of water, or steam from within
plumbing, heating, or air conditioning systems and domestic appliances; falling
objects; weight of ice, snow, or sleet; and rupture or bursting of steam or hot
water heating systems.
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The special policy covers dwellings for “all risks” except certain specified perils,
such as earthquake and flood, and coverage for damage to personal property
caused by any of the perils covered by a basic or broad policy. For an additional
premium, a special endorsement usually can be added to extend the special
policy to provide “all risk” coverage on personal property that is normally limited
or excluded from the policy.
The comprehensive policy, not often sold today, has an even shorter list of
exclusions. Not all companies offer this form, but may offer a policy similar to it.
OTHER TYPES OF RELATED INSURANCE
Renters or tenant policy. If you are a renter, you do not need protection
against damage to the building itself, but do need protection against damage to
or theft of your personal property and liability in the event someone is injured on
the part of the premises you rent.
Condominium owner policies insure personal property and protect against
liability in the event someone is injured in the condominium. Check with your
condominium association and your agent before buying a policy to make sure
you are adequately covered.
Mobile Homeowners Policy. The mobile homeowner’s policy is written
specifically for mobile homes and includes coverage on the mobile home as well
as theft and liability protection. Policies can differ significantly as can the
premiums.
Flood Insurance. Homeowners insurance normally excludes flood coverage.
However, you may be able to purchase flood insurance through the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you live in a designated NFIP community and
comply with federal guidelines for flood prevention. A few insurers do offer flood
insurance if you are not otherwise eligible for NFIP flood insurance. Your agent
can tell you if you are eligible.
You can also contact the NFIP at:
National Flood Insurance Program
1-800-638-6620
www.floodsmart.gov
BUYING THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF COVERAGE
Typical Coverage
The amount of personal property and other coverage automatically provided is a
fixed percentage of the dwelling coverage amount. For example, under a Broad
Policy form, this is how it would normally work:
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Type of Property Insured
For
% of
Dwelling
Dwelling $150,000
Detached Garages, Storage
Sheds, etc.
$15,000 10%
Unscheduled Personal
Property On Premises
(Possessions)
$112,500 75%
Unscheduled Personal
Property Off Premises
$15,000 10%
Additional Living Expenses $30,000 20%
Personal Liability $100,000
per
occurrence
Medical Payments $1,000
Choosing Your Policy Limits
To decide how much coverage you need, consider:
• The value of your home and contents. Prepare a list of your possessions,
including values and serial numbers. This will help you decide how much
personal property coverage you need.
• Whether you want full coverage or are willing to bear part of the cost of a
loss.
• Asking that unusual or high-valued articles, including antiques, art objects,
and jewelry, be specifically listed in the policy. You may be able to increase
coverage for this property by paying an additional premium. To determine if
you already have coverage, check the theft provisions of your policy.
• The value of the assets you wish to protect in determining how much liability
coverage you need.
Buying Enough Coverage
Before buying homeowners insurance, consider the difference between “actual
cash value” and “replacement cost coverage.” These terms apply to the
coverage on your dwelling and your personal property. Most homeowner’s
policies contain replacement cost on the home and actual cash value coverage
on personal property. Some companies do sell replacement cost coverage for
personal property.
Actual cash value is the value of the property when it is damaged or
destroyed. This usually is determined by taking the replacement cost and
subtracting depreciation. For example, a chair that initially cost $500 may have
a reasonable “life” of 20 years. If it is destroyed after 10 years, its actual cash
value probably will be about $250.
Replacement cost is what it would cost to completely replace your house or
any part of it. This is different from market value and actual cash value. A
home that was built five years ago for $150,000 may have a current market
value of $175,000, but have a replacement cost that is higher or lower than the
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market value. In order to qualify for full replacement cost, the dwelling normally
must be insured at 80% to 90% of the replacement cost.
For example, if the replacement cost of your house is $175,000, you should
have it insured for at least $140,000 (80%) of its value. Then if part of the
home is damaged, you can get that part fully replaced. If you purchase an
amount less than 80% of the replacement cost of your home, your insurance
company will not be obligated to pay the total cost of loss to your home even if
it is a small loss.
Be sure to consider increasing your insurance if you add to your home or
personal property.
Inflation Guard. Many policies include an inflation guard provision that
automatically increases the amount of dwelling insurance to reduce the
possibility of the home being underinsured due to inflation. However, you
should periodically check with your insurer to evaluate the current value of your
home. Improvements and upgrades will increase the value, and you should
promptly inform your insurer of these and other changes.
GET A REGULAR CHECK UP
The above descriptions are generalized. It is important that you check your
policy to determine the precise terms of your policy. Read through the policy to
know your rights and the insurer's obligations. If you do not understand your
policy, ask your agent or company to explain it to you.
Read renewal policies! Insurers can change the terms of your homeowners
policy at renewal.
Check-up. Request an insurance "check-up" from your agent periodically to
evaluate your coverage!
SMART SHOPPING
Different insurance companies charge different rates for the same coverage.
Also, not all insurance companies provide the same level of claims service.
Therefore, it makes sense to shop around for the best insurance company for
your needs.
Insurance companies use one of three methods to sell their products.
• Independent agents represent several companies and can give you several
quotes.
• Exclusive agents only sell the products of one insurance company.
• Direct market sales are over the Internet or by mail or telephone.
You can find insurance companies and agents through the phone book, on the
Internet and television or you can refer to the list of insurance companies in this
premium comparison survey. If you purchase insurance via the Internet, be sure
to verify that the company and agent are licensed to do business in Arizona.
It is illegal for unlicensed insurers or agents to sell insurance. Business cards
are not proof that an agent is licensed. If you do business with an unlicensed
agent or insurer, it might not pay your claims or refund your premiums if you
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cancel your policy. You can determine if an insurer or agent is licensed by
clicking on the following web address: http://app.az.gov/id/lookup/ or by
contacting us. If an unlicensed agent or insurer contacts you, let us know
immediately, so that we can investigate.
Customer service is important to most consumers, particularly when they have a
claim. You can get a sense of how well an insurer serves its customers from the
complaint ratios shown on the far right side of the hypotheticals in this premium
comparison survey. This ratio measures how many complaints the insurance
department receives relative to the size of the company.
You also want to buy insurance from an insurer that is financially sound. You
can check the financial health of an insurance company by using ratings from
independent ratings agencies such as Standard and Poor’s, A.M. Best and
Moody’s.
FACTORS INSURERS USE TO EVALUATE AN APPLICATION FOR
INSURANCE
The following are some of the factors that insurers consider when determining
whether to accept or reject an application and the cost of coverage:
Age of the home. Some insurers charge less to insure a new home than an
older one because they have found newer homes are less likely to sustain
damage in storms and fires.
Crime and vandalism in an area will affect the cost of insurance.
The building’s location affects the price of insurance because some
communities have better fire protection than others. Insurance companies
divide the state into rating territories. Each city and locality in Arizona is given a
numerical fire protection rating classification based on the amount of fire
protection in the area. These rating classes depend on such factors as water
pressure, access to fire departments, and the training and skills of firefighters.
Most large cities in Arizona are in the lowest rated classes. Small towns and
rural areas have higher fire protection classes and generally higher prices.
Areas without any fire protection receive the highest rating, a 10. An agent who
sells homeowner’s insurance policies can tell you the community’s fire
protection class.
Construction of the home impacts cost. Whether it is masonry or frame
construction, for instance.
Your credit history is also evaluated by the insurer. For more detail, read the
Department of Insurance “Guide to Understanding How Insurers Use Credit
Information.”
Claims history of the property and the applicant are also considered in
determining price and insurability.
There are many other factors than an insurance company may use to
determine insurability and price. These include:
Wood furnaces or stoves.
Swimming pools, trampolines or a playscape that could cause injuries.
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The types of pets that you have.
Operating a business from your home.
NOTE: Insurance company groups that have multiple insurers within their group
can choose the insurance company that will provide the quote. Rates vary
between insurers.
GETTING PREMIUM QUOTES
Getting premium quotes is a good way to compare different companies’ prices.
But, first you should decide what coverages and policy limits you need. It is
important that you know how much it would cost to rebuild your home. You may
want to contact an insurance agent, contractor, or other reconstruction cost
estimating service to help you estimate the cost to rebuild your home.
When you get quotes, it is crucial that you ask for the same coverages and limits
and give the same information to each agent or company. To give you an
accurate quote, the insurance agent or company should ask for a description of
your house (such as where it��s located, the square footage, when it was built
and the type of construction). They might also ask about items that increase
your insurance needs, such as owning pets, and expensive possessions. An
agent might visit your home to take a photo or ask you for other information
(such as the nearest fire department and the general condition of your home).
Be sure to get rate quotes and key information in writing.
While getting quotes, you should ask the agent some of the following questions.
• Are the agent and insurance company licensed by my state insurance
department? For how long? You can confirm this by using the link above
or by calling us.
• How can I find out the claims history of the home before I buy it? This
could affect your premium.
• If I submit a claim, how will it affect my premium when I renew the policy?
• How will my credit history affect my premium?
• Should I buy flood insurance or earthquake coverage? (Your homeowners
insurance policy doesn’t cover either.)
• What types of water damage are not covered? Is mold damage covered?
• Do I need appraisals on any of my belongings?
HOW YOU CAN REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR HOMEOWNERS
COVERAGE
Make sure you ask your agent or insurance company if you qualify for any
discounts or other ways to reduce your premium. Adjusting your coverage or
deductibles and shopping for discounts can save you money:
Increase your deductible. Many insurers will lower your premium if you
choose a higher deductible. Since you are actually “self-insuring” or paying for
that portion of the loss yourself, you should evaluate whether the premium cost
savings is worth the additional deductible you will have to pay prior to your
insurance benefits being applied to a loss.
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Multiple-policy discounts. Some insurers may reduce your premium if you
keep two or more policies with them. If you already have an automobile policy
with an insurer that also writes homeowner’s insurance, ask if the insurer will
discount your homeowner’s coverage.
Security/Safety discounts. Some companies offer to reduce your premium if
you install a fire sprinkler system and a burglar alarm that rings into a central
station. These systems can be expensive and not every system may qualify for
the discount.
Nonsmoker discounts. Some insurers reduce premiums for non-smoking
households.
Long-time policyholders. If you have had coverage with the same insurer for
several years and have not incurred losses, some insurers will reduce your
premiums.
SOME TIPS ON LOSS PREVENTION
Taking steps to prevent losses is just as important as buying insurance to cover
them:
• Install smoke and heat detectors near sleeping areas.
• Clear accumulated trash, oily rags and combustible materials.
• Check lamps, lamp cords and light switches for faulty wiring.
• Practice home fire drills, keep matches away from children and make sure
smokers do not smoke in bed.
• Install good locks, secure windows, consider a security system and take
other precautions to deter burglars.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
A homeowners insurance policy is a legal contract which spells out your rights
and responsibilities, and those of the insurance company. You should read your
policy and be sure you understand it. If you have questions about your insurance
policy, contact your insurance agent or company.
When you buy homeowners insurance, you will receive a policy – not a
photocopy. If you don’t receive a policy within 30 days, contact the insurance
company, not the agent. Keep your insurance policy in a safe place and know
the name of your insurer.
Other helpful tips:
• Pay the premium on time. Most insurers do not offer a grace period for
homeowners premium payment; the due date is the due date.
• Keep a file of all paperwork you completed online or received in the mail
and signed – as well as any other documents related to your insurance,
including policy, correspondence, copies of advertisements, premium
payment receipts, notes of conversations and any claims submitted.
• Make a household inventory.
• Go through each room; write down items and serial numbers and take
pictures or videos of everything in the room.
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• Inventory everything, including valuable items such as antiques, electronics,
jewelry, collectibles and guns. You many need to get appraisals on high
value and antique items.
• Store your home inventory in a secure place at another location, such as
your workplace, a safe deposit box, a relative’s house or online.
• Annually review and update your home inventory, including your
pictures/videos. Also update your inventory when you buy significant new
items.
• Keep receipts, warranties and/or manuals with your home inventory for all
repairs and new items you buy, for proof if you file a claim.
• Maintain your home. A homeowners policy is not a maintenance contract; it
insures against damage from perils such as fire, wind and hail. It does not
pay to repair items that simply wear out. You are responsible for the
upkeep of your home; such as repairing your roof when it begins to leak,
cleaning your chimney flue, and replacing clothes washer hoses, etc.
WHEN CAN AN INSURER CANCEL YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY?
After a policy has been in effect for 60 days, insurers may cancel your policy in
the middle of the term if:
• You stop paying premiums,
• Have been convicted of a crime increasing the hazard that is insured,
• Have breached the contract,
• Have acted fraudulently or committed material misrepresentation in getting
the policy,
• Have failed to take reasonable steps to eliminate conditions that may
increase losses, or
• If there has been a substantial change in the risk.
If an insurer refuses to continue covering you, it must mail to you a written
notice of cancellation and state the reason the policy is being canceled.
WHEN CAN AN INSURER NON-RENEW YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY?
With one exception, insurers may non-renew your policy at the end of the policy
term for any reason. If the renewal is based on a condition of the premises, the
insurer must give you 30 days prior notice to remedy the identified condition
and another 30 days, upon payment of premium, to cure the defective
condition. Insurers are not permitted to label "condition of premise" losses as
"loss/claims history" to circumvent these notice requirements.
If an insurer refuses to continue covering you, it must mail to you, at least 30
days in advance, a written notice of non-renewal and state the reason the
policy is being non-renewed.
HAVING TROUBLE FINDING INSURANCE?
Insurance companies can not refuse to insure you based on race, color, creed,
national origin, or ancestry. They can choose the risks they want to insure based
on other factors. If you have tried several companies and cannot find
homeowners insurance coverage, call the Arizona Department of Insurance at
(602) 364-2499 or (1-800) 325-2548 (outside Phoenix).
NAME OF INSURER
MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME C E CR
Arizona Home IC $240 $240 $219 $219 $209 $209 $259 $259 $219 $219 3 13,328 0.225
Travelers Home and Marine IC 294 301 286 293 305 313 283 288 223 225 6 50,873 0.118
American Strategic Ins Corp 299 309 279 289 266 274 272 280 244 251 1 3,622 0.276
American National P&C Co 301 317 267 281 240 253 293 308 253 266 0 8,367 0.000
Fidelity National IC 307 328 262 277 261 276 271 287 264 281 4 18,421 0.217
Armed Forces Ins Exchange 310 322 266 276 234 243 284 294 234 243 0 1,741 0.000
Pharmacists Mutual IC 312 349 312 349 312 349 312 349 312 349 0 814 0.000
United Services Automobile Assoc 322 339 337 356 333 351 352 369 325 344 0 3,119 0.000
Metropolitan P&C IC 334 356 245 260 193 204 283 301 226 240 7 37,464 0.187
Mercury Cas Co 343 354 330 340 348 360 321 329 236 240 0 226 0.000
Civil Service Employees IC 348 372 286 304 301 320 278 298 268 286 1 1,410 0.709
Farmers Ins Exchange 365 365 300 300 307 307 235 235 249 249 7 75,029 0.093
Safeco IC of America 366 366 341 341 278 278 306 306 273 273 5 19,634 0.255
Kemper Independence IC 371 378 361 368 371 378 352 359 322 328 1 6,915 0.145
Amica Mutual IC 372 372 349 349 321 321 288 288 310 310 2 7,814 0.256
Badger Mutual IC 375 406 303 328 241 258 241 258 241 258 0 2,966 0.000
Sentinel IC, Ltd 378 378 346 346 343 343 307 307 297 297 4 19,893 0.201
State Farm Fire and Cas Co 386 406 370 389 238 249 284 298 302 318 23 372,885 0.062
Great Northwest IC 387 387 313 313 330 330 298 298 307 307 0 471 0.000
Horace Mann IC 396 407 338 348 371 382 317 326 383 394 0 1,089 0.000
IDS Property Cas IC 399 399 383 383 257 257 280 280 272 272 3 14,853 0.202
Liberty Ins Corp 401 400 384 382 391 389 349 348 382 381 0 5,527 0.000
Universal North America IC 408 408 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 1 50,828 0.020
Pacific Specialty IC 416 466 378 423 326 360 316 349 348 387 1 8,213 0.122
Balboa IC 418 422 339 341 279 284 289 294 259 261 2 11,449 0.175
Century-National IC 421 421 310 310 310 310 363 363 310 310 3 6,202 0.484
Country Mutual IC 424 424 356 356 357 357 357 357 317 317 6 27,808 0.216
American Automobile IC 433 433 344 344 473 473 384 384 357 357 0 0 0.000
Nationwide IC of America 438 447 328 333 229 233 286 291 306 311 6 9,748 0.616
Central Mutual IC 444 486 367 400 358 389 320 347 333 362 0 8,308 0.000
SECURA Supreme IC 449 472 283 298 336 353 289 304 250 263 0 1,458 0.000
American Commerce IC 451 510 337 385 331 376 277 321 243 276 3 4,957 0.605
Empire Fire & Marine IC 473 473 420 420 423 423 388 388 384 384 3 8,542 0.351
Electric IC 479 479 402 402 401 401 339 339 522 522 1 3,714 0.269
American Family Mutual IC 481 490 380 387 399 407 346 354 354 361 10 162,969 0.061
First American P&C IC 488 488 337 337 370 370 300 300 339 339 1 15,918 0.063
American Security IC 500 500 500 500 500 500 457 457 500 500 1 1,396 0.716
California Cas Ind Exchange 501 527 462 486 451 470 382 394 382 397 0 5,187 0.000
Unigard Ind Co 505 505 411 411 367 367 418 418 303 303 0 1,049 0.000
ACA IC 509 509 382 382 368 368 368 368 302 302 4 35,308 0.113
Merastar IC 516 516 411 411 396 396 365 365 348 348 0 108 0.000
Owners IC 518 546 532 552 390 403 384 405 399 421 0 14,351 0.000
Milbank IC 529 529 402 402 388 388 355 355 337 337 0 7,467 0.000
Farm Bureau P&C IC 530 566 411 440 390 418 343 366 427 455 3 15,502 0.194
Union IC of Providence 535 535 452 452 461 461 371 371 464 464 0 1,339 0.000
American Hallmark IC of Texas 539 589 498 543 498 543 498 543 498 543 0 197 0.000
ACUITY, A Mutual IC 545 545 512 512 454 454 379 379 412 412 0 8,947 0.000
Allstate P&C IC 555 578 525 546 519 540 492 507 452 462 10 99,004 0.101
American Summit IC 568 615 511 551 428 460 412 443 462 497 4 3,069 1.303
Cincinnati IC 606 631 413 431 474 494 393 409 356 371 0 540 0.000
Homesite Ind Co 625 673 473 506 497 532 468 501 433 462 16 27,974 0.572
Wilshire IC 637 637 637 637 637 637 637 637 637 637 0 1,045 0.000
Sentry Ins a Mutual Co 648 679 640 671 637 668 579 606 512 536 0 1,623 0.000
Encompass P&C Co 670 683 516 526 488 497 409 417 382 389 1 5,309 0.188
American Modern Select IC 1,134 1,134 1,134 1,134 1,134 1,134 1,134 1,134 1,134 1,134 2 274 7.299
Federal IC 1,175 1,175 1,175 1,175 1,175 1,175 1,175 1,175 1,175 1,175 0 1,786 0.000
Scottsdale IC 1,367 1,367 1,367 1,367 1,367 1,367 1,367 1,367 1,367 1,367 1 2,157 0.464
Austin Mutual IC * * * * * * * * * * 0 6,177 0.000
IV
PHOENIX MESA PEORIA FLAGSTAFF
EXAMPLE A COVERAGES: Dwelling: $100,000; Other Structures Coverage: $10,000; Contents Coverage: $75,000; Additional Living Expense Coverage: $20,000;
Personal Liability Coverage: $300,000; Medical Payments Coverage: $1,000; $500 Flat Deductible.
CHARACTERISTICS: A two story, single family dwelling with single-cylinder dead-bolt locks, one fire extinguisher, and two smoke detectors.
Excellent condition, masonry or frame (composition roof), built in January, 2009.
# of Complaints (C) divided by # of
Exposures (E) X 1000 = Complaint Ratio
Premiums shown are annual premiums as of March 1, 2010.
* This insurer does not provide coverage for this hypothetical.
Complaint Ratio (CR)
TUCSON
I II III V
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NAME OF INSURER
MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME C E CR
United Services Automobile Assoc $462 $488 $482 $511 $478 $505 $504 $529 $467 $496 0 3,119 0.000
Liberty Ins Corp 523 517 500 494 510 506 439 437 492 488 0 5,527 0.000
American Strategic Ins Corp 577 605 527 551 491 513 507 529 434 453 1 3,622 0.276
American National P&C Co 581 609 514 540 461 485 564 594 489 515 0 8,367 0.000
Travelers Home and Marine IC 620 635 619 631 661 677 595 604 464 467 6 50,873 0.118
Arizona Home IC 628 628 573 573 543 543 680 680 573 573 3 13,328 0.225
Fidelity National IC 634 677 532 565 527 562 550 586 536 570 4 18,421 0.217
Pharmacists Mutual IC 644 721 644 721 644 721 644 721 644 721 0 814 0.000
Kemper Independence IC 681 695 660 675 681 695 645 658 586 598 1 6,915 0.145
Armed Forces Ins Exchange 697 723 602 623 533 552 641 662 533 552 0 1,741 0.000
Amica Mutual IC 707 707 656 656 599 599 521 521 570 570 2 7,814 0.256
Metropolitan P&C IC 718 765 523 557 403 426 605 644 477 506 7 37,464 0.187
Farmers Ins Exchange 730 730 592 592 607 607 472 472 478 478 7 75,029 0.093
Balboa IC 735 742 597 600 509 520 526 537 460 463 2 11,449 0.175
Safeco IC of America 790 790 733 733 593 593 656 656 582 582 5 19,634 0.255
Mercury Cas Co 799 825 791 813 831 857 748 764 559 565 0 226 0.000
Great Northwest IC 802 802 681 681 709 709 656 656 670 670 0 471 0.000
American Commerce IC 808 914 603 688 590 673 496 573 434 492 3 4,957 0.605
IDS Property Cas IC 810 810 777 777 516 516 563 563 548 548 3 14,853 0.202
Pacific Specialty IC 816 918 739 828 631 701 609 676 674 753 1 8,213 0.122
Sentinel IC, Ltd 824 824 748 748 737 737 649 649 623 623 4 19,893 0.201
State Farm Fire and Cas Co 828 872 794 836 504 530 606 636 647 680 23 372,885 0.062
Country Mutual IC 836 836 704 704 706 706 706 706 628 628 6 27,808 0.216
Horace Mann IC 842 866 718 740 790 813 673 693 814 838 0 1,089 0.000
SECURA Supreme IC 844 888 534 562 632 665 546 574 472 496 0 1,458 0.000
Badger Mutual IC 845 914 689 742 553 592 553 592 553 592 0 2,966 0.000
Austin Mutual IC 871 1,063 663 805 663 805 603 731 639 776 0 6,177 0.000
Nationwide IC of America 891 909 665 677 464 473 580 591 621 632 6 9,748 0.616
Universal North America IC 897 897 529 529 530 530 624 624 554 554 1 50,828 0.020
American Automobile IC 923 923 734 734 1,006 1,006 818 818 762 762 0 0 0.000
Civil Service Employees IC 967 1,052 747 812 798 869 676 736 680 740 1 1,410 0.709
Allstate P&C IC 985 1,027 928 967 918 956 868 896 792 811 10 99,004 0.101
Unigard Ind Co 989 989 801 801 712 712 815 815 585 585 0 1,049 0.000
Merastar IC 1,001 1,001 798 798 768 768 708 708 678 678 0 108 0.000
Empire Fire & Marine IC 1,019 1,019 916 916 920 920 855 855 846 846 3 8,542 0.351
Union IC of Providence 1,021 1,021 862 862 878 878 707 707 922 922 0 1,339 0.000
Central Mutual IC 1,027 1,123 850 925 829 903 742 806 772 838 0 8,308 0.000
ACA IC 1,034 1,034 760 760 731 731 733 733 591 591 4 35,308 0.113
Milbank IC 1,037 1,037 779 779 750 750 683 683 649 649 0 7,467 0.000
Farm Bureau P&C IC 1,049 1,127 831 898 787 851 685 740 802 864 3 15,502 0.194
American Family Mutual IC 1,050 1,072 829 846 872 890 758 773 772 788 10 162,969 0.061
Electric IC 1,056 1,056 885 885 882 882 744 744 761 761 1 3,714 0.269
First American P&C IC 1,109 1,109 760 760 840 840 665 665 766 766 1 15,918 0.063
ACUITY, A Mutual IC 1,119 1,119 1,053 1,053 935 935 783 783 850 850 0 8,947 0.000
Homesite Ind Co 1,166 1,267 849 918 899 973 839 907 766 827 16 27,974 0.572
Wilshire IC 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 0 1,045 0.000
American Summit IC 1,204 1,300 1,085 1,169 915 982 883 947 986 1,059 4 3,069 1.303
California Cas Ind Exchange 1,217 1,283 1,123 1,179 1,095 1,141 924 953 924 963 0 5,187 0.000
Owners IC 1,255 1,326 1,292 1,339 940 974 927 979 964 1,017 0 14,351 0.000
Century-National IC 1,269 1,269 912 912 912 912 1,085 1,085 912 912 3 6,202 0.484
American Hallmark IC of Texas 1,281 1,413 1,173 1,293 1,173 1,293 1,173 1,293 1,173 1,293 0 197 0.000
Sentry Ins a Mutual Co 1,319 1,382 1,303 1,365 1,297 1,358 1,181 1,236 1,046 1,095 0 1,623 0.000
Encompass P&C Co 1,368 1,396 1,075 1,096 1,012 1,032 839 855 780 795 1 5,309 0.188
Cincinnati IC 1,461 1,521 991 1,033 1,138 1,186 940 981 852 888 0 540 0.000
American Security IC 1,465 1,465 1,465 1,465 1,465 1,465 1,335 1,335 1,465 1,465 1 1,396 0.716
Federal IC 3,124 3,124 3,124 3,124 3,124 3,124 3,124 3,124 3,124 3,124 0 1,786 0.000
American Modern Select IC 3,290 3,290 3,290 3,290 3,290 3,290 3,290 3,290 3,290 3,290 2 274 7.299
Scottsdale IC 3,684 3,684 3,684 3,684 3,684 3,684 3,684 3,684 3,684 3,684 1 2,157 0.464
# of Complaints (C) divided by # of
Exposures (E) X 1000 = Complaint Ratio
Premiums shown are annual premiums as of March 1, 2010.
* This insurer does not provide coverage for this hypothetical.
Complaint Ratio (CR)
TUCSON
I II III V
EXAMPLE B COVERAGES: Dwelling: $300,000; Other Structures Coverage: $30,000; Contents Coverage: $225,000; Additional Living Expense Coverage: $60,000;
Personal Liability Coverage: $300,000; Medical Payments Coverage: $1,000; $500 Flat Deductible.
CHARACTERISTICS: A two story, single family dwelling with single-cylinder dead-bolt locks, one fire extinguisher, and two smoke detectors.
Excellent condition, masonry or frame (composition roof), built in January, 2009.
IV
PHOENIX MESA PEORIA FLAGSTAFF
13
NAME OF INSURER
MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME MASONRY FRAME C E CR
Liberty Ins Corp $631 $621 $603 $597 $616 $610 $520 $518 $591 $585 0 5,527 0.000
United Services Automobile Assoc 637 679 666 711 659 702 693 732 646 691 0 3,119 0.000
American National P&C Co 859 904 761 801 684 718 836 880 724 762 0 8,367 0.000
American Strategic Ins Corp 907 954 819 861 757 795 784 824 660 692 1 3,622 0.276
Fidelity National IC 983 1,050 819 873 815 869 850 906 828 881 4 18,421 0.217
Travelers Home and Marine IC 1,016 1,041 1,038 1,058 1,070 1,094 995 1,010 768 772 6 50,873 0.118
Farmers Ins Exchange 1,046 1,046 843 843 863 863 677 677 673 373 7 75,029 0.093
Pharmacists Mutual IC 1,047 1,174 1,047 1,174 1,047 1,174 1,047 1,174 1,047 1,174 0 814 0.000
Arizona Home IC 1,054 1,054 961 961 910 910 1,141 1,141 961 961 3 13,328 0.225
Kemper Independence IC 1,055 1,080 1,023 1,044 1,055 1,080 995 1,017 901 920 1 6,915 0.145
Balboa IC 1,094 1,103 891 895 750 764 771 786 684 688 2 11,449 0.175
Amica Mutual IC 1,128 1,128 1,048 1,048 956 956 825 825 909 909 2 7,814 0.256
Armed Forces Ins Exchange 1,155 1,197 997 1,032 882 913 1,060 1,096 882 913 0 1,741 0.000
Pacific Specialty IC 1,158 1,302 1,050 1,175 894 995 864 961 958 1,069 1 8,213 0.122
SECURA Supreme IC 1,196 1,257 758 797 897 943 775 814 671 705 0 1,458 0.000
Metropolitan P&C IC 1,220 1,299 888 944 686 727 1,028 1,094 810 860 7 37,464 0.187
Country Mutual IC 1,264 1,264 1,064 1,064 1,067 1,067 1,067 1,067 950 950 6 27,808 0.216
Great Northwest IC 1,273 1,273 1,080 1,080 1,125 1,125 1,042 1,042 1,063 1,063 0 471 0.000
Safeco IC of America 1,286 1,286 1,191 1,191 961 961 1,066 1,066 943 943 5 19,634 0.255
IDS Property Cas IC 1,288 1,288 1,235 1,235 818 818 894 894 868 868 3 14,853 0.202
Mercury Cas Co 1,295 1,339 1,317 1,355 1,329 1,370 1,226 1,254 900 910 0 226 0.000
State Farm Fire and Cas Co 1,311 1,380 1,257 1,322 793 834 954 1,003 1,020 1,073 23 372,885 0.062
Sentinel IC, Ltd 1,337 1,337 1,207 1,207 1,189 1,189 1,039 1,039 994 994 4 19,893 0.201
Horace Mann IC 1,403 1,444 1,197 1,236 1,318 1,358 1,119 1,156 1,359 1,399 0 1,089 0.000
American Commerce IC 1,413 1,601 1,050 1,200 1,028 1,173 860 997 762 880 3 4,957 0.605
Electric IC 1,442 1,442 1,202 1,202 1,197 1,197 1,009 1,009 1,032 1,032 1 3,714 0.269
Austin Mutual IC 1,445 1,764 1,097 1,334 1,097 1,334 996 1,211 1,058 1,286 0 6,177 0.000
Badger Mutual IC 1,497 1,620 1,215 1,310 968 1,038 968 1,038 968 1,038 0 2,966 0.000
Universal North America IC 1,501 1,501 879 879 881 881 1,040 1,040 920 920 1 50,828 0.020
Nationwide IC of America 1,503 1,531 1,118 1,139 777 792 975 994 1,043 1,064 6 9,748 0.616
American Automobile IC 1,531 1,531 1,218 1,218 1,668 1,668 1,357 1,357 1,264 1,264 0 0 0.000
Merastar 1,585 1,585 1,229 1,229 1,180 1,180 1,083 1,083 1,033 1,033 0 108 0.000
American Family Mutual IC 1,588 1,620 1,253 1,279 1,318 1,346 1,146 1,169 1,168 1,191 10 162,969 0.061
ACA IC 1,593 1,593 1,165 1,165 1,119 1,119 1,121 1,121 898 898 4 35,308 0.113
Farm Bureau P&C IC 1,595 1,717 1,231 1,333 1,163 1,261 1,007 1,091 1,174 1,267 3 15,502 0.194
Unigard Ind Co 1,601 1,601 1,294 1,294 1,149 1,149 1,316 1,316 940 940 0 1,049 0.000
Central Mutual IC 1,621 1,772 1,341 1,460 1,310 1,424 1,171 1,271 1,218 1,321 0 8,308 0.000
Civil Service Employees IC 1,626 1,767 1,287 1,371 1,347 1,464 1,180 1,284 1,156 1,254 1 1,410 0.709
Union IC of Providence 1,654 1,654 1,396 1,396 1,423 1,423 1,145 1,145 1,494 1,494 0 1,339 0.000
Allstate P&C IC 1,685 1,761 1,583 1,653 1,565 1,634 1,474 1,524 1,338 1,371 10 99,004 0.101
Empire Fire & Marine IC 1,705 1,705 1,531 1,531 1,537 1,537 1,426 1,426 1,413 1,413 3 8,542 0.351
Milbank IC 1,727 1,727 1,293 1,293 1,243 1,243 1,129 1,129 1,072 1,072 0 7,467 0.000
Homesite Ind Co 1,812 1,976 1,297 1,410 1,378 1,498 1,281 1,392 1,162 1,261 16 27,974 0.572
California Cas Ind Exchange 1,861 1,962 1,717 1,804 1,674 1,746 1,415 1,459 1,415 1,473 0 5,187 0.000
ACUITY, A Mutual IC 1,885 1,885 1,772 1,772 1,573 1,573 1,316 1,316 1,429 1,429 0 8,947 0.000
Encompass P&C Co 1,956 1,995 1,506 1,536 1,410 1,438 1,168 1,192 1,087 1,108 1 5,309 0.188
First American P&C IC 1,961 1,961 1,338 1,338 1,480 1,480 1,170 1,170 1,351 1,351 1 15,918 0.063
Owners IC 2,089 2,206 2,150 2,230 1,561 1,618 1,540 1,626 1,601 1,691 0 14,351 0.000
Sentry Ins a Mutual Co 2,101 2,201 2,074 2,173 2,064 2,163 1,880 1,968 1,666 1,744 0 1,623 0.000
Century-National IC 2,223 2,223 1,609 1,609 1,609 1,609 1,906 1,906 1,609 1,609 3 6,202 0.484
Cincinnati IC 2,352 2,450 1,590 1,658 1,828 1,907 1,508 1,573 1,364 1,423 0 540 0.000
American Security IC 2,430 2,430 2,430 2,430 2,430 2,430 2,213 2,213 2,430 2,430 1 1,396 0.716
Federal IC 4,693 4,693 4,693 4,693 4,693 4,693 4,693 4,693 4,693 4,693 0 1,786 0.000
American Modern Select IC 5,386 5,386 5,386 5,386 5,386 5,386 5,386 5,386 5,386 5,386 2 274 7.299
Scottsdale IC 6,001 6,001 6,001 6,001 6,001 6,001 6,001 6,001 6,001 6,001 1 2,157 0.464
American Hallmark IC of Texas * * * * * * * * * * 0 197 0.000
American Summit IC * * * * * * * * * * 4 3,069 1.303
Wilshire IC * * * * * * * * * * 0 1,045 0.000
IV
PHOENIX MESA PEORIA FLAGSTAFF
EXAMPLE C COVERAGES: Dwelling: $500,000; Other Structures Coverage: $50,000; Contents Coverage: $375,000; Additional Living Expense Coverage: $100,000;
Personal Liability Coverage: $300,000; Medical Payments Coverage: $1,000; $500 Flat Deductible.
CHARACTERISTICS: A two story, single family dwelling with single-cylinder dead-bolt locks, one fire extinguisher, and two smoke detectors.
Excellent condition, masonry or frame (composition roof), built in January, 2009.
# of Complaints (C) divided by # of
Exposures (E) X 1000 = Complaint Ratio
Premiums shown are annual premiums as of March 1, 2010.
* This insurer does not provide coverage for this hypothetical.
Complaint Ratio (CR)
TUCSON
I II III V
14
INSURER TELEPHONE NUMBER
ACA IC (866) 298-1232
ACUITY, A Mutual IC (800) 242-7666
Allstate P&C IC (800) 255-7828
American Automobile IC (800) 227-1700
American Commerce IC (888) 442-2242
American Family Mutual IC (800) 374-0008
American Hallmark IC of Texas (800) 486-5616
American Modern Select IC (800) 543-2644
American National P&C Co (417) 887-0220
American Security IC (877) 893-5739
American Strategic Corp (866) 274-8765
American Summit IC (800) 749-6419
Amica Mutual IC (800) 242-6422
Arizona Home IC (602) 993-1155
Armed Forces Ins Exchange (800) 255-6792
Austin Mutual IC (800) 328-4628
Badger Mutual IC (800) 837-7833
Balboa IC (888) 768-2096
California Cas Ind Exchange (866) 680-5143
Central Mutual IC (800) 786-0673
Century-National IC (800) 733-0880
Cincinnati IC (513) 870-2000
Civil Service Employees IC (800) 282-6848
Country Mutual IC (480) 497-5563
Electric IC (800) 227-2757
Empire Fire & Marine IC (800) 660-4539
Encompass P&C Co (866) 567-3499
Farm Bureau P&C IC (480) 635-3600
Farmers Ins Exchange (800) 327-6377
Federal IC (623) 445-2500
Fidelity National IC (800) 849-6140
First American P&C IC (888) 922-5343
Great Northwest IC (800) 776-3386
Homesite Ind Co (800) 466-3748
Horace Mann IC (800) 999-1030
IDS Property Cas IC (800) 842-3344
Kemper Independence IC (877) 252-7878
Liberty Ins Corp (800) 837-5254
Merastar IC (800) 523-3796
Mercury Cas Co (800) 956-3728
Metropolitan P&C IC (800) 422-4272
Milbank IC (800) 444-9950
Nationwide IC of America (800) 982-0756
Owners IC (480) 830-7119, ext. 211
Pacific Specialty IC (800) 303-5000
Pharmacists Mutual IC (800) 247-5930
Safeco IC of America (800) 332-3226
Scottsdale IC (480) 365-4000
SECURA Supreme IC (866) 356-7870
Sentinel IC, Ltd (800) 423-0567
Sentry Ins a Mutual Co (800) 373-6879
State Farm Fire and Cas Co See Yellow Pages
Travelers Home and Marine IC (800) 465-6241
Unigard Ind Co (800) 456-1626
Union IC of Providence (623) 776-2500
United Services Automobile Assoc * (800) 531-8722
Universal North America IC (866) 458-4262
Wilshire IC (800) 525-7486
HOMEOWNERS INSURER TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Note: Telephone numbers are subject to change
Some numbers may result in the caller being referred to an agent by the insurer.
* Primarily available to current, retired and former U.S. military officers and their dependents.
15
16
How to File a Complaint
If you are unable to resolve your insurance issue/problem with your agent or
insurance company, and if you believe you have been treated unfairly, have
received poor service, or have some other complaint against your insurer or its
agent, you may submit a request for assistance to the Arizona Department of
Insurance, Consumer Affairs Division. You can download a complaint form from
our website [www.azinsurance.gov], or write us a letter. Mail, fax, email or
deliver your written complaint to:
Arizona Department of Insurance
2910 N. 44th Street, Ste. 210
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Phone: (602) 364-2499 or (800) 325-2548 outside Phoenix
Fax: (602) 364-2505
Email: consumers@azinsurance.gov
Abbreviations used in this publication
“AC” means "Assurance Company"
“Assoc” means "Association"
“Cas” means .Casualty.
“Co” means .Company.
“IC” means .Insurance Company.
“Ind” means .Indemnity.
“Ins” means .Insurance.
“P&C” means .Property & Casualty.
The Arizona Department of Insurance is an Equal Employment Opportunity agency
that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and the Arizonans with
Disabilities Act. Persons with disabilities may request that materials be presented in an
alternative format by contacting the ADA Coordinator at (602) 364-3100. Requests should be
made as early as possible to allow time to procure the materials in an alternate format.