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Homesite Group’s goal is to address some of the perceived problems of existing homeowners insurance, including limited distribution and high costs. By focusing purely on homeowners and renters insurance, Homesite is able to keep its costs low and focus on offering high-quality, innovative products.
Today, Homesite sells policies in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Policies are primarily sold through direct-sales channels to the consumer, such as the company’s website and call center. The company also works with licensed agencies throughout the country to distribute their insurance.
As of 2014, Homesite is owned by American Family Insurance.
Insurance Products
Property Insurance
Homesite sells property insurance for homeowners. These policies are sold on a replacement cost basis up to 100% of the dwelling coverage limit. In other words, the company pays for the cost of repairs or replacement to a home after a loss up to the limit listed on the policy. Additional protection, allowing you to replace the house at its full replacement cost regardless of policy limits, can be purchased as an endorsement.
Homeowners insurance policies are sold with different coverage bundles depending on the needs of the consumer. In general, policies include dwelling protection (covering the structure itself against basic common perils). Additional coverage for personal property, secondary structures, and personal liability can be added to the policy as well.
Condo insurance is similar to homeowners coverage, but it covers only the portion of the condo structure that you own. Some additional coverage is available for loss assessments and other condo-specific issues.
Renter’s insurance is available for home and apartment renters. It covers liability and personal belongings, or contents, rather than the structure itself.
Homesite’s insurance covers against most common perils, including fire and vandalism. Additionally, it sells flood insurance, which can be added to any policy and protects against water that enters the home from outside at ground level.
Homesite Insurance Rates
While generally this category is measured by doing direct quote comparisons, Homesite does not sell auto or life insurance, which are the coverage types we monitor. However, I can say from personal experience that Homesite offers very affordable plans.
I have personally owned two separate policies (in two different states), and both times Homesite came in as one of the lowest-cost providers during my research.
Claims
Instructions for the Homesite claims reporting process are listed under the “Claims” tab of the website. There are no online claims forms, but you can report a loss over the phone at 1-866-621-4823.
After the initial claim has been filed, an adjuster will call to follow up and obtain any additional information or schedule a date for an inspection. From there, a settlement amount will be determined based on the estimate of the damages.
If emergency repairs or temporary living expenses are required, make note of this during the initial call, and you will be instructed on how to proceed.
Consumer Research and Complaints
Homesite Indemnity Company is listed on the Better Business Bureau website with an “A+” rating. It is not accredited with the BBB, however.
The site lists 211 complaints as having been filed against the company in the last three years, with 42 having been closed in the last 12 months. Of these, a majority are listed as problems with the product or service, with the second-highest category being billing and collection issues.
Financial Strength
| Rating Company | Grade | Financial Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best | N/A | N/A |
| Fitch | N/A | N/A |
| S&P | N/A | N/A |
Bottom Line
Homesite is a direct-to-consumer home insurance company that provides very competitive rates and are a good choice for individuals and families looking to save money on their property coverage. They were recently purchased by American Family Insurance, so they now have the backing of a larger company to rely on.
They are not rated by the major financial strength scoring companies, which due to our reviewing rules, lowers their score. However, they did receive an A from a smaller rating firm, Demotech.
For a list of companies that we recommend, visit our Best Insurance Companies page.
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Review Information
I am a former insurance agent and banker turned consumer advocate. My priority is to help educate individuals and families about the different types of insurance they need, and assist them in finding the best place to get it.
Staci says
I filed a claim against a policyholder after being told specifically that my claim would not affect their premium. We were friends with the policyholder & did not want to compromise their policy. Well, after the insurance company paid me, they canceled the policyholder. WORST COMPANY EVER!!! DO NOT INVEST IN THEM, THEY WILL SCREW YOU OVER!!
Zack says
We had LaTuna fires on 9/1/2017 which devastated the whole Glendale, Burbank, Sunland and Tujunga areas.
After 2 months of back and forth, they denied our claim without any regard to our damaged personal property. Please stay AWAY from this company.
Unhappy CaMPER says
BEWARE OF THIS COMPANY. THIS IS A WARNING ABOUT A [Redacted] COMPANY THAT SCREWS CUSTOMERS AND HAS NO REGARD FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Neighbor’s washing machine exploded April 1, 2016 and flooded my garage and part of my kitchen. Contacted Homesite Insurance, A PROGRESSIVE COMPANY and started a claim for damages. [Redacted] was assigned the claim as my adjuster. His smooth Texas style and accent was supposed to lull me into happiness. He reassured me that his 30 years of experience as an adjuster would make this claim move easily. He told me that I need to get an Angie’s List subscription and find local contractors to deal with repairs and the damage. I went out, found several contractors, took the time off of work, had them come provide estimates, sent these to [Redacted] at HOMESITE INSURANCE, A PROGRESS COMPANY and was told to go ahead and start the repairs. They sent a check for the Service Master crew that arrived to do initial destruction and drying of water damage. Then they sent another check to me. They told that the funds were incorrect so I returned the uncashed checks to HOMESITE INSURANCE , A PROGRESSIVE COMPANY. A bill was received from Service Master and I immediately paid it as it arrived 30 days late and had extra fees attached to it. HOMESITE INSURANCE , A PROGRESSIVE COMPANY did not pay them and expected me to pay out of pocket.
The contractor that I selected to do the repairs did the work on the damage and when the work was completed, I paid them for their work. During this time, [Redacted], disappeared and was no longer handling my claim. I was then told that [Redacted] was the new adjuster. He reviewed the materials submitted concerning this claim. I had additional damage to claim that was identified after the initial assessment. I was told provide an estimate which was done. I was told go ahead and do the work. After the work was completed, I again paid the contractor.
[Redacted], adjuster, cut a check to Service Master for their water mitigation work and he also cut me a check for the initial costs. He finally cut a check for personal property that was lost in this claim.
I submitted a final invoice for the last work that needed to be accomplished and [Redacted], CLAIMS ADJUSTOR FOR HOMESITE INSURANCE, A PROGRESSIVE COMPANY sent me a reply stating that I had been overpaid for this claim and that I owe them $217.17. I explained to her that this work was identified after the original damage was assessed. She did not care that I have already paid $500 dollar deductible and had “DEPRECIATION” withheld from what I am owed. Now I have [Redacted], Recoverable Depreciation Associate, requesting photographs and estimates and information concerning the last work accomplished. There is some subrogation company involved with the claim and even with all of these people here to make my claim as efficient as possible, NO ONE IS REPLYING TO EMAILS, CALLS OR ATTEMPTS AT COMMUNICATION.
At this point, I have no other recourse other than seeking legal representation and suing HOMESITE INSURANCE, A PROGRESSIVE COMPANY for failure to do what they are supposed to do. I am still almost $2000 out of pocket into this claim and no relief in sight.
As soon as this gets resolved, I intend to move my 2 cars, motorcycle and house away from PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE AND THEIR ASSOCIATED COMPANIES due to their lousy customer support.
My advice to anyone considering insurance with the PROGRESSIVE FAMILY OF INSURANCES is to look elsewhere. It is true, you get what you pay for.
Thomas Haddad says
I had similar issues with them. I never received full payment. I was shorted almost $2000 for repairs, called depreciation. I filed to reclaim my so called depreciation. I sent them all the required paperwork, itemized statement from contractor, receipts and bank statements plus proof I paid the deductible. They had already deducted the $1000 when they sent me a check. How do I prove to them that they took out the deductible. Anyway, I never was paid. 3 months later, some millennium from their office emailed me. I just blew them off. $2000 is not going to ruin me. They need the money worse than I do. Pitiful company.