First Choice Insurance is a regional property and casualty insurer
First Choice Insurance is an insurance company that sells homeowners, auto, and renters policies primarily in the Southeast and parts of the Midwest. It is not a national carrier like State Farm or Allstate, but rather a regional provider owned by Heritage Insurance Holdings. The company operates in multiple states but does not serve all 50 states, so whether you can buy from them depends on where you live.
Like any insurance company, First Choice collects monthly or annual premiums from customers and pays out claims when covered events happen — a car accident, a house fire, theft, or weather damage. The company sets its own rates, decides which types of customers it wants to insure, and determines how much it will pay for different kinds of damage.
If you are shopping for insurance and First Choice appears as an option in your area, understanding how it compares to other carriers — and what kind of coverage it offers — helps you make a decision that fits your situation and budget.
Key Takeaways
- First Choice Insurance operates in a limited number of states, mostly in the Southeast and Midwest, so it may not be available where you live.
- The company offers homeowners, auto, and renters insurance with standard coverage types like liability, collision, and comprehensive.
- Rates and coverage options vary by state and by individual risk factors such as driving history, home age, and location.
- Getting quotes from multiple insurers, including First Choice if available in your area, helps you compare price and coverage before choosing a policy.
Where First Choice Insurance operates
First Choice Insurance is not available everywhere. The company writes policies in select states, with the heaviest presence in the Southeast. If you live in a state where First Choice does not operate, you will not be able to buy from them, no matter how competitive their rates might be elsewhere.
To find out whether First Choice serves your state, you can visit their website or call their customer service line. State insurance departments also maintain lists of which insurers are licensed to sell in each state, and you can search those lists online if you want to verify the company's presence in your area before requesting a quote.
Types of coverage First Choice offers
First Choice sells the standard types of insurance that most people need. For auto insurance, that includes liability coverage (which pays for damage you cause to someone else's car or property), collision coverage (which pays for damage to your own car from a crash), and comprehensive coverage (which covers theft, weather, and other non-collision events). You can also add uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you are hit by someone without insurance.
For homeowners insurance, First Choice offers dwelling coverage (which pays to rebuild your house), personal property coverage (which covers your belongings), and liability coverage (which protects you if someone is injured on your property). Renters insurance through First Choice covers your belongings and liability in a rental unit.
The specific coverage limits, deductibles, and add-ons available depend on your state and your individual situation. A newer home in a low-crime area will have different options and pricing than an older home in a high-risk flood zone.
How First Choice sets rates and determines who they will insure
Insurance companies use underwriting — a process of evaluating risk — to decide whether to insure someone and at what price. For auto insurance, First Choice looks at your driving history, age, the type of vehicle you drive, how much you drive, and where you live. A driver with multiple accidents or speeding tickets will pay more than a driver with a clean record.
For homeowners insurance, the company considers the age and condition of your house, the materials it is made of, its location (including proximity to fire stations and flood risk), and your claims history. A 50-year-old wood-frame house in a flood zone will cost more to insure than a new brick house on high ground.
First Choice, like all insurers, also has the right to decline to insure someone if the risk is too high. If you have been denied coverage or quoted a very high rate, that does not mean you cannot get insurance — other companies may assess your risk differently — but it does mean you may need to shop around or look into state-run insurance pools designed for people who cannot find coverage in the regular market.
Getting a quote from First Choice
If First Choice operates in your state, you can request a quote online through their website, by phone, or through an independent insurance agent who represents multiple companies. To get an accurate quote, you will need to provide information about yourself, your driving history (for auto insurance), or your home (for homeowners insurance).
For auto insurance, have your current policy handy if you have one, your driver's license, and information about each vehicle you want to insure. For homeowners insurance, you will need details about your house — when it was built, what it is made of, its square footage, and any recent renovations.
Once you receive a quote, compare it to quotes from other insurers in your area. Price is important, but so is the level of coverage and the company's reputation for handling claims. You can check customer reviews and complaint records through your state's insurance department.
How First Choice compares to other insurers
First Choice is a regional carrier, which means it may offer better rates in its home territory than national companies do, because it focuses its underwriting informed and marketing on a smaller geographic area. However, it also means less brand recognition and fewer local agents in some areas compared to larger national carriers.
The best way to compare is to get quotes from several companies — both national carriers and regional ones like First Choice — and look at the total cost of coverage, not just the premium. A cheaper policy that has a high deductible or low coverage limits may cost you more in the long run if you have a claim. Conversely, a more expensive policy with better coverage might be worth the extra cost if you live in an area with high accident or weather risk.
Customer service and claims handling also matter. Some people prefer working with a local agent they can visit in person; others are comfortable with online-only or phone-based service. Read reviews that mention how the company handled claims, not just how friendly the sales staff was.
What to do if First Choice is not available in your state
If First Choice does not operate where you live, you have many other options. National carriers like State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and Allstate operate in most states. Regional carriers similar to First Choice also serve different parts of the country. Independent insurance agents can show you quotes from multiple companies at once, which saves time if you are shopping around.
You can also use online comparison tools that gather quotes from several insurers in your area. These tools do not cover every company, but they give you a starting point. After you narrow down your options, contact the companies directly to confirm rates and ask questions about coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Choice Insurance a good company?
Whether First Choice is a good fit depends on your location, your risk profile, and what matters to you in an insurer. If they operate in your state and offer competitive rates for your situation, they may be worth considering. Check your state's insurance department website for complaint records and read customer reviews about claims handling before deciding.
Can I bundle homeowners and auto insurance with First Choice?
Many insurers, including First Choice, offer discounts when you buy multiple policies from them. Contact First Choice directly or ask an agent about bundling discounts in your state, as these vary by location and may not be available everywhere.
What should I do if First Choice denies my claim?
If your claim is denied, the company must provide a written explanation of why. You can ask for a detailed review of the decision, file a complaint with your state's insurance department, or consult with an insurance attorney. Your state's insurance department can also mediate disputes between you and the insurer.
How do I cancel a First Choice policy?
You can cancel by contacting First Choice directly by phone or through your online account. Ask about any cancellation fees or penalties, and make sure your new insurance is in effect before you cancel your old policy so you do not have a gap in coverage.
Does First Choice offer discounts?
Most insurance companies, including First Choice, offer discounts for things like bundling policies, having a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, or installing safety features in your home. Ask about all available discounts when you get a quote, as they can significantly lower your premium.