Menu
Southern Fidelity Insurance

Southern Fidelity Insurance review: Sfic insurance is no good 23

J
Author of the review
8:22 pm EST
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I have been covered by southern fidelity insurance company under homeowners (Condo) insurance for the past 3 years. My unit 203 which was at the alden hotel 2925 indian creek drive miami beach fl 33140 suffered a roof leak which the fire marshal of miami beach closed half the building by turning off the electricity.

As a result, i cannot rent my unit to anyone. I was getting $1500. 00 but now i get nothing until the fire marshall turns on the electricity. I notified southern fidelity insurance company and put in a claim for loss of use as covered in my insurance company.

The insurance company known as sfic southern fidelity insurance company of po box 16029 tallahassee fl [protected] tel #[protected] refused to pay me for loss of use for my unit. The total coverage that the insurance co. Can pay me is $8, 742. 00 and they do not want to pay me one cent.

This is unfair since i have insurance coverage for loss of use for over 3 years. I am forced to pay for insurance due to mortgage obligations and now that i need the insurance to cover my expenses legally— - they won’t pay. Is this justice? Sfic insurance is no good.

Southern fidelity insurance company – sfic
Www. Southernfidelityins.com
2255 killearn center blvd.
Tallahassee, fl 32309
[protected]

23 comments
Add a comment
L
L
LA1231
, US
Oct 19, 2018 3:11 pm EDT

I love this company and I have insurance industry experience. Every comment I am seeing here seems it is people who did not have their agents fully explain their policies to them. Insurance is not a cover everything that happens warranty. There are exclusions and limits and you have to be informed of you coverage.
There are also guidlines each company has for their business and Statues that must be followed. They cannot practice against these items without being shut down by the DFS so the fact they remain is business with out issue shows they are not "ripping people off" or "scamming " anyone out of anything.

J
J
Juanitaaaron
, US
Jan 16, 2018 6:41 pm EST

Contact Morgan and Morgan Atty. at Law in Orlando or just Florida in general. They are taking on breach or false cases such as these that are mentioned from past experiences or past expectancies.

M
M
Milena Korostenskaja
, US
Sep 22, 2017 2:12 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Absolute scam. We have been paying our monthly deductibles for over 5 years and never used the company. Now, when we need it after the hurricane - they require $5000.00 deductible. What have we been paying for all this time? Where did our money go? That is absolutely absurd! Never ever deal with this company. It should be destroyed.

D
D
Dan Moya
, US
May 31, 2017 8:11 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Southern Fidelity Insurance is CORRUPT. They automatically took over my policy from another company. The renewals were also automatic and the billing was prompt and regular. Six years into their taking over the policy I submitted a claim for roof damage and leakage. The claim estimated at $6K, would have cost them $5K, with my $1K deductible. The claim was denied. Their claim was that the roof and the leak have been in existence before they took over the policy six years past. But they continue to offer "coverage" and bill me for the premium with no mention of any pre-existing damage and or exemption. I terminated the coverage and demanded premium refund for the year that I filed the claim (in effect for less than a month). Going to arbitration is a waste of time. I was never given a choice of who will be the arbitrator. It turned out that the arbitrator and company representative were well acquainted with each other, with the result in the company's favor. If your home insurance is with Southern Fidelity drop them. They have been ripping you off. They will deny your coverage when and if you ever file a claim.

W
W
Wayne727
, US
Dec 30, 2016 7:46 am EST

I am very sorry I have them as my insurance company. I am a homeowner and Iwas sold a bill of goods that was a lie. They leaned very heavily upon the fact that they were in better financial health then the insurance company they would be replacing and that should have been a red flag that I didn't read correctly from day one! The reason they are in better shape is because the second year I had my policy they doubled my premium and I can't go to any other insurance company in my area. So I am trapped! I've had excellent service by my prior company and I did have a claim with fidelity they came look for reasons not to allow claim rather then the source of the claim. Their findings were wrong and I surrendered pursuing the claim past their inspection and findings because the claim would have been below my deductible anyway. My interest was to use their services to discover the cause and only after their reports were done and ( wrong) did I discover the real cause, and it would have been covered.
So, it kind of tells me what to expect if I were to have a large claim, And that would be the only time I would ever contact them again! God forbid it happens. I feel as if they have a money machine, taking premiums and ready to stand behind their lawyers.
If you have any other choice I would advise you to shop elsewhere for your insurance needs. Having them as your insurance company is like no insurance at all.

N
N
Noname
, US
Dec 02, 2016 7:45 am EST

Called about some roof damage, had it assessed, paid for repairs out of pocket, then received a notice of non-renewal! Been given the run around on the phone - customer service then underwriting now waiting for a "manager" to return my call. What good is an insurance company that does not actually insure anything? Can't wait to hear back from them, but I'm not holding my breath!

D
D
Den1
, US
Nov 16, 2016 11:55 am EST

Southern Fidelity is a HORRIBLE COMPANY! I've had these idiots for 7 years always having my $1200 a year premium paid on time. I never once filed a claim with them. Had a roof leak and called to make a claim and they sent out an adjuster, who was literally on my roof for less than 5 minutes because it started raining. Got a call saying the damages were not covered. I called to find out why not and was told that wind blew rain down my (s shaped) vent and that caused the leak. I was like huh. I called to get more of an explanation but was given a run round excuse. At the end of the day they wouldn't cover me then stated I would have to get the damage fixed soon or it would impact future claims. I argued and argued with these idiots and got nowhere. I finally told them I was getting a lawyer. Weeks later they send me a bill saying my $1200 premium is due soon. This made me angry. Lucky for me I paid off my mortgage so I let them cancel the policy. I feel bad for people who have to deal with them. I'm looking into a new company where I'll actually be covered if something happens and going the lawyer route on for that claim. Oh best part is that I have the same vent on my second bathroom that's the same age and no leaks there at the time of my claim. Now after the hurricane it began to leak there as well. I will never use them again. Run please. And I was steered towards them ( as someone else stated above) through Allstate. I'm going to have a talk with Allstate today about who they recommend and their worthiness to cover my other car and motorcycle policies

D
D
Dr. Moore Moore
, US
Aug 02, 2016 11:04 am EDT

I had a flood in my home in 2014. The damages were well above 75, 000. Southern Fidelity sent me a check for $15, 000.00 It is almost three years later and I am still fighting them. They just sent me a proposal for $500.00. I am totally out done. I have had this company for 5 years.

S
S
Sera K
, US
Mar 19, 2016 4:56 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Had a small flood from back hose leak through the wall and ruin my beautiful acacia floors, bathroom tile 6 mos ago. They lied to me and said I had to pay for all the repairs myself (thousands of dollars) and then they would pay for the "restoration". They sent a tiny check- not enough to cover one room, let alone all the hardwood floors, tile, painting, etc. Truly, what they sent was a tiny fraction of what was needed. Now comes the fun part. I had to sign over the check to my mortgage co who won't give me any of the money b/c I haven't had the work done. ? I couldn't afford to have all the work done if the mortgage company, Seterus, HAD sent me the money because it was not nearly enough and the mortgage co insists you do everything the insurance adjuster has written down must be done. We're talking maybe 20K of damage here, just a guesstimate. So----call a PUBLIC ADJUSTER. Maybe this is a Florida thing, but they seem pretty great so far. They go after the insurance co and mortgage co aggressively, they come into your home and do their own assessment of the damage (and find lots of things the insurance adjuster didn't - shocker!) and the PUBLIC ADJUSTER works for you to get what you need to simply make things "as they were" before. Incredible. SFI was rude, unfair and now I don't have to ever speak to them again. Should they show up at the door without my Public Adjuster, I can tell them to go away. I don't have to speak to them: by phone or mail. He and his company are taking care of everything. What does it cost? Well, in a way, nothing. Whatever you've already gotten from your ins company is yours, 100%. Whatever else they recover for you on top of that, they get 20% of. My P.A. company has an average of getting almost 50% more, but in some cases, much more than that. Depends on how much SFI is taking you to the cleaners. Looking forward to living without sickness, as the black mildew from the flood has worsened my child's asthma. I reported them to the Insurance Company that originally recommended them and they tried to help, but SFI wouldn't budge. The owner of the company that I purchased the policy from finally recommended that I get an attorney. I did some research, and this is the way to go.

L
L
Larissa McGuffy-Scott
, US
Dec 23, 2015 2:59 pm EST

I called SFIC today and felt like I had committed a crime. I told the representativr I felt like he was interrorgating me. We have been insured with them almost 12 yrs and never filed a claim. So, I decided to check the reviews and I can believe every word on here! I hope something can be done about this insurance company this is not fair.

L
L
LauraLeeB
, US
Dec 04, 2015 9:50 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have been experiencing severe negativity from SFI. I had a leak in a rental property that I did not know about. Nor did the renters as it was behind curtains. It has been one big nightmare after another with them. Still six months out and I received a letter after going to a deposition that stated I said "I wanted to withdraw my claim". I never said that and I have a witness to this deposition. I have been made to feel like a criminal, made to provide an horrendous amount of paperwork, some of which I had to pay for or "they may decline my claim if I do not bring it." All paperwork requested was provided and still they said that I wanted to withdraw my claim. Very, very bad organization. SFI needs to be investigated and shut down. Their employees are on quota for how many claims that they do not pay probably. Adjusters are judgmental, rude, and I believe incompetent. This organization is definitely sociopathic.

C
C
cf3567
, US
Jun 02, 2017 3:12 pm EDT
Replying to comment of LauraLeeB

I BELIEVE IT WE TRY TO MAKE A CLAIM, THE MAN THEY SEND SEEM AND WAS RACIST THE LOOK ON HIS FACE INSTEAD OF HIM TAKING PICTURES OF WHAT WE TRY TO MAKE A CLAIM FOR HE WAS TAKING PICTURES OF OUR COMPUTER THE CAR AND OTHER STUFF IN THE HOUSE THAT DIDNT MAKE SENSE THE DAMAGE WE NEED HIM TO SEE WASNT IMPORTANT TO HIM AFTER MONTHS LATER THEY TELL US THEY CANCEL OUR INSURANCE OVER A PIECE OF SIDING THAT FEEL OFF THE HOUSE BUT THEY DID DENIED OUR CLAIM 8 YEARS WITH THOSE BLOOD SUCKERS THIS HOW THEY REPAY YOU I THANK THEY DENIED ALL THESE CLAIMS BECAUSE SOMEBODY OR ALL OF THEM STEALING THE MONEY ONLY THING WE DOING IS PAYING THEM TO KEEP THEY DOORS OPEN AND PROVIDING THEM WITH A CASH FLOW JOB ANY BODY KNOWS A FAITFUL INSURANCE COMPANY PLEASE LET ME KNOW POST IT ON THIS SITE SO WE ALL CAN LEAVE SFI

P
P
P. Murray
Spring Hill, US
Jul 31, 2014 1:21 pm EDT

I am also horribly disgusted with Southern Fidelity. My area had a severe hail storm. I had serious damage to my roof, sky lights with holes and cracks and outdoor screens with holes also. The insurance adjuster was not from this area and looked like he didn't even know what hail was! I was turned down by Southern Fidelity and told my damage was due to normal wear and tear. In addition, I have to replace my roof or it would jeopardize future coverage. I sit here now, listening to all the hammering of my neighbors getting roofs and repairs while I have to fork out $12, 000! All of our houses and roofs are the same age with the same wear...only difference it that they have a reputable insurance company with decent coverage and a trained adjuster. BEWARE of Southern Fidelity!

M
M
Maria Martiel
, US
May 21, 2014 4:14 pm EDT

We have been a customer with Southern Fidelity for our home insurance for a few years and I surely do regret having a policy with them. We had almost same scenario as the one above issues with our ceiling and roof in which turn out to be one our worst nightmare. The claim adjuster was no help and very in responsible, moved on and spoke to the claims department manager, after months not being able to resolved our situation and she was no help either. After all this and also mentioning I would seek for an attorney help to try to solve this issues, we got a cancellation letter and a bad comment in our insurance record done on purposely and not ethical so we would have problems obtaining another policy by insurance comp. Not a good ins and will not recommend at all, becareful!

H
H
Heather I
Jacksonville, US
Aug 25, 2013 9:38 am EDT

We have had southern fidelity since we bought our home in Jacksonville Fl. Since we have had them, we have had to put in 3 claims. The first was for a robbery- we lost a lot of electronics, jewelry and other things. They capped my pay out at 3k-which did not even cover my jewelry that I had papers on. The 2nd time, we had a septic tank failure, that flooded the underneath and garage of our home with sewage. They did not pay to have the tank replaced ( I was ok with that) nor did they pay for the clean up or loss of personal belongings that were stored in the garage. The last time was 2 weeks ago, we had a f2 tornado come though here, we had leaking in our roof- and water damage to the inside of our home. They told me because there was no whole made by a falling tree branch- again they Are not covering it. We are now looking for a new insurance company.

Robert In Deltona
Robert In Deltona
Deltona, US
Aug 15, 2013 5:31 pm EDT

SFIC had continuosly raised my premiums each year to where I was paying $2400.00 a year on a 1900 sq. ft. home near Deland Fl.
Called them to negotiate lowering my premium but was denied.
Been here 12 years and have never made an insurance claim in my life.

I knew just as soon as I could cancel, I would do so.
Paid off mortgage.
Told SFIC... see ya.

Southern Fidelity Insurance Company hasn't refunded my premium within 15 days of cancellation, as required under Fl. statutes. Called them and was told check is in the mail. Contacted officials with the State of Florida, filed a complaint, started an investigation on SFIC.

Very shady company.

J
J
J M Sheedy
, US
May 09, 2013 10:13 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My wife and I purchased a home in Polk County, Florida. We were told that we needed homeowners insurance by the mortgage company. We were steered to Southern Fidelity Insurance by a local agent. Approximately one month and a half later we were advised by e-mail that our insurance was to be terminated because this insurance company found faulty plumbing in the house. That decision was contrary to the findings of a home inspector that we hired. Further, the decision was made based on a photograph that the inspector had submitted along with his report. We traveled approx 1400 miles to return to Florida, hired a licensed contractor to replace the objectionable plumbing and were told that there was nothing wrong with the original plumbing. I, fervently wish that I had read these comments prior to accepting this company for the necessary insurance. Their idea of honesty is of serious concern to me. I believe that the prudent thing to do, iis, to look for another insurance agent and company.

M
M
Mike LLLLLLLLLLL
Casselberry, US
Feb 04, 2013 7:57 am EST

Dear reader,
I was "low balled" by SFIC on a home policy from the get-go.. AFTER I paid for the years policy in FULL $995.00 they wanted $549.00 more.. I'm contesting this extra charge as they didn't even explain what the $549.00 was for as I paid it anyway otherwise they would cancel my policy and I'd be left without insurance. Did anyone else have similar gripes?

Mike LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

A
A
Anita Tew
Stockbridge, US
Oct 12, 2012 1:40 pm EDT

Citizens Ins. which is a State owned Ins. Company is wanting to sell my policy to Southern Fidelity. Doesn"t sound real good at the moment. I do not even have any idea what amount of premium they would charge. If I had been away from home for a reason and not read the letters, it would be taken over without me signing anything? Sounds like a racket to me.?
Anita Tew

G
G
Gypsey
New Iberia, US
Sep 03, 2012 11:30 am EDT

I have them for insurance. I made a claim on Aug 11 2012 due to a fire. This is a joke! I live in Louisiana they are the only company that will write in my area due to Hurricane Katrina and I see why. From the first day I have been lied to by this company and the ajuster they sent to me. They helped in no way. I had to find companys to clean repair my home. The adjuster stated his job was to assest the damages take pictures and fill a final review back to SFIC. As of right now there has been no repairs to my home no repayment for loss of use no loss wages but a final review sits on someones desk in FL while I wait. Please stop this company from taking advantage of people not only in your state.

F
F
Fight4you48
Ocoee, US
Aug 16, 2012 8:06 pm EDT

Avoid, they are the worst insurance company in the state of Florida, I'm on a mission to have them no longer able to sell in the Sunshine state. Will rape, rob and slander you to your face, then tell you to get an attorney if you don't like what the offer for a claim, which is less than 1/3 of your lowest estimate. Warning, stay away, the CEO is brothers with the owner, the CFO can't help you either, there is no branch in the Florida that will help the homeowner or you have no where to turn for help and they know it. Bottom line they will insult, smear, and defame your name, destroy your claim if you disagree with them. Tragic, our state allows this company to insure anyone, I wouldn't let them near my pets that's how bad they are.

N
N
Noname
, US
Dec 02, 2016 7:41 am EST

True - I am finding this out right now. I filed for minor roof damage, made repairs and now I have received a notice for non-renewal! So far I have gotten the usual run around on the phone, customer service, then underwriting, now waiting for a "manager" to return my call. What good is an insurance company if they don't actually insure anything?

M
M
Mae East
Maitland, US
Jun 27, 2012 3:15 am EDT

Thank you for your comment. I also have a condo in the Orlando area and I am starting to shop insurance (a few rental homes and cars) to see if I can get the premiums down. Very helpful information. I understand not all consumers can be 100% satisfied, but the feedback is valuable as many times price doesn't equate to quality.

Learn how the rating is calculated

Write a review File a complaint

Southern Fidelity Insurance contacts

Phone number
Website
www.chevroletofnaperville.com
Category