Universal Property Homeowners Insurance: A NerdWallet Review for 2025
Universal Property sells home insurance in Florida and over a dozen other states. This review examines the company’s offerings, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses to help consumers make informed decisions. NerdWallet’s analysis, updated on January 2, 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s performance based on a variety of factors.
Overview
Universal Property homeowners insurance received a NerdWallet rating of 3 out of 5 stars. The company offers multiple opportunities for policyholders to save money but also draws a significant number of consumer complaints.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Online quotes and claims filing.
- Website available in Spanish.
- Customer support available via phone, email, and live chat.
- Great set of discounts
Cons:
- Far more consumer complaints than expected.
- Not available in all states.
About Universal Property Insurance
Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company was founded in Florida and is one of the state’s largest home insurers. They also provide homeowners policies in several other states. A key feature is the broad array of coverage options along with a solid list of cost-saving discounts. However, a primary concern raised by reviewers is the high volume of consumer complaints reported to state regulators relative to its size. Potential customers should carefully weigh this factor.
Where Universal Property Home Insurance Stands Out
- Discounts: Universal Property offers a variety of ways to save, including for new roofs, being over 65 years old, or going a certain amount of time without filing claims.
- Online Policy Management: The ability to get quotes, file claims, and pay bills directly from the Universal Property website is a plus for convenience.
Where Universal Property Falls Short
- Consumer Complaints: The number of complaints suggests that policyholders aren’t always satisfied with the service.
- Android App Reviews: The Android app receives poor reviews, suggesting it may have bugs that impact the user experience. The iOS version has strong ratings.
State Availability
Universal Property sells homeowners insurance in 20 states. Availability can change, and coverage may not be available to all homeowners within a given state.
Standard Universal Property Home Insurance Coverage
Standard coverage generally includes:
- Dwelling: Covers the structure of your home.
- Other structures: Covers damage to separate structures like sheds or fences.
- Personal property: Protects personal belongings.
- Loss of use: Covers temporary living expenses during repairs.
- Personal liability: Covers injuries or property damage you’re responsible for.
- Medical payments: Covers guest injuries regardless of fault.
Optional Universal Property Home Insurance Coverage
Optional coverage may include:
- Extended replacement cost coverage.
- Personal property replacement cost coverage.
- Water backup coverage.
- Service line coverage.
- Extra coverage for valuables.
- Equipment breakdown coverage.
- Ordinance or law coverage.
- Personal injury liability coverage.
- Loss assessment coverage.
- Debris removal coverage.
I like to add extended or even guaranteed replacement cost coverage to my policy for peace of mind. That way, if I’ve underestimated how much it’ll cost to rebuild my house, or if construction costs go up by more than expected, I’ll have a cushion.
– Sarah Schlichter, lead insurance writer
What’s Not Included
Universal Property home insurance typically excludes:
- Flooding
- Earthquakes
- Normal wear and tear
- Neglect
Discounts
You may save on premiums with discounts for:
- Claim-free periods
- New roofs
- Burglar or fire alarms
- Sprinkler systems
- Wind damage mitigation
- Prior insurance
- Loyalty
- Being over 65
Consumer Complaints
Universal Property has received a significantly higher number of complaints than expected based on its size, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
What Reddit Users Say About Universal Property
Reddit threads reveal mixed user experiences. Some homeowners report issues filing claims, including long delays and even lawsuits. Others cited premium increases. Some Redditors were positive, mentioning reasonable rates or satisfactory claims handling. Many of the complaints originated in Florida, where conditions in the homeowner’s insurance market are particularly volatile.
Questions from Reddit: Our Experts Answer
- Why did Universal Property raise my home insurance rate so much? Homeowners insurance rates are rising across the country due to increased natural disasters and inflation. Contacting an independent agent or broker to seek alternative options may be helpful.
- Can Universal Property drop my policy because I need a new roof? Yes, insurance companies may scrutinize properties using aerial photos and may choose not to renew policies based on issues such as roof condition.
Digital Experience
Universal Property provides a website and apps for iOS and Android to assist customers in their interactions with the company. The website and mobile applications provide access to a number of services offered through the company including obtaining quotes, paying bills, filing and tracking claims, contacting agents, and viewing policy documents.
How to File a Claim
Claims can be filed online or by calling 800-470-0599.
How to Contact Customer Service
Contact your agent, submit an email form, or call 800-425-9113.
How We Rate Homeowners Insurance
NerdWallet’s ratings consider financial strength, consumer complaints, coverage, discounts, and customer experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Universal Property & Casualty a good insurance company? Earned 3 out of 5 stars due to more customer complaints though there are plenty of coverage options and available discounts.
- Who owns Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company? Universal Insurance Holdings.
- What other types of insurance does Universal Property offer? Condo, renters, and landlord insurance.
