We received a year premium amount and they billed our mortgage company. Then a month later re-billed them for more money. I did an online quote request for home owners insurance, I knew this was just an estimate until all of the actual documents were submitted. We were happy with the quote and proceeded with actually purchasing it and submitting all documentation. We sent them our inspection, wind mitigation, and home security certificate. A couple days later we were sent an email congratulating us on our new homeowners insurance policy. We were sent the statement with our total premium cost and what our coverage was going to be. It was the same amount we were quoted online so we assumed everything checked out fine. Universal then billed our mortgage company for the amount and was paid. A few weeks later we receive another statement with an increase in our premium of $294. No explanation, no contact, just raised our premium. We only went with this company based on the total cost we were told it would be after they received all of our documentation. I called them immediately and was told it was because on our wind mitigation a box wasnt checked by the inspector. I then contacted the inspection company and had them quickly resend me the corrected wind mitigation report. I emailed it to the agent at Universal and then was told a day later that was not the reason it was increased. It was because the underwriting department has reviewed your Wind Mitigation, and no changes were made. The original change in premium was due to the "Roof Deck Attachment" being removed. I would have no problem with an increase in the cost for a credit we did not deserve however this was after they had all our documentation and billed our mortgage company. Had I known the cost was going to be more I could have gone with another company or shopped around more. Then I was told on 10/18/2017 this was being addressed by upper management and someone would get back to me.They also told me this was not an issue specific to my policy and that other policy holders were experiencing the same issue. I told them I did not want my mortgage company billed and was told that they would not be while they were reviewing my case. I did not receive any response back from upper management and on 10/23/17 I checked my mortgage account and saw that my mortgage company had been billed and sent payment for $294 to Universal Direct on 9/24/17. I immediately called Universal Direct and spoke to a Underwriter Tasha. She of course had a completely different answer and basically told me that they have 90 days to review your documents and make any changes to your policy. So I guess when you submit your documents and are under the impression someone actually did there job because you told me the process takes about 15 days to be reviewed and make sure all credits are due. Her response was this is what all insurance companies do. I have never experienced this with any other insurance company so I do not believe that is the case. I think someone made a mistake and they are just trying to cover it up on their end. This company is fraudulent, they steal your money and then give you the run around with lies. read more
