Citizens Depopulation Program

Welcome, let us put your mind at ease.

It's natural to have questions and concerns about important changes in your homeowner's policy. We believe you should be well-informed and feel empowered, so you are confident in your choice to have Security First as your homeowner's insurance provider when you transition from Citizens.

 

 

What is the Citizens Depopulation Program?

The Depopulation Program was developed by Citizens with the authorization of the Florida Legislature. Its objective is to decrease the number of policies held by Citizens and promote more insurance companies to operate in Florida. This initiative allows companies like Security First Insurance to move Citizens' policies to the private insurance market, which helps the Florida insurance market stay healthy and competitive.

Why is the Citizens Program necessary?

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 altogether. As a result, Florida’s insurance market becomes healthier as private companies offer coverage for our state’s growing number of residents.

Security First Insurance has chosen to assume my Citizens policy. What do I need to do?

You have three options:

  • Do nothing, and you will receive a Security First policy per the terms of the letter you’ve received. 

  • Call your agent or us to see if different coverages or options are available. For example, you can adjust the deductible or policy type to make sure the coverage is right for you. Our Customer Support team is available 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday – Friday and 8:00 am – 4:30 pm on Saturday at 877-333-9992. 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 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. 

You've chosen us...now what?

Do I need to notify my mortgage company?

  • 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.

Where will my insurance documents come from?

  • Your insurance documents will come directly from Security First Insurance at renewal.

How do I make payments on my policy?

  • Payments should be made with Citizens until your policy renewal date. Once you receive your renewal packet from Security First Insurance, payments can be made online or through your agent.

How do I file a new claim?

If you are a Citizens policyholder with an open claim, that claim will continue to be handled by the Citizens claims team. Contact Citizens at 866-411-2742 for assistance.

February 2024 Assumption Date Claims

  • To report a claim that occurred on or after 12:01 a.m. on February 20, 2024 (the assumption date), Citizens policyholders should call CCMS & Associates, the Claims Administrator for Security First Insurance Company at 833-394-2394.

  • To report a claim that occurred on or before 12:01 a.m. on February 20, 2024, Citizens policyholders should call Citizens at 866-411-2742, or Citizens policyholders may submit a claim online via myPolicy at www.citizensfla.com/mypolicy.

May 2024 Assumption Date Claims

  • To report a claim that occurred on or after 12:01 a.m. on May 21, 2024 (the assumption date), Citizens policyholders should call CCMS & Associates, the Claims Administrator for Security First Insurance Company at 833-394-2394.

  • To report a claim that occurred on or before 12:01 a.m. on May 21, 2024, Citizens policyholders should call Citizens at 866-411-2742, or Citizens policyholders may submit a claim online via myPolicy at www.citizensfla.com/mypolicy.

Is Security First Insurance financially stable?

Absolutely! Since opening our doors in 2005, we have earned and maintained a Demotech Financial Stability Rating of “A” (Exceptional). We have $930 million in reinsurance (insurance for insurance companies) to pay claims for multiple storms in a single year and $73 million in surplus, exceeding all regulatory and rating agency requirements. This ensures that we are able to deliver on our promise to be here for you storm after storm, year after year®.