Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Review & Complaints (2024)

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What is the history of the company? This Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company review will go over the company’s size and limited availability. You may have read that Universal Property and Casualty leads in denying claims. Despite this, the company has managed to stay in business in several states across the nation.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Universal Property and Casualty Insurance (UPCIC) is well into its second decade in the property and casualty market, providing a range of home insurance coverage and liability insurance products. UPCIC writes policies in several states beyond its Florida base.

Before you read this full review of Universal Property and Casualty, take a moment to see what you could be saving on home insurance. Enter your ZIP code now to compare home insurance rates for free.

What is the Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company?

Since 1997, UPCIC is a subsidiary of Universal Insurance Holding Company of Florida, in turn, owned by Universal Insurance Holding, Inc.

The company has its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and writes policies in several states outside of Florida. Coverage is available in Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance, property and casualty insurance are two different types of insurance.

UPCIC writes a range of personal lines property and casualty products, including standard homeowners and other dwelling and personal property coverage. Policies are sold through a network of independent agents, with limited quoting available online. UPCIC is among the largest property and casualty insurers in the state of Florida.

Watch this short commercial from Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company.

The Universal Insurance Company has a customer login option on their website that allows policyholders to accomplish several policy management tasks, including making payments online and checking on policy status. (For more information, read our “Universal Insurance Company Insurance Review & Complaints: Auto & Motorcycle Insurance“).

What type of insurance products are offered?

Universal Property and Casualty writes policies in the personal lines market for owner-occupied and rental homes, tenants, and condos. The company focuses only on this particular market at this time.

Continue reading to get more Universal Casualty insurance reviews.

Is homeowner’s insurance available?

Universal homeowners insurance reviews and writes standard insurance for homeowners. Their homeowner’s insurance policies include replacement cost coverage for the home itself, coverage for other structures on the premises, and home insurance personal property coverage protects the owner’s personal property anywhere in the world. Policies also include personal liability coverage to protect homeowners from lawsuits for injuries or negligence. Read more home insurance reviews in the review directory.

Is dwelling fire insurance offered?

UPCIC writes dwelling fire policies for non-owner-occupied homes that are rented out to others. This policy protects the structure and the landlord from the liability risks of owning a rental home.

Keep reading our Universal property reviews to learn more about the company and what other options are available for you.

Can I get condo owner’s insurance?

This policy is designed specifically for the needs of a condo owner, which differs from a single-family residence. Included in UPCIC’s condo insurance policies is coverage for portions of the structure for which the owner is responsible, personal property coverage, and liability. Tenant-occupied condo policies are also available from UPCIC.

Can I buy renter’s insurance?

UPCIC offers a renter’s insurance policy for tenants who want to protect their personal property. These policies do not include any physical structure coverage, as that falls under the owner’s policy. Renter’s insurance also includes liability coverage. Shop for the best home insurance for short term rentals if you’re only renting for a short period of time.

Are the rates affordable?

UPCIC is one of the insurance companies whose sample rates are available on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website, through their CHOICES rate comparison tool.

A sample of a $300,000 value new construction home brings back an incredible range of rates, differing across counties in Florida.

Annual insurance premiums range from just under $1,000 to over $5,000. Direct comparison by county and specific home is the best way to determine which counties the company offers its most competitive rates.

UPCIC offers an online quoting form on their website, and quotes are also available through agents selling UPCIC products. As a smaller insurance company, UPCIC is likely to have higher rates in big markets than larger, national-level companies.

The company does not write auto or any other types of insurance coverage that commonly provide for multi-policy discounts, making it less competitive with companies offering many different policy types. There are, however, many discounts available to policyholders with UPCIC.

Read more: UPC Insurance Review & Complaints: Home, Condo, Fire, Renter’s, Flood & Commercial Property Insurance

How are claims processed for Universal Property and Casualty Insurance?

UPCIC offers a 24 hour a day, seven days a week claims center prepared to handle even a high number of calls during natural disasters, an important factor in hurricane-prone areas like Florida. Claims can be filed over the phone, through an agent, or via the online claims reporting form that’s available on the company website.

You can use the Universal Property and Casualty login to file an online claim through a different portal from the Universal Property and Casualty insurance agents login.

The Universal Property and Casualty Insurance claims phone number is 651-209-1150. Call this number if Universal Property and Casualty deny claims, or if you want to look at the Universal Insurance claim check status.

Universal Property and Casualty insurance abrupt termination may be because you haven’t paid your premium or you’ve had too many accidents.

The company recommends that policyholders take photos of damage immediately and not remove or discard any damaged item until the adjuster has arrived to inspect the damage.

UPCIC promises a fast claim turnaround time, although the particulars of each claim can significantly affect the time required to complete the process. Claims status can be followed online through the company’s customer portal on the website.

Universal Property and Casualty Insurance’s Digital and Technological Offerings

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Universal Property and Casualty Insurance offers a mobile app designed to enhance the convenience of managing your insurance policies. The app provides a range of features and functionality, including the ability to view and manage your policies, make payments, report claims, and access important policy documents.

With the mobile app, you can have your insurance information at your fingertips, making it easier to stay up-to-date and take action when needed.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Managing your insurance policies and accounts online has become increasingly important in today’s digital age. Universal Property and Casualty Insurance recognizes this and provides policyholders with robust online account management capabilities.

You can log in to your account to review policy details, update information, make payments, and track the status of claims. This online accessibility ensures that you have control over your insurance needs, 24/7.

Digital Tools and Resources

In addition to the mobile app and online account management, Universal Property and Casualty Insurance offers various digital tools and resources to assist policyholders. These resources may include educational materials, FAQs, and calculators to help you better understand your coverage options, make informed decisions, and plan for your insurance needs.

Are the reviews and ratings positive?

Before committing to this insurer, check the Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company’s rating.

Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile currently holds an “A+” rating. The company is also accredited and has been since 2016. There are 107 complaints filed against the company in the last three years, 61 of which have been closed in the past 12 months. Of the 107 complaints, 86 of them concern product and service.

The Florida Department of Financial Services records shows that Universal Property and Casualty complaints have reached 180 complaints in the fourth quarter of 2016, which is the most recently available information. This is a ratio of 1:3,207 or one complaint per every 3,207 policies the company has in force from their insurance customers.

According to Insurance Journal, UPCIC was fined by Florida for $1.26 million and required to take corrective action to repair claims and insurance underwriting practices.

The BBB reports that the company was determined to have failed to do full underwriting when issuing a policy, and then completing underwriting when a claim was processed, resulting in claims denials. The company agreed to the fine and corrective action in October 2014. There’s no challenge or appeal to the decision.

What is the financial strength rating?

The Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company A.M. Best rating is an A. Take a look at the financial ratings below.

Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company Ratings

Universal Property and Casualty ratings could be the saving grace of the company. An A.M. Best rating helps the company considerably, and it shows the company has done well with paying out claims and maintaining a good financial outlook.

Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Review: What’s the bottom line?

Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company is a relatively large company in the Florida insurance market and writes policies in a short list of other states.

The company’s rates are widely varied across counties and are unlikely to compete with national insurers in large markets. Because the company offers only property and casualty and not auto insurance, the lack of multi-policy discounts is likely to result in higher rates.

Did you know Universal Property and Casualty class action lawsuits caused them to lose potential customers? A relatively high number of complaints and a government action against the company for their underwriting practices are likely to make consumers wary. However, time and appropriate action to repair the damage consumer confidence may return.

Now that you know the Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company rating, are you ready to buy Universal Property and Casualty home insurance? Enter your ZIP code now to get started comparing home insurance quotes to those from other companies.