FAQs
What is St. Johns Insurance Company?
St. Johns Insurance Company is an admitted carrier, established in 2003,
link to the DFS website.
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 $2,000,000. Coverage A $2,000,000 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, 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 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 Documentation (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.
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.
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 are the rules on older homes?
- Risks 30-49 years old must submit a 4 point inspection to Underwriting and if acceptable then Underwriting 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.
What is the age restriction on roofs?
Tile Roofs must be 29 years and newer. All other 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. Secondary risks are eligible but 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 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 fenced or screened. Please note, diving apparatus 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.
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 following the inception. Refer to manual for installment due dates and fees.
- 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 following the inception. Refer to manual for installment due dates and fees.
- Premium financing and mortgagee billing are acceptable.
How will claims be handled?
- All claims should be reported to: 1-877-748-2059.
- First notice of loss forms 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.
All Other Endorsements:
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: st.johnsunderwriter@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?
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?
We do not reset passwords over the phone. 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. 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?
Contact Marketing at 888-868-7544. You can fax the updates to 888-876-7544 attn: Marketing
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: st.johnsunderwriter@sjicsips.com
Fax: 1-800-828-4672