Frequently Asked Questions

Billing and Fees

Per Florida Law, insurance carriers are required to collect FIGA, EMPA and MGA fees on all homeowners policies. 

  • FIGA is the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association. Insurance guaranty associations protect insurance policyholders and beneficiaries of policies issued by an insurance company that has become insolvent and can no longer meet its obligations. All states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have insurance guaranty associations.
  • EMPA is Emergency Management, Preparedness, and Assistance Fund. By state law, $2 for each Florida homeowners insurance policy sold must go toward this fee. This fund helps pay for emergency management activities (i.e., when a hurricane hits and the state must quickly assist citizens).
  • MGA is the Managing General Agent fee. This is a fully earned fee that insurance carriers may assess to manage your policy. Per Florida law, the maximum allowed for this fee is $25 per policy.

We offer a variety of flexible payment options to ensure our coverage makes sense for our policyholders’ unique financial situations.

Monthly

  • No set-up fee
  • $1 per installment totaling $12 in installment fees for the term
  • Recurring/auto draft only
  • Down payment is 8.33% of the net premium, plus policy and installment fees
  • Installments are 8.33% of the net premium plus installment fee

Quarterly/4-Pay Plan (Direct Bill)

  • $10 set up fee (due at the start of each term/renewal)
  • $3 per installment totaling $22 in installment fees for the term (4 installments/every 3 months)
  • Down payment is 40% of the net premium, plus policy and installment fees
  • Installments are 20% of the net premium plus installment fees

Quarterly/4-Pay Plan (Recurring/Auto-Draft)

  • No set-up fee
  • $3 per installment totaling $12 in installment fees for the term (4 installments/every 3 months)
  • Down payment is 40% of the net premium, plus policy and installment fees
  • Installments are 20% of the net premium, plus installment fees

Semi-Annual/2-Pay Plan (Direct Bill)

  • $10 set-up fee (due at the start of each term/renewal)
  • $3 per installment totaling $16 in installment fees for the term (2 installments total/every 6 months)
  • Down payment is 60% of the net premium, plus policy and installment fees
  • Installments are 40% of net premium, plus installment fees

Semi-Annual/2-Pay Plan (Recurring/Auto-Draft) 

  • No set-up fee
  • $6 total in billing fees for the policy term ($3 per installment) 
  • Down payment is 60% of the net premium, plus policy and installment fees

We accept Visa, Discover, and Mastercard, and electronic bank transfers processed over the phone or online. If you would prefer to mail in a check, it can be mailed to the following address: 

Attn: Security First Insurance Company
PO Box 628336
Orlando, Florida 32862-8336

Note: There are no convenience fees to use credit cards.

To update your payment plan, please call Customer Support at (877) 333-9992. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.

You have a 5-day grace period to make a payment. After 5 days a notice will be generated, giving you 15 days to make payment. If we still do not receive your payment during that time your policy will be canceled.

After your policy is canceled you must call (877) 333-9992 for a review of your policy to determine if you are eligible for reinstatement. If reinstatement is approved a payment will be required at that time.

Please allow 2–3 weeks to receive a refund from the date of cancellation.

If your refund check is damaged, lost, or has not been received, please contact Customer Support via phone at (877) 333-9992. or LiveChat. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.

 

If you receive an unclaimed property letter, contact Customer Support as soon as possible to reissue the funds to you.

After the date indicated on your letter, the funds will be turned over to the State of Florida pursuant to state law. At that time, you will need to contact the state using the FLTreasureHunt.gov website to claim your funds. Security First Insurance Company has no control over your funds after the date indicated on the letter.

Once a payment is processed, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address on file. 

Claims

We have a variety of convenient options for filing a new claim. Call (877) 333-9992 or begin a LiveChat from anywhere on our website to speak to a live specialist about damage. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.

Outside of business hours, a new claim may be filed using our automated system by dialing (877) 333-9992 and following the prompts for reporting a new claim, online, or using our Customer Portal.

Once your claim has been filed, an assigned Claims Examiner will be in regular contact with you throughout the claim. Claim status updates can be provided via phone and email—be sure to discuss your preferred contact method with your Claims Examiner once contacted.

If your claims examiner is unavailable, Customer Support is available Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm. 

We ask that you do not complete any permanent repairs immediately following a loss. Once a coverage determination is made, your Claims Examiner will review your options for repairing the damage. Our First Choice Repair Network® is often the best option for ensuring work is done quickly, efficiently, and meets our standard of quality.

Emergency measures necessary to protect the covered property from further damage may be made. To the degree reasonably possible, the damaged property must be retained for us to inspect. Additionally, please keep an accurate record of repair expenses.

All Security First Insurance policyholders have access to our First Choice Repair Network® (FCRN). This network of over 100 licensed and insured Florida contractors has been fully vetted and undergone thorough background checks.

Formed in 2020, the FCRN protects policyholders from contractor fraud targeting Florida homeowners. The network has grown to include restoration and renovation services ranging from roof replacements, interior remodeling, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and more. Whether you need repairs for your home after filing a claim or simply want to make upgrades, make us your first call.

Your policy will not be non-renewed as a result of filing a single claim. However, multiple claims filed within a certain period of time could result in your policy being non-renewed. Failure to complete necessary repairs may result in the cancellation of your policy. 

Your Claims Examiner may be reached directly at the phone number they provide you, as well as via email. Claim status updates can be provided via phone or email—be sure to discuss your preferred contact method with your Claims Examiner once contacted.

Customer Support is available Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm to provide claim updates. While we encourage policyholders to reach out to their assigned Claims Examiner first, our Customer Support team stands ready to assist you in any way we can.

If your claims check is damaged, lost, or has not been received, please contact Customer Support Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.

While we encourage policyholders to reach out to their assigned Claims Examiner first, our Customer Support Team stands ready to assist you in any way we can.

To protect the mortgage company's security for the loan, your mortgage company will be a payee on claim payments once the total claim payout has exceeded $5,000. All parties listed on the check must endorse it before it can be cashed.

Coverages and Eligibility

An insurance risk score is a numerical value calculated using information from TransUnion. It is a credit-based statistical analysis that helps us understand the likelihood of future losses to the properties we insure. The insurance score that applies to New Business and Renewals will result in either a discount or surcharge.

Security First Insurance no longer offers flood insurance as an additional coverage on our homeowners and dwelling policies. Please contact your agent of record to obtain a separate flood policy. Your agent’s information can be found in the top right corner of your declarations page.

Solar panels are accepted on all policy products. The location and manner of installation will affect the coverage that applies to the panels. Certain exclusions apply.

Please see our Solar Panels Reference Guide for additional information.

Yes, Security First Insurance accepts short-term rentals with a minimum rental requirement of 2 nights. Properties listed on vacation rental sites such as Airbnb, VRBO, etc. are acceptable on the DF3-DL, HO6, and DF1 products. Acceptable terms vary by product.

All new policies are subject to an inspection to confirm replacement cost and general eligibility for coverage. This inspection will be ordered by Security First Insurance through our vendors.

In some cases, additional inspections may be required:

  • 4-point inspection.
  • Wind mitigation inspection.
  • Roof Condition Assessment (RCA) inspections may be required when new or existing business is declined due to the condition of the roof. 
     
Discounts and Credits

Discounts for Floridians, Created By Floridians

We are committed to providing the best service to Florida homeowners, condo owners, and renters storm after storm, year after year®. One of the many ways we continue to serve you is by creating discounts designed for you.

Below you will discover highlighted discounts, but we offer several more (some are automatically included with your policy). Please contact us to learn more about what options are best for you.

Senior Citizen Credit

If you or any other named insured on your policy is 55 or older, we automatically add our senior citizen discount to your policy.

Secured Community

If your neighborhood has one of the characteristics below, you may qualify for the secured community credit:

  • Community has a single entry and is protected by a 24-hour security patrol.
  • All entrances to the community are protected by 24-hour manned or passkey gates.

Note: Seasonal/secondary occupancies may not be eligible for this credit.

Alarm Credits

If your home has one of the characteristics below, you may qualify for the alarm credit:

  • Fire alarm reporting to fire or central station.
  • Complete burglar alarm reporting to police or central station.
  • Documentation that shows proof of installation is required and could include an installation certificate, monitoring contract, or a letter from the installation/monitoring company.

Indoor Sprinkler System 

If you have sprinklers located throughout your home in every room, including closets, you are eligible for this discount. Documentation is required and could include a fire inspection report.

Note: Sprinklers in crawl spaces, attics, garages, screened porches, etc. are not required for full credit.

Water Leak Detection

You may receive a discount for providing proof of installation of a water leak detection system. To receive the full discount the system must have an automatic shut-off valve.

Siding Discount

Frame homes with any of the following siding types will qualify for a discount:

  • Hardiplank
  • Masonry (Brick/Concrete/Stone ) Veneer

Roof Credits

We offer discounts on the following roof characteristics: 

  • Roof Shape: The shape of your roof significantly impacts its resilience during a windstorm. We offer a discount for hip roofs, which are roofs that slope upward from all sides of a structure, having no vertical ends.
  • Roof Slope: Roof slope is the measure of the steepness of your roof. To qualify for this discount, an inspection must be performed at the policyholder's expense (on SFI Inspection Form) and the roof must have a high slope.
  • Roof Soffit: A soffit is part of the cornice or eave, where the roof meets the walls. If your roof soffit is made of wood you are eligible for this credit.

Note: Some homes don't have soffits.

Paperless Discount

A discount of $10 will be applied at policy issuance if you choose to go paperless.

Note: Customers choosing to opt-in to the paperless option at any other time will have the credit applied at renewal.

Wind Mitigation Credits

The better your home is protected from high winds and high-speed projectiles the more you can save!

  • Building Code: If the construction of your home or roof meets certain Florida Building Code standards, you may be eligible for a discount.
  • Roof Deck Attachment: How securely your roof deck is attached to the roof trusses/rafters may qualify you for a discount.
  • Roof-to-Wall Attachment: Your home may qualify for a discount based on how securely your roof is attached to the walls of your home. This can vary from simple nails to more complex metal straps that wrap over the trusses.
  • Secondary Water Resistance: If your home has an additional layer of water resistance to prevent wind-driven rain intrusion, you may qualify for this discount.
  • Opening Protection: Do you have storm shutters and/or impact-rated windows? If so, you may be eligible for this discount. Please note that all openings in your home, including all windows, entry doors, skylights, and garage doors must be protected to receive this credit. 

Some of these discounts may already have been included in your policy—please contact your agent to confirm.

Citizens Depopulation Program

The Citizens Depopulation Program is the process by which Citizens Property Insurance Co. offloads eligible policies onto the private market. Because Citizens is partially owned by the State of Florida and is considered the “insurer of last resort,” policies that fit in the private market are not permitted to remain with Citizens if a similarly-priced policy is available through a private carrier.

This ensures the Florida insurance market remains robust and premiums for everyone remain stable. If you are a Citizens policyholder and receive the Choice Letter, please contact your agent for more information. 

If Citizens doesn't have enough funds to pay out claims, they have the option to levy an assessment on their policyholders. This could result in a Citizens' assessment of up to 45% of your insurance premium.

The Florida Legislature and Citizens are working hard to reduce the number of policies and exposure to avoid assessments completely. As a result, Florida’s insurance market becomes healthier, as private companies offer coverage for the state’s growing number of residents.
 

If Security First Insurance assumes your Citizens policy, you have several options:

  • Do nothing, and you will receive a Security First Insurance policy per the terms of the letter you’ve received. 
  • Call your agent or Security First Insurance to see if different coverages or options are available. For example, you can adjust the deductible or policy type to ensure the coverage is right for you. Customer Support is available at (877) 333-9992. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm. They welcome the opportunity to serve you.
  • Reject the assumption offer and remain with Citizens through the remainder of your current policy term.

Note: If you receive an offer of coverage from the private market that is within 20% of your Citizen’s renewal premium, you will not be eligible to remain with Citizens when your policy expires—you will have to find coverage in the private market (from Security First Insurance or another carrier). Keep in mind you could receive additional assumption offers in the future if you remain with Citizens because their goal is to help their policyholders find coverage in the private market.

No. Security First Insurance will notify your mortgage company and provide all required information. If your mortgage company pays your insurance premium, Security First Insurance will send your invoice to your mortgage company for payment.

Mortgage Information

The mortgagee clause is a provision that protects the lender from financial loss if the mortgaged property is substantially damaged or destroyed.

To remove the mortgagee from the policy as an interested party you simply need to send us the Satisfaction of Lien notice via email:  policyservices@securityfirstflorida.com.

You can update your mortgagee clause by calling Customer Support at (877) 333-9992. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm. One of our trained specialists will be happy to assist you. Please have all the information for your new mortgage company available.

Policy Documents and Notification Letters

You may access your declarations page through your Customer Portal account. The declarations page is also included in your policy packet and will be sent to you at every renewal by email or USPS mail.

This letter represents that your insurance risk score has changed based on the information provided by TransUnion. If you believe the letter contains an error, contact TransUnion directly at (800) 888-4213 to discuss your TruVision Traditional Credit Insurance Property Score report. You may also request a copy of this report directly from TransUnion.

A balance on your policy is due to either a recent change to your policy, or your last payment was not received in full. You may make a payment through our Customer Portal or by calling Customer Support at (877) 333-9992.

Please provide the requested information by the due date on the letter to prevent cancellation or credits being removed. You can email the documentation to policyreviews@securityfirstflorida.com or follow up with your agent.

If you have any questions please call Customer Support at (877) 333-9992. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.

You can contact your agent to have the policy rewritten with another carrier. Or, if you would like to remain with Security First Insurance, please visit our website to get an Instant Quote. If you like the quote, you will be given a list of agents who may be able to rewrite your policy with Security First Insurance. You may also contact our Sales department at (866) 999-5545 to have the policy rewritten directly with Security First Insurance.

Premium and Deductibles

Your policy will include a hurricane deductible and an all-other-perils (AOP) deductible. Depending on what policy product you have selected, you may also have the option to have a separate roof or water deductible, which can save you money on your premium.

Your deductible represents the financial responsibility you will have for your loss before your insurance coverage takes effect. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and your loss totals $1,500, your insurance will cover $1,000 and you will be responsible for the remainder. A higher deductible saves you money on your premium but is a reduction of coverage.

Your hurricane deductible applies to damage caused by wind from a hurricane. A hurricane is defined as a storm system that has been declared a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center.

Your AOP deductible applies to all non-hurricane losses unless you have selected a separate roof or water deductible.

Your roof deductible applies to damage to roof surfacing (exterior shingles, underlayment, vents, flashing, skylights, etc.) other than that caused by a hurricane. Other exclusions may apply.

Your water deductible applies to losses caused directly by water. The water deductible will not apply to water backup and sump overflow coverage. Water losses that are a consequence of another covered peril, such as wind or fire, will not be affected by the water deductible.

Your premium is calculated using a multitude of property features, coverage limits, personal loss and financial history, home location, distance to the coast, and more.

Every year, as your home gets older and the cost to replace your home increases, your rate may be impacted. Severe weather and claim frequency, combined with fraud and litigation, can also result in rate increases.