Citizens is experiencing a significant increase in Personal Lines quoting volume and new-business applications due to both market conditions and insurance carriers updating eligibility requirements. Between June 1 and July 15, 229,000 quotes and 84,764 new-business applications were generated by 10,238 Citizens appointed agents. This has resulted in slower system response times.

To improve efficiency, Citizens is temporarily allowing agents the option to bypass the Citizens Property Insurance Clearinghouse for Personal Lines risks if they determine no market is available for customers within 20 percent of Citizens’ new-business premium for comparable coverage. Agents will be able to convert quick quotes into a full application in PolicyCenter®.

Notes:

• Agents who need the carriers offer in the clearinghouse due to agency system requirements will still have that option to determine eligibility.
• Citizens may revert to original guidelines if conditions change. An update will be sent prior to any further changes.
• This change does not apply to the renewal process in the clearinghouse, where all eligible Personal Lines policies will be presented to participating carriers. 

To provide a quick quote for the estimated premium for a new submission, refer to the Creating a Quick Quote job aid. For additional information, see the Resources section below.

Use of Batch Quoting

The Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Agency Agreement and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Agent Agreement strictly prohibit agencies and agents from using mechanized batch processes to request quotes or to build new business applications that will submit quotes together simultaneously. Use of systems that request premiums or push application information in order of sequence is permitted, however. The Citizens agency and agent agreements govern use of our systems by agencies, agents and third parties. 

Note: Any detected use of batch quoting systems will result in suspension of access to our system.

Use of Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants who work outside the United States (U.S.) are not permitted without prior written consent from Citizens. To request consent, please provide the name and location of the provider and the name(s) of any person who will act as a virtual assistant via email to agent.review@citizensfla.com.

Note: Citizens will issue additional guidance on use of U.S.-based virtual assistants soon.

Direct any questions you have regarding these updates to agent.outreach@citizensfla.com or your Agency Field Manager.

Resources

For additional assistance in creating a quick quote for Personal Lines or full application, log in to the Agents site and select:

• Training → Personal Job Aids to access:
  • Creating a Quick Quote
  • New-Business Submission Guide
  • Home Condition Requirements
  • Mobile Home Condition Requirements
  • Required Document Guides (by policy form on the right-hand side)
• Training → Commercial Job Aids to access:
  • New-Business Submission Guide

  • Creating Multiple Versions of Quotes and Full Applications

  • Required Document Guides (by policy form on the right-hand side)