Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance Reviews: Coverage, Claims, and More

Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance is a Florida-based insurance company that provides auto, home, and other personal insurance policies. When shopping for insurance, it’s helpful to read Ocean Harbor reviews to learn about customers’ experiences with claims, pricing, customer service, and more. This comprehensive guide examines Ocean Harbor ratings, reviews, common complaints, and products to help you make an informed decision about this insurer.

Overview of Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance

• Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida
• Specializes in coastal property insurance including homeowners and auto
• Operates in Florida, South Carolina, Texas, New York, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Rhode Island
• Rated A- “Excellent” by A.M. Best for financial strength
• Policies sold through a network of independent agents
• Products include auto, homeowners, condo, renters, and flood insurance

Ocean Harbor focuses on providing coverage in coastal areas and states vulnerable to hurricanes. They aim to fill gaps where major insurers are reducing exposure. Being a smaller regional company, they have the flexibility to design customized policies suited to each policyholder’s needs.

Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance Reviews on Popular Rating Sites

Ocean Harbor reviews on third-party sites like WalletHub and Clearsurance trend negatively, with most customers rating the company 1 out 5 stars. Common themes in the poor reviews include:

• Extremely slow claims processing and poor communication
• Lowball claim settlements that don’t fully cover damages
• Difficulty reaching adjusters and getting responses
• Frequent rate hikes even after being a loyal customer
• Unhelpful and rude customer service representatives
• Unexpected fees and billing issues

Positive Ocean Harbor reviews praise the affordability of their premiums and ease of getting a policy. However, many customers report frustration when it comes time to file a claim and get compensation for losses.

WalletHub: 1.0 out of 5 stars based on 68 reviews

Clearsurance: 2.02 out of 5 stars based on 24 reviews

These low ratings indicate customers routinely have negative experiences with Ocean Harbor’s claims handling, pricing, and customer service.

Common Complaints in Ocean Harbor Reviews

• Long delays processing claims: Multiple reviews state it took over 90 days to get claim payments, sometimes over 6 months for major damage.

• Low claim payouts: Customers report unreasonably low settlements that barely covered a fraction of their vehicle repairs or home damages.

• Lack of communication: Many reviews mention adjusters being impossible to reach and rarely returning calls or providing status updates.

• Premium increases: Customers with no claims report “insane” rate hikes year after year, much higher than other insurers.

• Poor service: Reviews describe rude staff, unhelpful agents, incorrectly processed paperwork, and billing errors.

• Cancellation issues: Some customers faced collections threats after canceling policies due to unauthorized payments.

While policy pricing seems competitive upfront, numerous reviews suggest Ocean Harbor fails to deliver adequate protection when it comes time to file claims.

Ocean Harbor Products: Coverage Options and Sample Rates

Ocean Harbor offers the following types of insurance policies:

Home Insurance

• Dwelling coverage from $100,000 to $1 million
• Other structures like detached garages and tool sheds
• Personal property for possessions inside home
• Loss of use if home is unlivable after a covered event
• Personal liability protection
• Hurricane wind and hail damage

Average annual premium: $2,000

Flood Insurance

• Building and contents coverage up to $250,000 each
• Backup of sewers and drains
• No elevation certificate required in low-risk areas

Average annual premium: $700

Auto Insurance

• Liability limits from $10,000 to $500,000
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Comprehensive and collision
• Medical payments and personal injury protection
• Rental reimbursement

Average annual premium: $1,400

Condo Insurance

• Dwelling protection for interior unit damages
• Loss assessment if association charges fees after major claim
• Property and liability safeguards

Average annual premium: $400

Ocean Harbor offers standard coverage options at affordable rates. However, many customer reviews suggest claim payments don’t live up to policy limits.

Tips for Filing a Claim with Ocean Harbor

Based on negative reviews of Ocean Harbor’s claims process, follow these tips to get the best results:

• Document the damage with photos and videos before making repairs.

• Save all receipts for out-of-pocket expenses like hotel stays or car rentals.

• Read your policy to understand exact coverages and limitations.

• Provide all required documents like police reports promptly.

• Follow up frequently via phone, email, and certified mail if your claim stalls.

• Consult your state insurance department if Ocean Harbor wrongfully denies your claim.

• Consider independent appraisals if you believe Ocean Harbor’s valuation is unfair.

• Hire a public adjuster to advocate for proper claim payments on your behalf.

Persistence and thorough documentation are crucial when dealing with an insurer like Ocean Harbor known for claim delays and disputes according to reviews.

Is Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance Recommended?

Ocean Harbor offers affordable rates upfront. However, based on overwhelmingly negative reviews regarding claims, customer service, and billing disputes, policyholders may face chronic frustrations when doing business with Ocean Harbor.

While they fill a niche for coastal home insurance, better options likely exist in your area. Research insurers like State Farm, Allstate, and Liberty Mutual with higher financial ratings and more positive customer feedback.

To find the best rate for your situation, get quotes from multiple insurers. Ask about all available discounts like bundling policies, security systems, and good driver credits. Consider an independent insurance broker who can help objectively compare many providers.

Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance has room for improvement based on reviews mentioning systematic issues with underpaying claims, overcharging premiums, and providing poor service. Weigh these common complaints before purchasing a policy. While their rates look cheap upfront, you may pay the price later when you actually need to use your insurance coverage through them.