Frequently Asked Questions
How will this program work?
We would refer you to the Louisiana Citizens website www.lacitizens.com and click on ”Depopulation”. Here they provide information on the process, confidentiality agreement, agent’s exclusive use of expirations, key dates, contact information and frequently asked questions.
Who is Occidental Fire and Casualty?
Occidental Fire and Casualty of North Carolina is an A- Excellent A.M. Best rated company with a financial class size of VIII. Occidental is part of the IAT Re Group, which has assets in excess of $1 billion dollars. For more information go to www.IATRE.com , and click on “frequently asked questions”.
Who is Service Insurance Company?
Service Insurance Company of Florida is an affiliate company of Occidental, who is handling the processing of this business for Occidental. Service was selected by Occidental to process this business because they have specialized in writing residential business since 1978. Service Insurance Company is rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best with a financial class size of V.
Does Occidental have a Marketing contact?
Occidental has hired Leeann Manalla, who is our State Marketing Manager and she is responsible for all agency appointments and the selection of agents to write new business. Her phone number and e-mail address are: 504-468-6310 –work; 504-234-3996-cell and LManalla@baisi.com
When will Occidental be writing new business?
Occidental anticipates writing new business in late October. Agents must be appointed to write new business. Contact Leeann Manalla .
Can we see your forms and manual?
The program forms and rules can be found on the website www.serviceinsuranceco.com. Then click on “La Agent Info” and then click on “Search our Library”.
How do your rates compare to Citizens?
Our rate structure is slightly less than Citizens and varies by territory. As a general rule the decrease will be between 1-10%.
Will a new application be required?
We hope new applications will not be required and the company will make every effort to utilize the information provided from Citizens. We may require a new application the following year.
Are you going to use ACORD applications for the HO and Dwelling programs?
Yes.
Will you require pictures?
Pictures will be required for new business, but not rollover business. If we find there are no pictures in the Citizens rollover file, we may ask for pictures. We will be inspecting most of the takeout policies and will be getting photos with our inspections.
With the transfer, will the change be treated as new business?
Yes, it is new business to Occidental. However, from an underwriting standpoint if it qualifies as new business according to the current Citizens Manual we will offer to renew the policy. If the risk does not meet the current Citizens Manual requirements we will notify you, the insured and Citizens that we will not be offering to renew. Citizens will also review the policy and take what ever actions they deem appropriate regarding offering their renewal.
Is it mandatory to write flood?
It is not mandatory to write flood, but it will influence new capacity granted to agents.
Will Occidental write policies direct with an insured?
Occidental is not in a position to address individual policyholder requests. We deal exclusively with agents. We suggest you call your local agent and see if they can help you
What type of policies does Occidental write?
Occidental writes Dwelling Fire policies 1, 2 & 3 on buildings and contents, but not contents only policies. Occidental writes HO-2 and HO-3 policies and does not write HO-4, HO-6, or HO-8. Our target risk is a primary owner occupied exposure, however, we will write with a primary tenant occupied exposure on a DWG 1, without VM&M. Occidental does not write builders risks.
