Colonial Insurance is a property and casualty insurer that sells homeowners, auto, and umbrella coverage through independent agents
Colonial Insurance is a regional property and casualty insurance company based in Florida that has operated since 1947. The company writes homeowners insurance, auto insurance, and umbrella policies, and sells them through a network of independent insurance agents rather than directly to consumers. If you are shopping for home or auto coverage, Colonial is one option among many regional and national carriers, and understanding how it operates and what it covers can help you compare it against other insurers.
Colonial does not operate in all states. The company primarily serves Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina, though its presence and product availability vary by state. If you live outside these regions, Colonial may not be available to you. The company is part of the Heritage Insurance Group family of carriers.
Key Takeaways
- Colonial Insurance sells homeowners, auto, and umbrella policies through independent agents, not online or directly from the company.
- The company operates primarily in Florida and the Southeast, so availability depends on your state and sometimes your specific location within that state.
- To get a quote, you contact an independent insurance agent who represents Colonial, not Colonial itself.
- Colonial's rates, coverage terms, and financial strength ratings are comparable to other regional carriers and should be evaluated alongside quotes from other insurers.
- Your policy documents and customer service requests go through your agent, not directly to the company.
How to Get a Quote from Colonial Insurance
You cannot request a quote directly from Colonial Insurance. Instead, you contact an independent insurance agent who is licensed to sell Colonial policies in your state. You can find agents through the company's website agent locator tool, or you can ask for referrals from friends, family, or your current insurance agent.
When you contact an agent, provide information about your home or vehicle, your driving history (for auto), claims history, and the coverage limits you are considering. The agent will prepare quotes from Colonial and often from other carriers they represent, so you can compare options. The agent earns a commission from Colonial if you purchase a policy, but the premium you pay goes to Colonial, not to the agent.
What Colonial Homeowners Insurance Covers
Colonial's homeowners policies typically include dwelling coverage (the structure of your home), personal property coverage (your belongings), liability coverage (if someone is injured on your property), and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable. The specific coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions depend on the policy form and the state where your home is located.
Florida homeowners policies, including those from Colonial, often exclude or limit coverage for flood and wind damage, since those are high-risk perils in that state. Flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer. Wind coverage may be available as an add-on or through the state's insurer of last resort, depending on your location and risk profile.
Your agent can explain what Colonial's specific policy forms cover in your state, what the exclusions are, and what additional coverage you may need. Homeowners policies vary significantly by state, so the coverage available in Florida may differ from what is offered in Georgia or North Carolina.
Colonial Auto Insurance Coverage Options
Colonial auto policies include liability coverage (required by law in all states), collision coverage (damage to your car from a crash), comprehensive coverage (damage from weather, theft, or vandalism), and optional add-ons like uninsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage. Your state's minimum liability limits are set by law, but you can choose higher limits if you want more protection.
The cost of your auto premium depends on your driving record, age, vehicle type, where you park the car, your credit score (in most states), and the coverage limits and deductibles you select. Colonial, like other insurers, uses these factors to calculate risk and set rates. Rates are not the same across all insurers, so comparing quotes from Colonial and other carriers is the only way to know which offers the best price for your situation.
Umbrella Coverage and Additional Policies
Colonial also offers umbrella insurance, which provides additional liability coverage above the limits of your homeowners or auto policy. An umbrella policy typically covers amounts from $1 million to $5 million and protects you if you are found liable for a large judgment in a lawsuit. Umbrella coverage is relatively inexpensive compared to the protection it provides, and it may be worth considering if you own significant assets or have high liability exposure.
To purchase an umbrella policy from Colonial, you usually must also carry homeowners and auto policies with the company, though this requirement can vary by state and agent. Your agent can explain whether bundling is required and what the cost of umbrella coverage would be in your situation.
How Colonial's Financial Strength Affects Your Coverage
When you buy insurance, you are relying on the company to pay your claim if something happens. Financial strength ratings measure how likely an insurer is to have the money to pay claims. Colonial's financial strength is rated by agencies like A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's, and Moody's. You can check these ratings on the rating agencies' websites or ask your agent for Colonial's current ratings.
A strong financial rating means the company is unlikely to fail and leave you without coverage. Colonial has maintained stable ratings over time, but you should verify the current rating before you purchase. If an insurer's rating drops significantly or the company faces financial trouble, state insurance regulators may step in, and policyholders may be protected by state guaranty funds, though this is a last resort and not a substitute for choosing a financially sound insurer.
Comparing Colonial to Other Insurance Carriers
Colonial is one of many regional and national insurers offering homeowners and auto coverage. Other regional carriers in the Southeast include Heritage Insurance (Colonial's parent company), Universal Insurance, and FedNat Holding Company. National carriers like State Farm, Allstate, and GEICO also operate in Colonial's service areas and often offer competitive rates.
The best way to compare is to get quotes from at least three carriers for the same coverage limits and deductibles. Price is important, but also consider the company's financial strength, customer service reputation, and whether the agent or company offers online tools for managing your policy. Your state's insurance department website may also publish complaint ratios for different insurers, which can help you understand how often customers file complaints relative to the number of policies sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Colonial Insurance directly from the company's website?
No. Colonial only sells through independent insurance agents. You must contact an agent licensed to sell Colonial policies in your state. The company's website has an agent locator tool to help you find one nearby.
Does Colonial insure homes in all states?
No. Colonial primarily operates in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Availability may also be limited within those states based on your specific location and risk profile. Contact an agent to confirm whether Colonial can insure your property.
What is the difference between Colonial Insurance and Heritage Insurance?
Colonial is a subsidiary of Heritage Insurance Group. Heritage also owns other insurance brands. All are separate companies with their own policies and rates, though they share the same parent company. Your agent can explain the differences and help you compare quotes from both.
How do I file a claim with Colonial Insurance?
You report a claim to your insurance agent, who will guide you through the process. Your agent can also help you file directly with Colonial if you prefer. The company will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine what is covered under your policy.
Is Colonial Insurance cheaper than other carriers?
Rates vary by location, home or vehicle, coverage limits, and your personal risk factors. Colonial may be cheaper than some carriers and more expensive than others for your specific situation. The only way to know is to get quotes from Colonial and at least two other insurers for the same coverage.