Personal Lines News


Providing valued information for your agency.
Vertus, Cat4Home

Preserve Your Insured's Savings with a Cat4Home Policy: Reimbursable Hurricane Deductible

 Tues, July 20, 2021
forcast with hurricane
forcast with hurricane
Preparation for hurricane season is crucial for homeowners to protect themselves against financial distress in the event of a hurricane. It may surprise homeowners that simply having homeowner's insurance is not enough coverage for these circumstances. Vertus has strategically crafted the Cat4Home product with a reimbursable hurricane deductible program. This article will identify the coverage included in a Cat4Home policy, the information required for an accurate quote, and further explanation of the hurricane deductible. With this innovative program, we can better protect your insured's homes and savings during the unpredictable hurricane season.

Cat4Home Policy Coverages

A simplified description of the Cat4Home coverages is that it “reimburses the insured for losses in the policyholder's named storm or hurricane deductible within their primary homeowner's, condominium unit owner's or dwelling fire policy.” This enhanced hurricane coverage is a follow-form policy identified in the overlying policy and the hurricane deductible yearly, with an aggregate limit. Moreover, there are two products within this program with flexible limits. The Core Product offers limits from $2,000 - $20,000 for homes up to $1 million in structural value. The second product is the High-Value Home Product, offering limits above $20,000 to $100,000 for homes up to $5 million in structural value.

Premiums are formulated based on county, home and roof age, distance to the coast, and type of construction. Insureds are eligible for this enhanced coverage if their primary policy is in one of the following states: Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. The insurance company is A+ A.M. Best rated offered as a non-admitted product. [1]

Benefits of Cat4Home Hurricane Deductible

If an insured with a Cat4Home policy endures a loss due to a named hurricane (Category 1 or higher) as announced by NOAA or NWS recognized by the state, then their Cat4Home policy pays for their hurricane deductible.

For instance, if there is a 2% deductible on an insured's $750,000 home, that equates to $15,000! Without Cat4Home, the insured must pay the deductible up front before the carrier settles the claim. This expense can be unexpected for homeowners.

Cat4Home policyholders that experience a loss from a hurricane have their Cat4Home policy pay for their hurricane deductible and can reduce total out-of-pocket expenses down to $0! Another benefit from this program is the timely payment of claims to help the insured recuperate and restore their home in ample time. Also, Vertus offers this reliable coverage with annual premiums as low as $220, deductibles range from $1,000 to $100,000, and Cat4Home has a superior A+ rating with A.M. Best.

These benefits provide a magnificent opportunity for your insureds to become aware of their deductible and have a plan to pay it with Cat4Home. It is wise to expect the unexpected when it comes to the safety of your insured's homes and savings.

How To Get a Quote?

Get a quote today by sending in your submission to our Personal Lines team at PLSubmissions@halcyonuw.com.

What is required in your submissions to receive the best quote? Before sending in your submissions, please be sure to include the following information:
  1. Year built
  2. Floor area [in sq. ft.]
  3. Construction type [masonry or frame]
  4. Address with zip code
  5. Primary policy Coverage A limit
  6. Roof age
  7. Roof material – asphalt shingle, clay tile etc.
  8. Screened enclosure [Y/N], Carport [Y/N], Fence [Y/N]
  9. Prior claims
  10. Any wind mitigation completed on the home and documented
Primary and secondary homes, rental properties, and investment properties are eligible for a Cat4Home policy. For the most accurate quote, it is highly encouraged to provide any documented wind mitigation.

In conclusion, Cat4Home offers an undeniable opportunity for homeowners. By reducing the insured's out-of-pocket expenses with this follow-form, your insureds have a clear conscience in the event of a hurricane. With the broad deductible range and their reputation, the Cat4Home product is an appropriate option. For any additional questions, please reach out to our Personal Lines Leader, Sarah Cadle, at scadle@halcyonuw.com to start protecting your homeowners and their savings with Cat4Home by Vertus.

Sources:
[1] http://www.vertusinspartners.com/florida-hurricane-insurance-products/

This content is strictly informational and should not be used as specific advice on insurance products, legal, accounting, and/or tax related matters. Insureds should always contact the appropriate licensed professional for their insurance, legal, accounting, or tax needs.

Contact Us


Halcyon Underwriters

Attn: Compliance Dept.
555 Winderley Place Ste. 420
Maitland, FL 32751

Telephone
(407) 660-1881

Toll Free
(800) 393-9090

Fax
(407) 660-0525


Should you wish to file a customer service issue, compliment or complaint, you may do so by emailing
the Compliance Officer at compliance@halcyonuw.com or contacting verbally at (321) 527-2180.


View Staff Directory Careers