Frequently Asked Questions
There are several variables that determine each individual policyholder premium. (i.e. construction class, year built, amount of coverage, retrofitting, etc.)
There are credits available that can help reduce premium such as retrofitting or opting for a higher deductible. However, you should discuss these options with your insurance agent to ensure you qualify for discounts and that you have the proper coverage. Additionally, Zephyr provides an incremental loyalty credit based on years of continuous coverage.
The higher rate reflects the increased risk for this category of construction and the cost to rebuild the home to current building code standards.
Zephyr’s rates remain competitive. There are some carriers with higher rates and some with lower. However, customers should always consider more than just rates when purchasing insurance. Reliability, stability and service are important factors to consider.
Customers receive their renewal policies in the mail approximately 30-40 days prior to the renewal effective date. At that time, we ask you to verify that the information and coverage limits are accurate and adequate to help ensure that we are providing the appropriate coverage.
As an insurance carrier, Zephyr does not sell its policies directly. It relies on its network of licensed professional insurance agents to act as representatives between the company and its policyholders. The name and phone number of your agent appears in the upper left-hand section of the declaration page as your primary point of contact.
A hurricane has the power to damage not only your home, but your sense of security and financial future. Having hurricane insurance means you’ll be reimbursed for your covered losses in the event your home is damaged due to a hurricane. While Hawaii law does not require homeowners to have hurricane insurance, most financial institutions require hurricane insurance as a condition of the loan if your home is mortgaged.
Not all homeowner’s policies include hurricane insurance. Contact your Insurance Agent to confirm your hurricane coverage.
Most mortgagees both in and out of state require hurricane insurance.
Hurricanes are products of a tropical ocean and a warm, moist atmosphere. Powered by the heat from the sea, the Atlantic and Gulf Coast areas as well as the U.S. Pacific Islands, are subject to hurricanes / typhoons and tropical storms.
Contact your Insurance Agent. All purchases and changes to your hurricane insurance policy are handled by your Insurance Agent. (List of Agents)
The timeframe on claim payments may vary and are based on the receipt of the following items from the policyholder such as:
- The time and cause of loss;
- Inspection of the damaged property;
- Receipt of copies of requested records and documents from you;
- The interest of the insured and all others involved in the property, liens, etc.;
- Other insurance which may cover the loss;
- Specifications and details of damaged buildings and structures.