Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company Review

Very pleased with competitiveness, great service and claims paying response.

Never going with another company again. Universal Property is the best I've had with rates and especially their customer service. They are so nice and helpful. Very refreshing to still experience what customer service really means. Thank you again!

I thought for sure I was going to have a battle on my hands when I made a claim that my HOA was fighting me on. They took care of it and even helped me get the HOA to pay for what they were supposed to.

Natasha was very helpful, eager to make things right, and prompt in updating me on my current status! She has a great servant attitude!

Very unprofessional company. Had filed a claim with them never received a call back. Was very hard to communicate with. Since then I have canceled my policy and went with another provider. STAY AWAY<<

I recently worked with Tonya Vernon and she was very professional and took care of the problem with one of our clients in a timely manner.

It was a pleasure working with her .
Debbie Higgins, Cove Insurance

I couldnt have Been more thrilled with who my personal agent was! My husband and I went Through a very trying time, I spoke To Gamaliel Lozano and He instantly made things better! He was kind, polite, and even funny! He treated me like family and also called me back everytime i called him and got his voicemail. He was also so knowledgeable and very thorough in what he explained to me throughout my claim process. He was awesome!!!! Thank you a million times for your efforts and patience with me.

IF U WANT A INSURANCE COMPANY THAT U HAVE TO FIGHT WITH TO PAY U FOR YOUR DAMAGES THIS THE COMPANY ABSOLUTELY THE WORST COMPANY IT EASY TO THESE GUYS TO TELL U THAT YOU DAMAGED WAS PREVIOUSLY DAMAGED SO THEY NO PAYING FOR IT . I HAD DAMAGED FROM THE HURRICANE AND THESE GUY WOULD NOT PAY THE DAMAGE SAYING IT WAS DAMAGED PREVIOUSLY.....STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY ....IF U WANT TO PAY FOR INSURANCE AND WANT TO HAVE TO FIGHT WITH THIS COMPANY FOR LONG PERIOD AND LONG HOLD TIME AND A COMPANY THAT DOES NOT WANT TO PAY OUT TO FIX YOUR PROPERTY PLEACE HARD WORKING PEOPLE DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY..STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY......PLEASE .!!!!!!!!!

DeShawn Warren was a pleasure to speak with. He was very thorough in explaining everything over the phone. Took the time to answer all of my questions. I greatly appreciate him taking the time to speak with me.

I wrote my review last Tuesday after getting the same answer over and over again. They called back and left me a voice mail message and replied to my review as well. Then they called a second time around 7:00pm that night and told me the claim was approved (miraculously that morning) and a payment was mailed that day along with copies of report and explanation of payment. ONE WEEK tomorrow and this company is in Ft. Lauderdale and still no mail. This is exactly what I'm taking about customer service, THERE IS NONE.

I had tree damage in the beginning of August to the house and I had to jump through hoops and submit documentation that the storm wasn't a Hurricane when it was clearly labelled a tropical storm. After finally settling and replacing my roof they refuse to give the recoverable depreciation. I called every week for a month and a half after submitting documentation that it was fixed but no one ever called back. Carlo was the adjuster who was MIA and finally after speaking to a supervisor he claims the trees were not covered. I was told 3 months prior they were and they refuse to recognize this. Terrible responsiveness and customer service

Very poor customer service. I just bought a house and the lady i talked to was rude. She treated me like i was stupid. I asked a simple question of "is my policy paid and up to date" and she said "what do you think" i was shocked. Than she said "it appears to be so what else do you need". I just said nothing im fine. Iam canceling this insurance today! Plus it takes about a hour for someone to pick up the phone!

Thank you Keith Peer, VP of Catastrophe Claims for Alder Adjusting Corporation, for helping settle my mother's claim after Hurricane Michael. Very professional, compassionate and fair.

My mother is elderly and some healthcare workers stole some items from her home. I contacted the insurance company to file a claim. I was assigned to Keevis. Keevis wasted no time is processing me claim and I received a check immediately. EXCELLENT customer service.

The rep I worked with today (Rouxanne) was very professional. She answered all my questions and provided good guidance after a poor experience with another rep.

Agent Matthew Benefield is AMAZING! I am with a lender. We do business with insurance companies on a daily basis. Mr. Benefield took my experience with Universal from worst to first. He was friendly and fast! Highly recommended.

This review is specifically for the person I spoke to last. Other than that my experience was horrible

Rouxanne Ricketts was amazing. I had a horrible experience. Maximo Kopel was not helpful to me. He was actually extremely rude and short. I called back in and got Rouxanne and she saved these day. My total experience with my claim been a headache but I m so glad she was able to assist. She made my day and I hope she is well compensated for her work! No Max you sir should find another profession! You need more patience

Called and made a claim on my home after a storm last year with high wind and moderate hail. I noticed water coming in around my fireplace as well. I had 2 roofing companies come out and both said I needed the roof replaced due to the damage done to the room and the chimney needing new metal and to be sealed. In other the chimney flashing needs work. They sent an adjuster out and she wouldn't give me a time or date she said it could be a three day window that she could be by. I work so ok I couldn't be their. I received a letter in the mail about a week later stating the claim was denied due to no damage was seen. I also let them know the damage was in the interior walls of my home where water had ran down on the inside and the notes stated no interior damage could be assessed. Well no when THEY DIDN'T TELL ME OR CALL TO LET ME KNOW THEY WERE THERE!!!!! So here it is 1.5 years later and still have the same issue. Yes I need to have it repaired but I think they should step up as a reputable company and replace the roof repair the chimney flashing and repair my interior walls. When I have called back to reschedule so the adjuster could come out the comment was the claim has been closed. GREAT RATE BUT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!! BEWARE

Once the IRMA Claims Supervisor, Alex, discovered the difficulty I was having in reopening my claim, he took proactive steps to not only get it reopened immediately, but also assigned an adjustor who visited our property within 48 hours. Then, after an initial payment was made, he took personal charge of subsequent claim reviews and payments following the completion of repairs. I had confidence in Alex's approach and handling of my claim - done promptly and fairly.

Very positive experience. Staff is very knowledgeable and efficient. I am confident that my insurance needs are met and in the right hands.

Universal Property & Casualty financed by Risk Advisors, down in Ft.Lauderdale Fl, The worst insurance company to insure your home. I had an accidental fire on my kitchen 6/27/19! Reported it 2 days later, it took Universal Property 2 weeks and half to send a field adjuster, which by then he had brought me a 2500 check to advance me for any inconveniences. I paid over 3500 in Hotels and food plus gas and all expenses they say they will reimburse, and got a check of 1126.88 which I had issues with and got kicked out of Bank of America because they couldn t cash the check, twice. Chase previous to bank of america called Risk Advisors because of the type of check draft they needed to clear with risk advisors, the company I guess that finances Universal, they wouldn t verify the check over the phone . Chase kicked us out, then Bank pf America, for the same check.

I was working with Melissa Cochrane, she got let go, but she knew my situation and always made sure when I rented a place, that she had proof of where I was going to stay and amount without a lease copy prior, because who has 9000 to give for first last and security. Now they cannot pay me upfront for living expenses because this new desk adjuster, that is very incompetent, telling me she will get back with me in a week because she got hit with Michigan Hail storm claims,, she gets back to me telling me that I need a signed lease before they reimburse me, and that is policy guidelines, but Melissa didn t work that way with me before. I rented a home first through Airnb, everyone knows you need to pay upfront before you rent. This lady has given me a bogus number after I have flat out told her she is discriminating against me because I am hispanic, Melissa got me used to a certain way , and never said that She was making exceptions. Ann-Marie Brown, the new desk adjuster is a night-mare. I asked to move up chain of command asking for supervisor name phone number and email, she writes back Chad Norton, with a phone number with 407- area code in Orlando, the phone is disconnected, and she has not given me the email address for Chad Norton the supervisor. I have alrrady told her I want to speak with him, but the only thing she says is she is working on my claim as fast as other claims that are as important will allow her. She is on purpose delaying my claim using bad faith tactics, she is a shame. She gives Universal a very bad name by telling insureds about Michigan hail claims and about how she will not do any more exceptions on my claim, discriminating against me for being hispanic and my own advocate, telling me she cannot talk to me because I have acquired representation from adjusters, I set her straight on that one. She has committed the ultimate betrayal to myself and her company by being shady and giving me false information.

Do not get insured by Universal, it has been 4 months and half almost 5, and I have invoked the appraisal clause after Universal settled my home fire for 50,000, but that is merely a quarter of what an appraiser says my home will cost to repair. I pray none of them ever goes to what they put insured like you and me through everyday, , a home fire is devastating enough, now I am in danger of staying homeless with my minor children and husband because Universal says that I have to come out of pocket 9000.00 to rent because Universal was making exceptions before, but not anymore. I have filed a complaint against Universal with BBB, Department of Insurance I am currently speaking with a sweet old lady from Florida department of insurance that is more than happy to help me since she went through it and lost more than valuables when her A.C malfunction caused fire to her garage.

I am so disappointed with this company. They have recently lost class action settlement lawsuit, they have been sued a few times, for bad faith, for negligence towards insureds, I will record a video and upload on Youtube so I can make audience aware of how poorly Universal Property works.

****Michigan homeowners insured by Universal, beware

We have paid premiums to Universal for 12 straight years and we filed our 1st ever claim 5 months ago. We have been unable to find out what our full reimbursement will be. We finally managed to speak with a claims representative, Gamy Lozano, almost 1 months ago and he was very informative however he said he would need to pass our concerns onto our assigned claims examiner and her Supervisor. After multiple phone calls to those individuals we have not received any calls back. With the exception of my one phone call to Gamy Lozano, who was helpful but could not answer our question regarding our reimbursement, Universal has been completely unresponsive.

Heartless Company. Cancelled my homeowners insurance Because my deceased mothers name is on the deed. Cancellation violates state law according to Ga.Insurance commissioners office. Don't trust this company they stole part of my premium. According to tax office,mortgage CO.and other places I have been elevated to primary.. This company is not worth the money. I plan to seek an attorney to sue them. Possible hate crime was committed by them.

Jake solved a complicated problem involving a couple of different mortgagees in just minutes. Thank you Jake!

Please I need to fix my kitchen tell the adjuster to finalize my claim. My Lawyer told me the adjuster from universal never reply back to finish with the claim
FL09-0107096

I am an insurance agent and this is one of the companies we work with. I specifically wanted to review a recent underwriter, Kathy Hepburn, that I worked with. From an agent perspective she was responsive and willing to try and find a solution that was reasonable for the insured and the company. I appreciated that.

Great customer service. Answered all of my questions clearly and quickly - no wait at all to speak with a representative.

Worst company I have ever worked with for Home Owners. 9 years in the mortgage industry and my personal policy is a nightmare. We have been trying to cancel for 6 weeks and no one can tell us why the policy still isnt cancelled and now my servicing department is all messed up. SIX WEEKS waiting for a refund check for my prorated insurance. I will never refer anyone to Universal. Unprofessional, unorganized, and incompetent. Total lack of communication.

Trevor Cummings the Field Adjuster was professional and extremely customer service focused. I could not be happier with how my claim was handled, processed and expedited. A+++++ service

Kathy from Universal was so helpful in reinstating a large client of mine. I am very grateful for all her assistance in this matter. Great customer service.

I submitted an insurance claim to Universal Property & Casualty for mold that was discovered in my unit that needed to be repaired. Although it took much longer than I would have preferred (hence 4 out of 5 stars), I did appreciate the personal attention I received from Andy Gonzalez. He called me on a number of occasions to give me an update on the status of the claim and requests for any additional materials they needed. It ultimately resulted with an approval of my claim so for that I'm quite happy.

We have submitted our claim with this insurance company in August on the 7th. Everyone in our neighborhood has been able to replace their roof and here we are in October still waiting for someone to call us back. I have been on the phone all day trying to reach our Adjustor and have yet to reach him. I have left a voicemail for his supervisor which is Hilda and tried to call her back several times and it just goes to voicemail. This is ridiculous. After 4 months there's no update? Really? No notes have been made on weather he is working on it or not. This is so frustrating. I guess the problem is I haven't been calling them to be annoying about the process. What exactly does someone have to do to get their claim processed? How long does it usually take? All the questions have yet to be answered by anyone from this insurance company.

I am still waiting on funds, initially things worked out fine.

Excellent Customer Service. I spoke with Joseph and he was very professional, courteous and knowledgeable. Great Job!

Very professional, and fast, no complaints so far....Thank you

My experience with the company has been great. They have been extremely helpful whenever I have had a problem. I would definitely recommend them to others.

Once Jodi was assigned to our case, she worked very hard to get things moving as quickly as possible. I'm sure the amount of claims they had to deal with, was unbelievable. Whenever I did contact Jodi, she did her best to respond to our questions in a timely manner.

We bought our home in July 2014 and had rain damage in August 15th. The claim was denied and they sent us a cancellation of policy coverage for July 2016. As a first time home owner they have been a nightmare, I am in the process of appealing the claim denial based upon the inspection done on our home, however, we are having issues getting new home owners insurance because of Universal.

BAIT AND SWITCH. Got a policy with this company, quote was for around $1500 and while I know it is just that, a Quote it should be close the the actual policy pricing. They had all of my home information and Wind Mitigation forms and 1 week later sent me my policy info which was exactly as quoted for $1500 - Not that they've been paid that in full for the year they waited 2 weeks and amended my policy, which not totals nearly $2800 dollars. A 80% increase over the quote and what they initially sent me! Unacceptable business practices and I will be doing everything I can to get my money back as they are unable to answer their phones to honor the policy they initially gave me.

This company is the most contractor unfriendly out there, One of their insured who happens to be my client had water damage claim in Maryland, 9 months later it's still haven't been resolved, I suppose because their insured is outside of their primary territory which is Florida, But never-the less all the extension numbers they provided was contacted and messages left till this date their is not active correspondence, at this point we are involving Maryland Commissioner of Insurance, this company must come to compliance so long as they do business in maryland

Cheaper rates but they always get you when you put in a claim. Got peanuts back for my damages. Stay away from this company

I had a claim with Universal Property lately and they took care of me and of my claim with professionalism. I recommand them to anyone who is looking for a good insurance company to go with them. We live in Montreal and we have a property in Fort Lauderdale, so it is not easy for us to find a very good insurance company in Florida, but, we are very happy with the choice we made 10 years ago to go with Universal Property. And we will be with them today and in the futur. A very happy customer.

As an agent, I choose to write Universal Property and Casualty's products not only because their rates are competitive, but also because of the unparalleled customer service they offer. This company strives to make their insureds whole in the case of a loss and will go above and beyond to do so. Moreover, their marketing representation in SC, led by Mike Cerchio and Jonathon Friedland, has been more than helpful to our agency and insureds in both writing business and settling claims. I highly recommend UPCIC.

I have never dealt with such a sorry company when it comes to insurance claims. Our electronics were damaged by lightening and we were given forms to have completed, which is fine. However, we were advised that it was our responsibility to find somebody to inspect the devices for true lightening damage. We were given ZERO references that actually knew what I was asking for. ZERO referrals to a correct company that would indeed help us. After emails stating such, no form of help was provided again. Just a small, well just keep me updated. If I could rate this as a zero, I would because there is absolutely no customer service at all.

Jodi Spilotras was my adjuster for damages we incurred from hurricane Michael. I am very pleased with her and the company. Our claim was small compared to many people but we were well taken care of.

Avoid Universal Property and Casualty Insurance, I just deposited one of their checks for work performed and the check bounced. They obviously are having problems funding their claims. Just because an insurance company is cheaper does not mean they can pay their claims.

I am currently dealing with multiple lawsuits against them for not paying other claims that they are required to pay. If you have them for an insurer, you are essentially self insured and you claim will either be underpaid or not paid at all.

Please avoid them no matter what they offer you!!!!

The check was not improperly endorsed. The homeowner signed it and the contractor endorsed it. As you can see, they don't even know the banking process for how to write a check. They are a limited funds insurance company. Look at their multiple complaints with the Florida Department of Insurance.

If I could take this and Make it negative 5 stars. This is the worst company ever. We went threw Irma and have had multiple phone conversations with who ever I could track down still waiting for my claim to be settled.

These guys are crooks.Kill you with cliches' and excuses. The worst.
Would not recommend.

So far my first experience with Universal has been terrible. After experiencing some damage due to hurricane Matthew, the adjuster took over 3 weeks to arrive. In the meantime, my wet walls and vents began to mold. It dry out people came and did a good job. I tried to contact universal. I was given a phone number, I called, the person I spoke with said it was the wrong number and gave me another. I called, the person I spoke with told me it was the wrong number and gave me the first number I called. What a fun around! Ultimately, I could not find anybody to answer my questions. I am sitting in a condo, with sheetrock off the walls, mold in my vents and I cannot get someone to clean it unless I PAY OUT OF MY POCKET. I am not going to pay out of pocket, I can't. If I do, I risk not being fully reimbursed from the company. We should not have to hire lawyers to get out coverage enforced. As a group, we need to complain to the insurance commission in Tallahassee and to the BBB, the rating for this company is too high.

This company is certainly not prepared for a hurricaine...and they will find any excuse and will make up any excuse not to pay a claim, Stay away from this nightmare. You are basically wasting your money. And remember that this company has the most complaints filed against it with the Florida Division of Insurance per 1000 customers. ! It's not just me.

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! THEY REALLY SUCK! As a customer they make you fell dumb and make you go to hell and back in order for them to help you. No one returns calls or email in a timely manner. if you ever have to deal with Paul Fisher you are even in worse luck.

Matthew Cullen, Claims Examiner has been extremely helpful and quick to fix incorrect paperwork in an effort to resolve claims. I strongly endorse him and UPC

Worst insurance company all they do is give me a run around I am still waiting to get a reissue of a check for over a year and a 1/2...

We have been loyal clients of Universal Property Insurance since we purchased our home nearly 6 years ago, but after our first experience with resolving a claim, this will likely be our last year with them. We had damage in our home due to a water heater bursting while we were away on our wedding in August 2017. We contacted the insurance immediately and their adjuster, Camilo, came out to our house to inspect and assess the damage within a week or so. It is now April 2018 and the claim has still not been looked at or resolved. My public adjuster and myself have tried on numerous occasions to get an update from Camilo or anybody at the company (via email and phone call) and can t even get an answer. My last email was sent out on March 22nd and still no response. I would warn anybody from doing business with an insurance company that is so unresponsive and irresponsible in dealing with your claims. At this point, after exhausting every attempt possible to get an answer, I m left to believe that this company is not acting in good faith. I have started researching and calling local insurance attorneys in hope of getting this resolved. This has been a horrible experience... thankfully the situation is not worse and it is not like we lost our home or something worse; but I can t help thinking what we would be going through with this company if that were the case.

Benson Jean Baptiste did an amazing job with customer service this evening. It was great to have a representative that was very kind and helpful today when calling Universal!

Horrible insurance. I did email and called.none calls back. One year and half and none replies or takes care of my claim.unprofessional. especially Rockne who was supposed to be my adjustor

Great Customer service from Rouxanne Ricketts. Very quick and attentive.

This is a bogus review not authorize by me and it is a lie! If google had not notified me i would not have know about this fraud!
I do not use this insurance company and I have no Idea who Michelle Davis is.
Be aware! Ms. Davis should have verified this review and she did not.

I had an excellent customer service representative, Michele Davis, who went the extra mile for us in locating our check for our homeowners insurance. She was always pleasant and went above and beyond to assist us.

Universal Property and Casualty has been great to us. We had damage from a hurricane in 2018 and they covered the majority of the cost for a replacement roof. Our cast iron pipes rusted out and they came through and covered almost all of the cost for total replacement. The claim process was very smooth. I have peace of mind knowing this insurance is doing what we pay them to do: protecting my home in the event of costly damage. The adjusters and staff are really nice and professional. Thank you Universal Property for your excellent service. I highly recommend this insurance company.

Great rates and great customer service!

Needed to call in a payment for not providing authenticity of security system.. it was only $46.00 more for the policy!

Overall, even without security system the policy was cheaper than all the rest and the call in for payment was quick and painless

Use this insurance company!

I am giving a one star because I have called multiple times and I am left on hold for 20 minutes. No one has time to continue to be on hold that long. I called and left message with the adjuster handling my claim but I have yet to receive a return phone call. I also emailed but still haven t received a response. It s EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING dealing with a company that doesn t respond to messages but they take your payments.

This company is a rip off they will nickel and dime you during your claim they do not use industry standards to do assessments I have been trying to get money for a house fire on a rental property for over a year they will not pay the full cost of repairing the home. Stay away from this company their rates may be cheaper but so are their services and pay outs.

I'm in the middle of a claim and so far my experience has been great. A tree fell on my house and I felt completely helpless and scared thinking that I would have to spend thousands of dollars I did not have. Gamaliel Lozano is the person who is handling my claim. His attention was so outstanding that I realized he spoke Spanish and make the communication a lot easier for me. Even though I speak English, having a bilingual person in a moment of worrisome felt great. I could explain better what was happening and then wrote emails back and fort in English. I'm very happy that I have chosen this Insurance company and I have recommended already to my family because the care and attention they provide is great.

Thank you very much Gamy for all your help! I wish there were more people like you out there that understand their job and help the customer in everyway possible.

You are doing an amazing job!

Thank you,
Cindy Q.

Universal Property and Casualty provided my husband and me excellent customer service during the time that they insured our home and to include after the sale in issuing our refund.

I placed a claim in January due to a plumbing issue. My kitchen had to be re-done. Claim process was slow at first plus it was also a nightmare to get workers. During the process my claims adjuster was changed the person assigned who was able to settle/close my claim
Was Jodi Spilotras. Jodi was so professional, fast, just excellent customer service all around. Thanks Jodi!!!

Hi Jessica,

Pat and I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how much we appreciated your help with our recent claim. You were extremely helpful and professional, and we appreciated you going the extra mile to explain our options to us.

Fell free to forward this to your boss because we want her to know how lucky she is to have you working for Universal Property.

Again, thank you for everything.

Brian and Pat McGee