South Carolina FAQs
When was St. Johns Insurance Company established?
St. Johns Insurance Company is an admitted carrier, established in 2003, link to the SC DOI website.
Is St. Johns rated within the industry?
St. Johns holds a Demotech financial stability rating of "A" Exceptional. Information is available on Demotech's web site www.demotech.com.
What products are currently available?
St. Johns offers both a standard and preferred H03 homeowner policy, a standard H06 Condominium Unit Owners policy, and a standard DP3 Dwelling Property policy - see the quick reference guides and underwriting manuals for complete product details.
What dwelling limits are available?
- HO 3 - Coverage "A" minimum/maximum ranges from $100,000 to $2,000,000.
- HO 6 - Coverage "A" minimum/maximum ranges from $5,000 to $150,000.
What factors determine if an HO3 risk is eligible for the preferred or standard program?
Distance to the coast, protection class, number of families and loss history determine if a risk is eligible for the preferred or standard program. See rule 150 Program - Eligibility in the manual for complete details.
Do you require proof of Flood coverage if the risk is located in a flood zone?
Yes, proof of flood is required if located in an “A” or “V” zone. A copy of the flood declaration page constitutes proof of coverage.
How do I get manuals and policy forms?
All forms and manuals are available on-line by clicking on the "Forms Download" link.
How do I bind coverage?
Complete the on-line application and select the "Bind Application" button (this option will appear if there is no underwriting referral required and/or if the risk meets all the allocation requirements required in certain counties). Should you want to bind the coverage at a later time, you will need to select the "Retrieve Quote" option and search for the unbound quote. Once you select the quote you can click the "Edit" pushbutton and complete the application to bind the coverage.
What trailing documents are required?
The premium and Mitigation Documentation (if applicable) must be submitted to Underwriting within 10 days of binding or the effective date, whichever is greater. All other forms (applications, supplemental, etc) must be signed and retained in the agency subject to audit. A check list will generate when you bind coverage stating which documents need to be sent to Underwriting and which need to be retained in the agency.
Is personal umbrella coverage available?
At this time, St. Johns does not offer Personal Umbrella Liability coverage in South Carolina.
Will all risks be inspected?
St. Johns inspects all HO3 risks.
Will St. Johns extend liability coverage from a primary residence to a second residence?
St. Johns Insurance Company does not extend liability coverage from a primary residence to a second residence. Liability coverage would be included on a policy written through St. Johns for the second residence.
Will St. Johns verify credit and loss history?
Loss history will be reviewed to determine eligibility. At this time, St. Johns does not use financial credit history to determine eligibility or premium.
Are risks located in fire protection classes 9 & 10 eligible?
Risks located in fire protection class 10 are ineligible for coverage. Risks located in fire protection class 9 are only eligible for the Standard Program.
Will photos be required?
No, agents are not required to supply photos.
Does replacement cost apply to the dwelling?
On the HO3, loss settlement for the dwelling is on a replacement cost basis, subject to all other policy provisions.
Do I use a specific cost replacement calculator?
St. Johns provides access to the ISO HomeValue. Each risk must have an ISO HomeValue calculated and imported in order to complete the application. The continue button will be disabled on the "Enter Rating and Underwriting" screen until you complete the ISO HomeValue process. St. Johns does not accept appraisals and requires each risk to have the ISO HomeValue completed to determine the replacement cost value.
Is an appraisal acceptable in calculating the RC value?
No, we do not accept appraisals. Each risk must have the ISO Homevalue completed to determine the replacement cost value.
Is there a range we can write outside of the RC value?
All HO3 risks must be bound with coverage equal to 95% - 110% of the replacement cost as calculated using ISO HomeValue. The ISO HomeValue replacement cost must be at least $100,000 for HO3 risks.
How do we determine the Style and Building Shape of a home?
ISO HomeValue includes these two required categories and provides a definition for each. Click on the category name to get a complete description, examples and pictures to assist in the definition. This information is very important in calculating the replacement cost.
How is Masonry/ Veneer defined and calculated?
Masonry Veneer is defined as exterior walls of combustible construction veneered with stucco, brick, stone, or cement fiber board. Masonry Veneer is rated using the same rates as frame constructed risks.
What are the rules on older homes?
Inspection rules are as follows:
- Risks 30-49 years old must submit a 4 point inspection to Underwriting and if acceptable Underwriting department will grant binding authority.
- Risks 50 years and older – a home’s HVAC (including ductwork), roof, electrical, and plumbing must be completely renovated in the last 15 years and this documentation must be submitted to Underwriting showing proof of renovations. If acceptable, Underwriting will order the pre-bind inspection. The pre binding inspection takes up to 30 days to get completed and the policy remains unbound during this time. For renewals, Underwriting will review the 4 point inspection on file, if available, and determine eligibility based on the renovation rule stated above. If the 4 point shows the renovations meet the 15 year (except for roofs need to be 19 years for everything except tile and certain metal) rule they will order a company 4 point inspection to be conducted. The company inspection report will be used to verify the age and condition of the 4 major systems and determine the final eligibility. If the 4 point on file shows any of the 4 major areas are not in compliance with 15 year (19 or 29 year for roof) rule they will send a non renewal notice. If there is not a 4 point on file, at the time the home turns 50, a non renewal notice will be sent out.
What is the age restriction on roofs?
Tile and standing seam metal roofs must be 29 years and newer. All other eligible roof types must be 19 years and newer.
What qualifies a risk for a hip roof credit?
The hip roof must not have any other roof shape greater than 50% of any major wall length to qualify for the credit. This is the same definition stated on the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (found under the Forms Download link). Below are pictures showing eligible and ineligible risks:
Example of one of hip roof home that has a gable over the front porch, which still qualifies as hip overall:
Example of one where there are gable rooflines but one of them is over the front porch and the others do not constitute more than 50% of any major wall so it too qualifies for the hip credit:
This one would not qualify for a hip roof credit since more than 50% of that wall on the right is gable and it is part of the dwelling itself and not just over the front porch:
Are seasonal or secondary homes eligible?
Yes. For HO3 and HO6 seasonal risks the insured must occupy the residence at least 180 days out of the year. Secondary risks are eligible, but St. Johns must insure the primary residence and both risks must be in the state of South Carolina. All residences must be owner occupied. Complete details are found in the Underwriting Manual.
Can personal property be scheduled?
Yes.
Can the home be written in the name of a trust or LLC?
HO3 and HO6 - No, however, the trust or LLC can be added as an Additional Insured. No corporately owned homes will be eligible.
Are premium credits available?
Yes, credits are available for alarms and windstorm mitigation. For a mitigation credit mitigation documentation must be completed and submitted to Underwriting.
Do modular homes qualify?
Yes, if built after Jan.1, 2002.
Do manufactured or prefabricated homes qualify?
No, these are considered mobile homes and do not qualify.
Do homes on stilts qualify?
Risks with an open foundation must be supported by solid masonry or structural steel piers.
How does a pool affect eligibility?
To be eligible for coverage, the pool must be completely fenced, walled, screened or have a natural barrier to prevent easy access to the pool (where fences are prohibited). The fence or wall must be a permanent, lockable installation with a minimum height of 4 feet. Child safety fences are not acceptable. Coverage E and F are excluded with respect to swimming pool liability and unavailable when there is a slide or any type of diving apparatus. The same coverages are also excluded if the pool is not properly protected from each access in accordance with the St. Johns eligibility guidelines, noted above. If the pool is properly protected and there are no slides or any type of diving apparatus the policy will automatically include the Swimming Pool Liability Coverage endorsement, SJSC 102.
How are pools and enclosures covered?
All pools are considered detached unless the pool is enclosed by a screened enclosure, which is attached to the dwelling. When calculating the ISO HomeValue, please make sure to include the pool and enclosure.
Are risks eligible that have a trampoline on the premises?
No, these risks are ineligible if there is a trampoline on the premises at the time of binding. A mandatory trampoline liability exclusion is automatically added to every policy.
Is Animal Liability coverage included?
No, animal liability is automatically excluded. However it may be purchased as an endorsement on the HO3 and HO6 policies subject to underwriting review.
What payment options are available?
The following payment options are available:
- Full payment - Within 10 days of binding.
- 2 Pay – 60% of the subtotal premium plus policy fees and assessments is due at the inception of the policy, the remaining 40% of the premium is due 180 days after inception of the policy. Refer to manual for complete details on the installment due dates and fees.
- 4 Pay – 40% of the subtotal premium plus policy fees and assessments is due at the inception of the policy, the remaining 60% of the premium is due 90, 180, and 270 days after inception of the policy. Refer to manual for complete details on the installment due dates and fees.
- Premium financing and mortgagee billing are acceptable.
How will claims be handled?
Claims may be reported in the following two ways:
- All claims should be reported to: 1-877-748-2059.
- First notice of loss forms (found under the Forms Download link) should be faxed to: 1-877-858-8920.
How do I submit an endorsement?
Mortgagee Changes may be completed online. The agent needs to retrieve the policy under the "Policy Inquiry" link. The agent should then click the "Policy Change" link and complete the information. A training guide is available under the Forms Download link. All Other Endorsements need to be sent to the processing center. The contact information (email, faxes and addresses) are available under the Contact Us link.
How do I change an effective date once the policy is bound?
Backdating policies is not allowed. However, moving the policy dates forward is acceptable, but must be made through the website within 30 days from the effective date. To change an effective date, you can retrieve the bound quote and click edit. Click the rewrite application button and the Effective Date Change option at the bottom of the premium summary screen. You will be required to complete the new application. Much of the information will be pre-filled for you. St. Johns will transfer the monies paid to the new application and cancel the original policy flat. Once the 30 days has lapsed, a new application must be submitted. A cancellation should be forwarded to St. Johns immediately to void the original policy bound with the incorrect date. If funds have been applied we will require a signed request by the insured to transfer to the newly bound policy.
Can we do an Agent of Record change on an existing policy?
No, if an insured wishes to change agents, the new agent must cancel the existing policy and rewrite a new policy.
How do we set up new web users?
Send an email request to Marketing@sjig.com. Include in the request the agency ID #, first and last name of the user and their email address. This request needs to be sent from the Principal agent or office manager. We strongly recommend each web user have a personal user name and email address assigned.
How do I reset my password if I get locked out?
On the Log In screen, enter the agency ID # and the user name and click on the "Click here for a new password" link. A new password will be sent to the email on file for that user name. The system will indicate the email address just below the Login button. We do not reset passwords over the phone. Our office cannot view passwords. If the agent requesting the password does not have access to the email, we will not be able to assist them. See above for requesting additional web users.
How do I notify the company of an Agency Name, Address, Email, Phone or Fax Change?
Fax the updates to 888-876-7544, attn: Marketing, or email us at: marketing@sjig.com. Marketing can be contacted by phone at 888-868-7544 however we need the requested changes in writing.
Does St. Johns offering training sessions?
Yes, training sessions are available on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM EST. To attend a session send an email to Kim Edgar, kedgar@sjig.com, with your agency name, email address and phone #. You will receive an email invite which will include the conference phone number and go to meeting link to allow you to attend the session.
Where do I send policy payments, endorsement requests and any other policy documents?
All policy correspondence should be sent to the processing center, see contact information below.
Mailing: St. Johns Insurance Company
PO Box 1779
Columbia, SC 29202-1779
Overnight: St. Johns Insurance Company
1501 Lady St
Columbia, SC 29201
Email: st.johnsunderwriter@sjicsips.com
Fax: 1-800-828-4672
Copyright © 2009 St. Johns Insurance Company, all rights reserved and subject to change