Lemonade Insurance Review & Complaints: Renters, Home, Condo & Co-op Insurance
Lemonade Insurance Company writes renters, homeowners, condo, and co-op insurance with policies that are similar to standard home insurance by covering structures, personal property, and liability.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years
Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insuranc...
Farmers CSR for 4 Years
UPDATED: Sep 21, 2023
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 21, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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About Lemonade
Lemonade, Inc. was founded in New York City in April 2015. The following year, they founded the Lemonade Insurance Company and began offering home and renters insurance policies. The company’s founders both have a background in the tech industry rather than in insurance, which led to Lemonade’s modern approach to selling insurance products and also to paying claims.
The company expanded quickly and offers home and renter insurance in California, Illinois, Texas, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Iowa, Wisconsin, Arizona, New Mexico, Michigan, Oregon, Arkansas, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia, in addition to New York. Further expansion into other states is planned in the near future.
Lemonade operates as a public benefit corporation, using a similar model to a mutual insurer where all premiums paid go into a communal fund out of which claims are paid. The company gives back all funds not used for operations and claims to a charity that is selected by the policyholder at the beginning of the policy term. This is called the Lemonade “Giveback”, and it totaled $162,135 in 2018, according to the company website. Lemonade states clearly that the giveback donation is not guaranteed, and in some years, claims may eat up what would otherwise be donated.
What this means is that, unlike traditional insurance companies when not paying out claims means more money stays in the company coffers, the money that does not get paid in claims goes to charity. Lemonade, therefore, states the company has no financial incentive to deny claims, unlike other insurers. It is worth remembering that a big part of why insurance companies like to keep money in the coffers is to be prepared for the times when they have to pay out large amounts in claims – such as after a natural disaster.
The company is backed by major reinsurers such as Lloyd’s of London, which gives them more financial stability.
The company operates as a direct-buy insurer without agents or brokers, or sales representatives of any kind. Policies can be purchased either on the website or through the Lemonade app.
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Lemonade Insurance Products
Lemonade writes renters, homeowners, condo, and co-op insurance.
Policies are similar to standard home insurance, covering structures, personal property, and liability.
The base policy is a named peril’s policy, which means that you are covered only for those perils listed; these include fire, theft, explosion, vandalism, and more. The Lemonade website does not give a full list of covered perils but does offer a list of exclusions. Even with the base policy, personal property is covered on a replacement cost basis, which is not standard everywhere.
The Extra Coverage option is available to increase protection for specific items over the base policy, something like a high-value item rider on a traditional policy. This includes the addition of accidental loss and damage to the covered perils, and it eliminates the deductible from the policy. Items like jewelry, fine art, cameras, musical instruments, and bicycles can be added to the Extra Coverage list, but all items must be approved before coverage kicks in.
Lemonade also offers the “Zero Everything” option, something of a claim’s forgiveness program that can be “activated” by the policyholder. Using the Zero Everything feature, the policyholder can make two claims per year with no deductible and no risk of a rate increase. At the end of the policy term, those two claims are “zeroed out” – removed from the record as though no claims had been filed. A third claim in the same year will be subject to the deductible and may result in a rate increase.
The Zero Everything feature allows policyholders to make smaller claims and get reimbursed without the deductible, making the claim not worth filing, or the risk of seeing a rate increase that again makes it not worth filing the claim. It is currently only available in select markets.
In general, Lemonade’s policies are pretty basic – not a lot of bells and whistles. They offer a standard list of discounts, but since they have no other product lines, there is no bundling option.
Rates
Lemonade promises that their approach to insurance means lower, affordable rates. The website states that renter’s insurance is available for as little as $5 per month and homeowner’s insurance for as little as $25 a month.
While homeowner’s insurance is very difficult to compare rates on due to the many factors that can affect the rate, we tested out Lemonade’s quoting system. We used a sample single-family home in Los Angeles, California at 1,500 square feet, with no claims in the past three years. Lemonade was returned at a rate of $35 a month. That is $420 per year for your insurance premium.
This rate was for structure coverage calculated at $250,000, $125.00 in personal property coverage, and $100,000 in liability coverage, with a $1,000 deductible. Again, it bears repeating that this was a sample house with very little actual detail to the quote, which affects accuracy.
It is hard to compare homeowner’s quotes unless they are apples to apples in every detail, and as a result, we do not often run them. However, there is no question, based on the quotes we have seen in the past, that this is cheap. We took a look at rate comparisons for this area on the California Department of Insurance website (we weren’t able to enter details, so the rate quotes are not a direct comparison) and found an average rate at about $1200 for this area of the city. Rates ranged from $490 up to more than $4,000, which still puts Lemonade’s quote as one of the lowest, with affordable premiums.
We then ran a quote for the same location but changed it to renters insurance. Despite the promise of renter coverage of $5 a month, our rate came back at $22.92 a month, and that is with no extra coverage. The policy includes $50,000 of personal property coverage with a $250 deductible. Even when we changed the deductible to $1,000, the rate only dropped to $19.09 a month.
We do not generally run comparison quotes for renters insurance, so we are unable to offer a comparison on this particular quote. That said, we did find it odd that it was not that much lower than the full homeowner’s policy cost.
Claims
Lemonade makes big promises in the claims department, not the least of which is that many claims are paid instantly.
Claims are filed entirely through the Lemonade app. Only in an emergency is there a toll-free number available, although the site still says emergency claims can be filed through the app, and an emergency response team will call right away. An emergency is defined as a situation where you require immediate assistance or temporary housing.
According to the Lemonade website, 25% of claims are paid within three seconds. That’s right one-quarter of claims are paid instantly. The site states that the claim will quickly be run through their anti-fraud algorithm to determine whether it can be paid instantly. In 75% of cases where it cannot be paid right away, it is handed off to the company’s claims team, which may be the first time an actual person becomes involved in the policy.
Most of the claims that are settled instantly are simple property claims. For obvious reasons, major damage such as from a fire or liability claims will take a little longer. That’s in large part due to the fact that the total extent of the claim cost will not be immediately obvious in these cases.
The filing of a claim requires that you shoot a video, which involves telling them what happened on camera. This is unusual, but really no more so than speaking with a claims representative on the phone.
Claims payments are wired directly into the customer’s bank account.
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Lemonade Insurance Ratings and Consumer Reviews
Lemonade’s current rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an F, which is the lowest possible rating and not something we see very often. The first reason given by the BBB for the low rating is the length of time the business has been in operation – a factor the business cannot help. They are also dinged for having eight total complaints and for failure to respond to three complaints. Eight complaints is not a high volume for a company that is growing so quickly. The failure to respond to some of those complaints is the only factor here that is of concern.
Lemonade has a 4.75-star overall rating on Clearsurance. There is a total of 62 reviews going into that rating, which is very positive. Worth noting is that the majority of the reviewers are praising the ease of getting a policy and the price – there are only a few that state they did have a claim. Those that did mention a claim, however, again cited a smooth and easy experience.
There are not many reviews of this company elsewhere, which would normally not be surprising for a new company, but for a company that has made something of a splash in the insurance world and is growing fast, it is a little unexpected. It is likely that time will really tell in terms of how customers rate Lemonade’s service – particularly after the company handles its first major catastrophe situation such as a hurricane.
Lemonade Auto Insurance Reviews
Lemonade announced in November 2021 that it now officially offers auto insurance. Currently, its auto policies are only available in the state of Illinois, but the company hopes to expand coverage to more locations. Lemonade car insurance covers standard coverage types such as bodily injury, property damage, and comprehensive coverage. However, there is not much to be found on Lemonade car insurance reviews due to car insurance being a relativity new offering.
Lemonade Insurance Claims Process
Ease of Filing a Claim (Online, Over the Phone, Mobile Apps)
Lemonade Insurance offers a modern and convenient claims process for policyholders. Claims can be filed entirely through the Lemonade app, making it a seamless experience for those who prefer mobile solutions.
In cases of emergencies, a toll-free number is available, and an emergency response team will promptly assist. This emphasis on digital channels ensures that policyholders can easily initiate the claims process.
Average Claim Processing Time
Lemonade Insurance prides itself on swift claims processing. According to their website, a remarkable 25% of claims are paid within just three seconds, thanks to their anti-fraud algorithm. While some claims, such as those involving major damage or liability, may take longer to assess,
Lemonade’s commitment to fast payouts is evident. This efficiency can provide peace of mind to policyholders during times of need.
Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts
Customer feedback on Lemonade’s claim resolutions and payouts has been largely positive. Many policyholders have praised the company’s ease of filing claims and the speed at which they are processed. While Lemonade’s claims process predominantly involves digital interactions, customers have reported smooth experiences.
It’s important to note that Lemonade’s unique model, where unused funds are donated to charity, gives them a financial incentive to pay claims promptly and fairly, which is reflected in their customer reviews.
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Explore Lemonade Insurance ‘s Digital and Technological Features
Mobile App Features and Functionality
Lemonade’s mobile app offers a user-friendly interface for policyholders to manage their insurance needs. It enables easy policy management, claims filing, and communication with the company.
The app’s standout feature is the ability to file claims through video, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the claims process. Lemonade’s commitment to mobile technology makes insurance management convenient and accessible.
Online Account Management Capabilities
Policyholders can efficiently manage their insurance policies through Lemonade’s online platform. This includes reviewing policy details, making changes, and accessing important documents.
The online account management capabilities ensure that customers have convenient access to their policy information and can make updates as needed.
Digital Tools and Resources
Lemonade provides policyholders with digital tools and resources to enhance their insurance experience. These may include educational materials, resources for understanding policy terms, and tools for calculating coverage needs. These digital assets empower customers to make informed decisions about their insurance coverage.
Lemonade Insurance: The Bottom Line
Lemonade touts a new approach to insurance that is simple, transparent, and affordable, but a lot of what they offer comes off as slightly gimmicky. Certainly, the price is right here, and Lemonade is backed by strong reinsurers for financial stability, but they are a young insurance company whose model has yet to be proven, particularly against the high cost of a catastrophe. Lemonade is likely to appeal to those who are seeking a modern approach to insurance that fits the busy mobile lifestyle – and we do not see any major red flags that would lead us to recommend avoiding them – but those who are more cautious may want to wait until they have a few more years under their belt to give Lemonade a try.
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Case Studies: Fictional Examples of Lemonade Insurance Policyholders
Case Study 1: John’s Home Insurance
John, a homeowner in California, decided to explore his insurance options and came across Lemonade Insurance Company. Intrigued by their modern approach and affordable rates, he obtained a quote for his 1,500 square feet home. Lemonade offered a comprehensive coverage plan with $250,000 for structures, $125,000 for personal property, and $100,000 for liability, all with a $1,000 deductible.
Case Study 2: Sarah’s Renter Insurance
Sarah, a renter in New York, was looking for a reliable and cost-effective renters insurance policy. She discovered Lemonade Insurance Company and was drawn to their promise of affordable rates starting from $5 per month. Sarah received a quote for personal property coverage. The actual rate was higher than advertised but still reasonable at $22.92/month for $50,000 coverage with a $250 deductible.
Case Study 3: Alex’s Condo Insurance
Alex recently purchased a condominium in Texas and needed insurance coverage to protect their investment. They came across Lemonade Insurance Company and decided to explore their condo insurance options. Alex obtained a quote for their condo, which included coverage for the structure, personal property, and liability. Lemonade provided them with a comprehensive policy tailored to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemonade Insurance?
Lemonade Insurance is a New York-based company that offers renters, homeowners, condo, and co-op insurance policies. They have a modern approach to selling insurance products and paying claims, using technology and focusing on the needs of urban dwellers.
How long has Lemonade been in operation?
Lemonade, Inc. was founded in April 2015, and they began offering home and renters insurance policies the following year. They have expanded to several states and plan to expand further in the future.
How does Lemonade operate differently from traditional insurance companies?
Lemonade operates as a public benefit corporation and follows a similar model to a mutual insurer. Premiums paid by policyholders go into a communal fund, and any unused funds are donated to a charity chosen by the policyholder. Lemonade claims to have no financial incentive to deny claims, as the money not paid in claims goes to charity.
Are there additional coverage options available with Lemonade?
Yes, Lemonade offers an Extra Coverage option to increase protection for specific items. This option includes accidental loss and damage coverage for covered perils and eliminates the deductible. Approval is required for adding items such as jewelry, fine art, cameras, musical instruments, and bicycles.
Does Lemonade have a claims forgiveness program?
Lemonade offers the “Zero Everything” option, which allows policyholders to make two claims per year with no deductible and no risk of a rate increase. These two claims are “zeroed out” at the end of the policy term. A third claim in the same year may be subject to the deductible and could result in a rate increase.
How are Lemonade’s rates compared to other insurers?
Lemonade promises lower, affordable rates. They state that renter’s insurance starts at $5 per month and homeowner’s insurance starts at $25 per month. While rates can vary depending on various factors, Lemonade’s quotes have been found to be competitive and affordable in comparison to other insurers.
Are you looking for free insurance quotes?
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years
Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insuranc...
Farmers CSR for 4 Years
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.