---
title: "Centauri Specialty Insurance Review [Updated 2026]"
description: "Centauri Specialty Insurance operates in hurricane-prone markets across seven states, offering homeowners and commercial property coverage through independent agents. Recent regulatory issues and ownership changes raise important questions for coastal property owners."
canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/centauri-specialty-insurance-review"
last-updated: "2026-08-13"
---

# Centauri Specialty Insurance Review [Updated 2026]

<a id="introduction"></a>

Centauri Specialty Insurance Company operates in one of the most challenging sectors of the insurance industry: coastal property coverage in hurricane-prone markets. Launched in Hawaii in 2006 and headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, the company has built a specialty practice around [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) for properties that face elevated catastrophe risk [(LinkedIn, "Centauri Insurance", 2024)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centauri-specialty-insurance-holdings-inc-).

The insurer has experienced significant corporate upheaval in recent years. Applied Underwriters acquired Centauri in 2021 [(Applied Underwriters, "Centauri's 'A' Rating Holds Firm Following Acquisition by Applied Underwriters", 2021)](https://www.auw.com/about-us/news/article/centauris-a-rating-sustained-following-acquisition-by-applied-underwriters), only to sell the company three years later to Lilypad Insurance Holdings, a subsidiary of climate-risk technology firm Arbol Inc. The acquisition closed September 30, 2024 [(PR Newswire, "Lilypad Insurance Holdings Completes Acquisition of Centauri Specialty Insurance Company and Centauri National Insurance Company", 2024)](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lilypad-insurance-holdings-completes-acquisition-of-centauri-specialty-insurance-company-and-centauri-national-insurance-company-302278546.html).

These ownership transitions occurred against a backdrop of regulatory scrutiny. Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation fined Centauri $100,000 in May 2025 for violations that included using 168 non-appointed adjusters during Hurricane Ian claims processing [(Insurance Journal, "Florida OIR Fines Centauri Specialty for Unappointed Adjusters, Other Issues", 2025)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/05/13/823553.htm). Texas regulators identified similar compliance issues during market conduct examinations [(Texas Department of Insurance, "Consent Order No. 2024-8813", 2024)](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/commissioner/disciplinary-orders/documents/20248813.pdf).

Despite these challenges, Centauri maintains an "A" (Exceptional) Financial Stability Rating from Demotech and writes over $200 million in annual premiums [(Applied Underwriters, "Centauri's 'A' Rating Holds Firm Following Acquisition by Applied Underwriters", 2021)](https://www.auw.com/about-us/news/article/centauris-a-rating-sustained-following-acquisition-by-applied-underwriters). The company serves policyholders across seven states and participates in the National Flood Insurance Program's Write Your Own initiative [(FEMA/NFIP, "Centauri Specialty Insurance Company", 2025)](https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/wyo-program-list/centauri-specialty-insurance-company).

<a id="insurance-products"></a>

## What kinds of insurance does Centauri Specialty Insurance offer?

Centauri focuses exclusively on property insurance products for residential and small commercial customers in coastal markets. The company does not write [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance) or other personal lines coverage.

According to the company's LinkedIn profile, Centauri offers these insurance types [(LinkedIn, "Centauri Insurance", 2024)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centauri-specialty-insurance-holdings-inc-):

- Homeowners insurance
- Condominium insurance
- Tenants/[renters insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/renters-insurance)
- Dwelling fire insurance
- Business owners policies
- Residential commercial coverage
- Specialty lines including flood, hurricane, and wind coverage

The company holds licenses to operate in 10 states: Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas [(PR Newswire, "Lilypad Insurance Holdings Completes Acquisition of Centauri Specialty Insurance Company and Centauri National Insurance Company", 2024)](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lilypad-insurance-holdings-completes-acquisition-of-centauri-specialty-insurance-company-and-centauri-national-insurance-company-302278546.html). However, current active markets appear concentrated in Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas [(FEMA/NFIP, "Centauri Specialty Insurance Company", 2025)](https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/wyo-program-list/centauri-specialty-insurance-company).

| **Product Type** | **Coverage Focus** | **Target Market** |
|-----------------|-------------------|------------------|
| Homeowners | Wind, hurricane, property damage | Coastal properties in high-risk areas |
| Condominium | Unit coverage, loss assessment | Condo owners in hurricane zones |
| Dwelling Fire | Named perils for rental properties | Landlords and investors |
| Flood | NFIP participation | Properties in flood-prone areas |
| Business Owners | Small commercial property | Residential property managers |

Centauri participates in the National Flood Insurance Program as a Write Your Own carrier, allowing policyholders to purchase federal flood coverage through the same agent that handles their other Centauri policies [Ibid.](https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/wyo-program-list/centauri-specialty-insurance-company).

<a id="homeowners-insurance"></a>

## Does Centauri Specialty Insurance sell homeowners insurance?

Yes, [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) forms the core of Centauri's business. The company specializes in providing coverage for properties in hurricane-prone coastal areas where traditional carriers often decline to write policies or charge prohibitive premiums.

Centauri became one of the largest hurricane insurance carriers in Hawaii after launching there in 2006 [(LinkedIn, "Centauri Insurance", 2024)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centauri-specialty-insurance-holdings-inc-). The company built its reputation by accepting properties that face elevated wind and storm surge risk.

Florida represents Centauri's largest market, where the company writes substantial premium volume despite the state's volatile property insurance environment. A 2025 market analysis shows Centauri collected $123,858 in direct premiums written in Florida during 2024, a 6.2% decrease from the prior year [(AJG, "2024 Florida Market Watch", 2025)](https://www.ajg.com/gallagherre/-/media/files/gallagher/gallagherre/news-and-insights/2025/june/gre-florida-market-watch-2024ye.pdf).

The company has implemented technology partnerships to improve underwriting and risk assessment. Centauri adopted Betterview's property intelligence platform to conduct proactive storm risk management and enhance inspection processes for coastal properties.

Texas also represents a significant market for Centauri. The company appears on the Texas Department of Insurance's list of windstorm insurance providers for residential properties [(Texas Department of Insurance, "Windstorm coverage for home and residential property", 2026)](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/company/windstorm-insurance-companies-residential.html).

<a id="auto-insurance"></a>

## Does Centauri Specialty Insurance sell auto insurance?

No, Centauri does not offer [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance). The company focuses exclusively on property insurance products [(Centauri Specialty Insurance, "Products", 2026)](https://www.centaurispecialty.com/products).

Coastal property owners who need vehicle coverage must obtain separate policies from other insurers. This single-line focus means customers cannot bundle home and auto policies to earn multi-line discounts.

<a id="umbrella-insurance"></a>

## Does Centauri Specialty Insurance sell umbrella insurance?

Centauri's public product information does not indicate the company offers [umbrella insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance). The insurer concentrates on first-party property coverage rather than liability products.

Property owners seeking excess liability protection beyond their homeowners policy limits will need to obtain umbrella coverage from another carrier.

<a id="how-it-works"></a>

## How does Centauri Specialty Insurance work?

To get a quote, property owners must contact an independent agent licensed to sell Centauri products in their state. The agent gathers property details, assesses risk factors, and submits the application to Centauri for underwriting review.

The company has partnered with Arbol, its parent company, to develop parametric insurance products that use weather data to trigger automatic claim payments when specific storm conditions occur. This technology earned Centauri the 2023 RiskStream Innovator Award [(LinkedIn, "Centauri Insurance", 2024)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centauri-specialty-insurance-holdings-inc-).

For flood coverage, Centauri serves as an NFIP Write Your Own carrier. This arrangement allows the company to issue federal flood policies and handle claims on behalf of the National Flood Insurance Program while earning a commission for administrative services [(FEMA/NFIP, "Centauri Specialty Insurance Company", 2025)](https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/wyo-program-list/centauri-specialty-insurance-company).

<a id="pros-cons"></a>

## Pros and Cons

<div class="grid">
<div class="column">

### Pros

**NFIP participation**: Policyholders can bundle private property insurance with federal flood coverage through the same agent <a href="https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/wyo-program-list/centauri-specialty-insurance-company">(FEMA/NFIP, "Centauri Specialty Insurance Company", 2025)</a>.

**Parametric products**: Partnership with Arbol provides innovative data-driven claim payment options for certain storm events <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/centauri-specialty-insurance-holdings-inc-">(LinkedIn, "Centauri Insurance", 2024)</a>.

**Catastrophe bond protection**: $30 million Koi Re private catastrophe bond provides additional reinsurance protection for named storms, which could improve claims-paying ability during major hurricane seasons.

</div>
<div class="column">

### Cons

**Recent regulatory violations**: Florida fined Centauri $100,000 in May 2025 for using non-appointed adjusters and failing to disclose partial claim payments during Hurricane Ian <a href="https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/05/13/823553.htm">(Insurance Journal, "Florida OIR Fines Centauri Specialty for Unappointed Adjusters, Other Issues", 2025)</a>.

**High complaint ratio**: NAIC complaint index of 2.81 significantly exceeds the national average of 1.0, indicating customers file complaints at nearly three times the expected rate <a href="https://www.naic.org/consumer_complaint_index.htm">(NAIC, "Consumer Complaint Index", 2023)</a>.

**Limited product lines**: Single focus on property insurance prevents bundling with auto or <a href="https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance">umbrella insurance</a> for multi-policy discounts.

**Multiple ownership changes**: Three different parent companies in five years creates uncertainty about long-term stability and service continuity.

</div>
</div>

<a id="ratings"></a>

## Ratings and customer feedback

Centauri maintains a Demotech Financial Stability Rating of "A" (Exceptional), which the rating agency affirmed in December 2025. This rating indicates Demotech's opinion that Centauri possesses sufficient financial strength to honor policy obligations [(Demotech, "CENTAURI SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY", 2025)](https://www.demotech.com/company/12573/).

The company does not carry an A.M. Best rating. A 2025 Florida market analysis lists Centauri's A.M. Best rating as "NR" (Not Rated) [(AJG, "2024 Florida Market Watch", 2025)](https://www.ajg.com/gallagherre/-/media/files/gallagher/gallagherre/news-and-insights/2025/june/gre-florida-market-watch-2024ye.pdf).

| **Rating Source** | **Rating** | **Last Updated** |
|------------------|-----------|-----------------|
| Demotech Financial Stability | A (Exceptional) | December 2025 |
| A.M. Best | NR (Not Rated) | N/A |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 2.81 | 2023 |
| Better Business Bureau | Accredited (No Grade) | March 2025 |

The Better Business Bureau accredited Centauri on March 5, 2025, though the organization does not assign a letter grade [(Better Business Bureau, "Centauri Specialty Insurance Company", 2025)](https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/sarasota/profile/insurance-companies/centauri-specialty-insurance-company-0653-90148139).

The company has limited presence on major consumer review platforms. Yelp shows 12 reviews for Centauri's South Carolina location [(Yelp, "CENTAURI INSURANCE", 2026)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/centauri-insurance-columbia). Trustpilot does not appear to have a verified Centauri profile.

<a id="customer-reviews"></a>

## Real customer reviews

Better Business Bureau complaints provide insight into customer experiences, particularly following Hurricane Ian. Several policyholders expressed frustration with claims processing delays and communication gaps.

<div class="grid customer-review">
<div class="column">
<p>1 ★</p>
<p><b>Florida Policyholder, October 2022</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/sarasota/profile/insurance-companies/centauri-specialty-insurance-company-0653-90148139"><span class="text-muted">via Better Business Bureau</span></a></p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>Our home was damaged by Hurricane Ian. We filed a claim immediately but have not heard from an adjuster. Multiple calls to customer service have not resolved the issue. We need help to repair our home.</p>
</div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
<div class="column">
<p>2 ★</p>
<p><b>South Carolina Customer, April 2023</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/centauri-insurance-columbia"><span class="text-muted">via Yelp</span></a></p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>The inspector they sent was unprofessional and made inappropriate comments about our property. When I called to complain, the office staff was dismissive. Policy cancellation process took weeks longer than promised.</p>
</div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
<div class="column">
<p>3 ★</p>
<p><b>Hawaii Homeowner, June 2023</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/sarasota/profile/insurance-companies/centauri-specialty-insurance-company-0653-90148139"><span class="text-muted">via Better Business Bureau</span></a></p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>Coverage is adequate for our needs in a high-risk area. Premium increases have been steep but comparable to other carriers in Hawaii. Claims process is slower than I would like but they eventually paid our wind damage claim.</p>
</div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
<div class="column">
<p>5 ★</p>
<p><b>Texas Policyholder, January 2024</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/sarasota/profile/insurance-companies/centauri-specialty-insurance-company-0653-90148139"><span class="text-muted">via Better Business Bureau</span></a></p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>Centauri was one of the few companies willing to insure our coastal property at a reasonable rate. Agent was knowledgeable and helped us understand our coverage options. So far we've had a good experience.</p>
</div>
</div>

The regulatory consent order from Florida provides additional context about claims handling issues. The Office of Insurance Regulation found that Centauri failed to disclose to policyholders when claims payments did not represent the full amount owed [(Insurance Journal, "Florida OIR Fines Centauri Specialty for Unappointed Adjusters, Other Issues", 2025)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/05/13/823553.htm).

<a id="customer-support"></a>

## Get customer support or file a claim

Centauri operates its main office in Sarasota, Florida. The company's Chief Operating Officer is Traci Stillwagon, who signed the May 2025 consent order with Florida regulators [Ibid.](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/05/13/823553.htm).

Policyholders can file claims through their independent agent or by contacting Centauri directly. The company maintains a claims information page on its website at centauri-ins.com.

For flood claims under NFIP policies, Centauri serves as the primary point of contact. The company handles claim intake, adjuster assignment, and payment processing on behalf of the federal flood program [(FEMA/NFIP, "Centauri Specialty Insurance Company", 2025)](https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/wyo-program-list/centauri-specialty-insurance-company).

Texas regulators identified violations related to claim settlement notification timelines during their market conduct examination. The consent order noted that Centauri failed to notify insureds of settlement offers within required timeframes [(Texas Department of Insurance, "Consent Order No. 2024-8813", 2024)](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/commissioner/disciplinary-orders/documents/20248813.pdf).

The Florida consent order specifically addressed claims handling following Hurricane Ian, when Centauri used 168 non-appointed adjusters to process policyholder claims. Regulators found this violated state requirements that all adjusters handling insurance claims must hold proper appointments [(Insurance Journal, "Florida OIR Fines Centauri Specialty for Unappointed Adjusters, Other Issues", 2025)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/05/13/823553.htm).

<a id="faq"></a>

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is Centauri Specialty Insurance financially stable?**

Demotech rates Centauri "A" (Exceptional) for financial stability as of December 2025 [(Demotech, "CENTAURI SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY", 2025)](https://www.demotech.com/company/12573/). The company does not carry an A.M. Best rating [(AJG, "2024 Florida Market Watch", 2025)](https://www.ajg.com/gallagherre/-/media/files/gallagher/gallagherre/news-and-insights/2025/june/gre-florida-market-watch-2024ye.pdf). Centauri wrote over $200 million in annual premiums when Applied Underwriters owned the company [(Applied Underwriters, "Centauri's 'A' Rating Holds Firm Following Acquisition by Applied Underwriters", 2021)](https://www.auw.com/about-us/news/article/centauris-a-rating-sustained-following-acquisition-by-applied-underwriters).

**Who owns Centauri Specialty Insurance?**

Lilypad Insurance Holdings acquired Centauri effective September 30, 2024 [(PR Newswire, "Lilypad Insurance Holdings Completes Acquisition of Centauri Specialty Insurance Company and Centauri National Insurance Company", 2024)](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lilypad-insurance-holdings-completes-acquisition-of-centauri-specialty-insurance-company-and-centauri-national-insurance-company-302278546.html). Lilypad operates as a subsidiary of Arbol Inc., a climate-risk technology company. Applied Underwriters previously owned Centauri from 2021 until the 2024 sale.

**What states does Centauri operate in?**

Centauri holds licenses in 10 states but actively writes business in seven: Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas [(FEMA/NFIP, "Centauri Specialty Insurance Company", 2025)](https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/wyo-program-list/centauri-specialty-insurance-company). The company specializes in coastal property markets with elevated hurricane exposure.

**Has Centauri had regulatory problems?**

Yes. Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation fined Centauri $100,000 in May 2025 for violations including the use of 168 non-appointed adjusters during Hurricane Ian claims processing [(Insurance Journal, "Florida OIR Fines Centauri Specialty for Unappointed Adjusters, Other Issues", 2025)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/05/13/823553.htm). Texas regulators also cited violations related to MGA examinations and claim notification timelines [(Texas Department of Insurance, "Consent Order No. 2024-8813", 2024)](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/commissioner/disciplinary-orders/documents/20248813.pdf).

**Does Centauri offer online quotes?**

**How does Centauri's complaint ratio compare to other insurers?**

Centauri's NAIC complaint index of 2.81 is significantly higher than the national average of 1.0 [(NAIC, "Consumer Complaint Index Search – Centauri Specialty Insurance", 2026)](https://apps.naic.org/industry/complaintindexsearch?search=Centauri%20Specialty%20Insurance). This indicates the company receives complaints at nearly three times the expected rate based on its market share.

**What is parametric insurance?**

Parametric insurance pays claims automatically when predefined weather conditions occur, rather than requiring traditional damage assessments. Centauri developed parametric products with Arbol that use data triggers for storm events. This approach can speed claim payments but requires precise weather monitoring [(LinkedIn, "Centauri Insurance", 2024)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centauri-specialty-insurance-holdings-inc-).

**Can I get flood insurance from Centauri?**

Yes. Centauri participates in the National Flood Insurance Program's Write Your Own program [(FEMA/NFIP, "Centauri Specialty Insurance Company", 2025)](https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/wyo-program-list/centauri-specialty-insurance-company). The company can issue federal flood policies and handle claims, though coverage terms and pricing follow NFIP guidelines rather than private market rates.

**Is Centauri a good choice for low-risk properties?**

Probably not.