FAQs
What is St. Johns Insurance Company?
St. Johns Insurance Company is an admitted carrier, established in 2003,
Learn More.
Is St. Johns rated?
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 H-03 homeowner policy
and a standard H-06 Condo policy.
What dwelling limits are available?
- HO 3 - Coverage "A" minimum/maximum ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Coverage A over $1,000,000 is provided on a Consent to Rate basis and must be submitted to Underwriting.
- HO 6 Coverage "A" minimum/maximum ranges from $5,000 to $150,000.
What factors determine if a risk is eligible for the preferred or standard program?
Distance to the coast 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 Forms?
All forms and manuals are 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). Should you want to bind the coverage at a later time, you will need to select the "Retrieve Homeowners Quote" option and search for the unbound quote. Once you select the quote you can "Edit" and complete the application to bind the coverage.
What trailing documents are required?
The premium and Mitigation Form (if applicable) must be submitted to Underwriting within 10 days of binding or the effective date which ever 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?
No St. Johns Insurance Company does not offer this coverage.
Will all risks be inspected?
Yes, 100% of the risks are pre or post inspected. Risks which are older than 49 years require a pre binding inspection. See Bulletin # 46 (click on the Bulletin link) for complete details on documentation which must be sent to Underwriting prior to the pre binding inspection being ordered.
Will St. Johns extend liability coverage to a second residence?
No St. Johns Insurance Company does not extend liability coverage to a second residence.
Will St. Johns verify credit and loss history?
Loss history will be reviewed to determine eligibility. Credit history will not be used to determine eligibility.
Will St. Johns allow a lapse in coverage?
No, if the Insured is currently living in the home they MUST be currently insured and have NO lapse in
coverage. Forced placed insurance through their Mortgage Company is considered ineligible.
Are risks located in fire protection classes 9 & 10 eligible?
- There are specific program requirements for protection class 9. See rule 130 for complete details.
- Protection class 10 is ineligible.
Will photos be required?
No, agents are not required to take photos since we inspect 100% of our risks.
Does replacement cost apply to the dwelling?
Yes, however contents are written on an actual cash valuation basis and an endorsement is available.
Do I use a specific cost replacement calculator?
Yes, ISO Homevalue. Each risk must have an ISO Homevalue completed. You will not be able to complete the
application unless this system is calculated and imported. The continue button will be disabled on the "Enter Rating
and Underwriting" screen until you complete the ISO Homevalue process.
Is an appraisal acceptable?
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?
You can apply for Coverage A up to 25% above the ISO Homevalue RC amount and 5% below.
Before any increases or decreases are applied to Coverage A, the minimum ISO home value must be equal to or greater than $100,000.
What deductibles apply?
Standard deductible is $1,000 AOP and 2% hurricane other options are available (see rule 230 for details)
What are the rules on older homes?
- Homes older than 29 years require an underwriting referral for a pre-bind inspection which can
take up to 30 days from the day Underwriting orders the inspection.
- Risks 30-49 years old must submit a 4 point inspection to Underwriting and if acceptable then
Underwriting will order the pre-bind inspection.
- 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.
What is the age restriction on roofs?
All roof types must be 19 years and newer.
Are seasonal or secondary homes eligible?
Yes, for Seasonal risks the insured must occupy the residence at least 6 months out of the
year and must be located in a secure community or have a central station alarm. Secondary risks must also be
located in a secure community or have a central alarm, and St. Johns must be the insurance carrier for the
Primary residence. All residences must be owner occupied.
Can personal property be scheduled?
Yes, personal property can be scheduled on HO3 and HO6 programs by adding the optional endorsement HO 04 61.
Can the home be written in the name of a trust or LLC?
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 mitigations. Homes which are built March 2002 and
newer have a minimum mitigation credit being applied. For a full mitigation credit a Mitigation form must be
completed and submitted to Underwriting. If the home is built prior to March 2002 the Mitigation form must
be completed for any mitigation credits.
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?
No. Risks with a foundation not built on a continuous masonry foundation or an open foundation that
is not supported by solid masonry or structural steel piers are not eligible.
Is animal liability included?
No, Animal Liability is not provided under Section II coverage. However coverage will be available
to the extent indicated in the Medical Payments section. Note: if any of the supplemental animal questions on the
quoting system are marked yes the risk is not eligible.
How does a pool affect eligibility?
To be eligible for coverage, the pool must be fenced or screened. Please note, diving boards and/or
slides render the entire risk ineligible. Child safety fences are NOT acceptable.
How are pools and enclosures covered?
If the pool and enclosure are attached to the home the pool and screened enclosure is covered
under coverage "A" dwelling. When calculating the ISO home value, please make sure to include pool and enclosure.
How is home day care covered?
We do not cover the liability associated with day care operations. A certificate of liability
insurance evidencing $1,000,000 of coverage for the day care operation is required at the time of binding. The
homeowner will also be required to provide its daycare business license annually.
What payment options are available?
- Full payment Within 10 days of binding.
- 2 Pay 60% of the total 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 the inception of the policy. A $3.00 service
fee applies to the second installment.
- 4 Pay 40% of the total premium plus policy fees and assessments is due at the inception of the policy,
the remaining 60% of the premium is due in three equal installments at 90, 180, and 270 days following inception.
A $3.00 service fee applies to each installment.
- Premium financing and mortgagee billing are acceptable.
How will claims be handled?
- All claims should be reported to: 1-877-748-2059, Option 3.
- First notice of loss forms should be faxed to: 1-877-858-8920.
How do I submit an endorsement?
Mail, fax or email to St. Johns Underwriting.
Mailing: St. Johns Insurance Company
PO Box 1779
Columbia, SC 29202-1779
Overnight: St. Johns Insurance Company
1501 Lady St
Columbia, SC 29201
Email: stjohnsunderwriter@sjicsips.com
Fax: 1-800-828-4672
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 14 days from the effective date. To change an effective date, you can retrieve the
bound quote and click edit. Click the rewrite application button 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 14 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.
Can we do an Agent of Record change on an existing policy?
Yes, St. Johns requires a letter signed by the Insured stating they want to make the agent change.
This letter needs to be faxed to Marketing at 888-876-7544. Underwriting can ONLY process the change on the renewal date
and only when the renewal has NOT been paid. Once Marketing receives the request, Marketing will send a letter to the
original agent to allow them 10 days to talk with the Insured and get a rescinding letter if applicable. Marketing pends
the file for this 10 day period, and if no reply, will forward to Underwriting for processing as long as the premium
was not applied during this period. If the premium was paid during this process, St. Johns is NOT able to process the
change until the next renewal.
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?
We do not reset passwords over the phone. On the Please 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. 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.
Is there a licensing fee to appoint new 220 licensed agents to sign applications?
Yes, $62.10, payable to St. Johns Insurance Company, Inc. at time of appointment. A $62.10 renewal fee
is due every 2 years. Contact Marketing at 888-868-7544 to request the form which the new agent will need to complete.
How do I notify the company of an Agency Name, Address, Email, Phone or Fax Change?
Contact Marketing at 888-868-7544. You can fax the updates to 888-876-7544 attn: Marketing
or send via email to marketing@sjig.com
Where do I send policy payments, endorsement requests and any other policy documents?
Mailing: St. Johns Insurance Company
PO Box 1779
Columbia, SC 29202-1779
Overnight: St. Johns Insurance Company
1501 Lady St
Columbia, SC 29201
Email: stjohnsunderwriter@sjicsips.com
Fax: 1-800-828-4672