--- title: "Universal North America Insurance Review [Updated 2026]" description: "Universal North America Insurance offers homeowners and property coverage across 16 states, but recent financial downgrades and high complaint rates raise concerns for potential customers." canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/universal-north-america" last-updated: "2026-08-13" --- # Universal North America Insurance Review [Updated 2026] Universal North America Insurance Company (UNAIC) has operated in the residential property insurance market for over two decades. Recent financial turbulence, a new ownership structure, and a complete rebrand have placed the company under increased scrutiny. If you're considering this carrier for your [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) needs, you should understand both the company's offerings and the challenges it currently faces. ## About Universal North America Insurance Company Universal Insurance Holdings of North America was first organized in December 2003 to market residential property insurance across North America [(Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/About). The company operates from headquarters at 101 Paramount Drive, Suite 220, Sarasota, Florida [(Better Business Bureau, "Universal North America Insurance Company BBB Business Profile", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/sarasota/profile/insurance-companies/universal-north-america-insurance-company-0653-90100110). Until recently, UNAIC was a wholly owned subsidiary of Universal Group, Inc., Puerto Rico's principal supplier of property/casualty, auto, and life insurance [(Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/About). This relationship changed dramatically in early 2025. The company states that effective January 1, 2025, UNAIC and its subsidiaries were acquired by 5B Alliance, LLC, with Rafael Cedeño as Chairman of the Board and CEO [Ibid.](https://www.uihna.com/About). AM Best confirmed that the sale was finalized on January 31, 2025 [(Business Wire / AM Best, "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings", 2025)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250212021161/en/AM-Best-Downgrades-Credit-Ratings-of-Universal-North-America-Insurance-Company-Maintains-Under-Review-With-Negative-Implications-Status). The acquisition followed significant financial distress that began in October 2023, when the company experienced a 12% loss in policyholder surplus due to severe convective storms and exposure to Hawaiian fires [(Business Wire / AM Best, "AM Best Places Credit Ratings Under Review", 2023)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231011852144/en/AM-Best-Places-Credit-Ratings-of-Universal-North-America-Insurance-Company-Under-Review-With-Negative-Implications). In a significant strategic shift, the company rebranded from Universal North America to One Alliance North America in 2026 [(Insurance Journal, "After Buyout, Universal North America Changes Name to One Alliance", 2026)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/03/06/860724.htm). Demotech now lists the company as One Alliance North America Insurance Company [(Demotech, "ONE ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICA INSURANCE COMPANY", 2026)](https://www.demotech.com/company/10759/). According to company data, UNAIC employs between 201 and 500 employees and generated $150.2 million in revenue [(RocketReach, "Universal North America Company Information", 2026)](https://rocketreach.co/universal-north-america-profile_b5cbf26af42e14c4) [(LinkedIn, "Universal North America Company Profile", 2026)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-north-america). The company operates in 17 states across four time zones [Ibid.](https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-north-america). The company's market position has shifted considerably. As of the end of 2025, the carrier held about 20,000 policies in Florida, all personal residential [(Insurance Journal, "After Buyout, Universal North America Changes Name to One Alliance", 2026)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/03/06/860724.htm). This represents a dramatic reduction from the approximately 57,000 policies the company maintained in Florida until 2021, when it began shedding exposure after significant net losses during the Florida insurance litigation crisis of 2019-2020 [Ibid.](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/03/06/860724.htm). ## What Types of Insurance Does Universal North America Offer? Universal North America specializes in residential property insurance with several product lines. The company reportedly offers [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance), dwelling fire coverage, condominium unit owners policies, renters insurance, flood insurance, earthquake coverage, hurricane protection, equipment breakdown insurance, and businessowner insurance [(Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "Official Website", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/). The company operates in 16 states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington [(Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "Official Website", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/). Not all coverage types are available in every state [(Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "Official Website", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/). | Product Type | Key Coverage Features | |--------------|----------------------| | Homeowners Insurance | Dwelling structure, detached structures, personal belongings, loss of use | | Dwelling Fire | Rental property coverage, rental income protection, premises liability | | Condo/Townhome (HO-6) | Interior structures, personal property, liability, loss assessment | | Renters Insurance | Personal liability, personal belongings, additional insured options | | Specialty Coverage | Flood (including NFIP), earthquake, hurricane, equipment breakdown | ### Homeowners Insurance Universal North America's [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) covers property damage to the dwelling structure, detached structures on the property, personal belongings, and loss of use if your home becomes uninhabitable [(U.S. News & World Report, "Universal Property Homeowners Insurance Review", 2025)](https://www.usnews.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/universal-property). Covered perils include fire, water damage, collapse, explosion, hail, lightning, smoke, vandalism, and wind [(Universal North America Insurance, "Homeowners Policy Coverage Perils", 2026)](https://www.universalnorthamerica.com/homeowners-coverage-perils). ### Dwelling Fire and Landlord Insurance ### Condo and Townhome Insurance (HO-6) ### Renters Insurance The [renters insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/renters-insurance) product includes personal liability protection and coverage for personal belongings. ### Specialty Coverage Beyond standard property insurance, UNAIC offers flood insurance (including NFIP policies), earthquake coverage, hurricane protection, and equipment breakdown insurance [(Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "Official Website", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/). ## How Does Universal North America Insurance Work? Universal North America sells policies through independent insurance agents rather than directly to consumers. You must work with a licensed agent in your state to obtain a quote and purchase coverage. The company maintains business hours from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern time [(Universal North America, "Contact Information", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/Contact). For personal lines policies, customers can reach underwriting at 866-458-4262 or via email at underwriting@uihna.com [Ibid.](https://www.uihna.com/Contact). ### Discounts and Pricing The national average cost for Universal North America homeowners insurance is approximately $1,214 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This represents a substantial savings compared to the national average for comparable coverage. The company offers several discounts: preferred builder, alarm systems, advanced quote, superior construction, fire sprinklers, and hip roof discounts. Payments can be mailed to P.O. Box 745667, Atlanta, GA 30374-5665 [(Universal North America, "Contact Information", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/Contact). ### Claims Process Universal North America promotes a "24-Hour Pledge" for claims service, and the company claims that 97% of calls are answered within 60 seconds on average [(Universal North America, "Claims Process", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/Claims). These self-reported figures should be viewed with appropriate skepticism, particularly given customer reviews that contradict these claims. According to the company, the claims timeline follows these benchmarks: - **Within 1 hour**: Emergency services respond if needed - **Within 24 hours (or 1 business day)**: An adjuster is assigned, contacts the policyholder, schedules inspection, and issues advance payment if necessary - **Within 72 hours**: The adjuster conducts an inspection and writes an estimate for structural damage [Ibid.](https://www.uihna.com/Claims) To file a new claim, call 866-999-0898 (available 24/7). For existing claims, contact 888-877-0770 or email claims@uihna.com [(Ibid., "Contact Information", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/Contact). The company states it maintains a Preferred Pro network with a 3-year workmanship warranty and partners with the Alacrity network [(Ibid., "Claims Process", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/Claims). ## Pros and Cons of Universal North America Insurance
### Pros **Competitive Pricing**: The national average cost is approximately 30% below the national average for comparable coverage **Multiple Discount Options**: Discounts available for multi-policy bundling, alarm systems, superior construction, fire sprinklers, hip roof, and more (Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "Official Website", 2026) **Wide Geographic Availability**: Operates in 16 states across multiple regions (UIHN, "States Where We Operate", 2026) **Comprehensive Product Line**: Offers specialized coverage including flood, earthquake, and hurricane insurance beyond standard homeowners policies (Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "Official Website", 2026) **24/7 Claims Service**: Claims hotline operates around the clock with a pledge to answer 97% of calls within 60 seconds (Universal North America, "Claims Process", 2026)
### Cons **Recent Financial Downgrades**: AM Best downgraded the company from B+ to B in February 2025, with ratings remaining under review with negative implications (AM Best, "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings", 2025) **High Complaint Index**: NAIC customer complaint index of 2.24 is more than double the national median of 1.00 [(NAIC, "Consumer Complaint Index", 2026)](https://www.naic.org/consumer-complaint-index.htm) **Recent Ownership Change and Rebrand**: New ownership under 5B Alliance, LLC as of January 2025 and rebrand to One Alliance North America in 2026 creates uncertainty about future operations (Insurance Journal, "After Buyout, Universal North America Changes Name to One Alliance", 2026) **High Complaint Volume**: Received nearly twice the number of complaints from 2020-2022 compared to companies of similar size **Limited Direct Purchase Options**: Must work through independent agents rather than buying directly from the company **Declining Florida Market Presence**: Reduced Florida policy count from 57,000 to approximately 20,000 after 2019-2020 litigation crisis (Ibid., "After Buyout, Universal North America Changes Name to One Alliance", 2026)
## Financial Strength Ratings Universal North America's financial strength has deteriorated significantly since October 2023. AM Best downgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B (Fair) from B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to "bb" (Fair) from "bbb-" (Good) of Universal North America Insurance Company (UNAIC) on February 12, 2025 [(AM Best, "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings", 2025)](https://news.ambest.com/PR/PressContent.aspx?altsrc=2&refnum=35731). As of August 19, 2025, AM Best has maintained the under review with negative implications status for the Financial Strength Rating of B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "bb" (Fair) of Universal North America Insurance Company. The negative implications point to financial-strength uncertainty at the new intermediate holding company, 5B Alliance, LLC, and the ultimate parent, which is an individual entity [(Morningstar / Business Wire / AM Best, "AM Best Maintains Under Review", 2025)](https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250819404860/am-best-maintains-under-review-with-negative-implications-status-for-universal-north-america-insurance-company). Demotech, Inc., an actuarial and financial analysis firm, has assigned the company (now operating as One Alliance North America Insurance Company) the Financial Stability Rating (FSR) of A, Exceptional. The FSR was affirmed on October 16, 2025 [(Demotech, Inc., "ONE ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICA INSURANCE COMPANY", 2026)](https://www.demotech.com/company/10759/) [(Universal North America, "Ratings and Reinsurance", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/About/RatingsAndReinsurance). | Rating Agency | Rating | Status | Last Updated | |--------------|---------|---------|--------------| | A.M. Best | B (Fair) | Under Review with Negative Implications | August 19, 2025 | | Demotech | A (Exceptional) | Affirmed | October 16, 2025 | The ratings were placed under review with negative implications initially on Oct. 11, 2023, following a significant decline in policyholder surplus as the result of weather events in 2023 [(Business Wire / AM Best, "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings", 2025)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250212021161/en/AM-Best-Downgrades-Credit-Ratings-of-Universal-North-America-Insurance-Company-Maintains-Under-Review-With-Negative-Implications-Status). The downgrade reflects the company's adequate balance sheet strength but marginal operating performance, limited business profile, and marginal enterprise risk management [(AM Best, "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings", 2025)](https://news.ambest.com/PR/PressContent.aspx?altsrc=2&refnum=35731). ## Customer Reviews and Ratings Universal North America's customer satisfaction ratings reveal significant concerns across multiple review platforms: | Review Source | Rating | Details | |--------------|---------|---------| | A.M. Best | B (Fair) | Under Review with Negative Implications [Ibid.](https://news.ambest.com/PR/PressContent.aspx?altsrc=2&refnum=35731) | | Demotech | A (Exceptional) | FSR affirmed October 16, 2025 [(Demotech, "ONE ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICA INSURANCE COMPANY", 2026)](https://www.demotech.com/company/10759/) | | Yelp | 1.5 stars | 17 reviews [(Yelp, "Universal North America", 2026)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/universal-north-america-sarasota-3) | | Google Maps | Not available | No verified listing found | | Trustpilot | Not available | Company not listed on Trustpilot | | BBB | Not Accredited | 1.25/5 customer review rating [(BBB, "Universal North America Insurance Company", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/sarasota/profile/insurance-companies/universal-north-america-insurance-company-0653-90100110) | The company is NOT BBB Accredited [(Better Business Bureau, "Universal North America Insurance Company BBB Business Profile", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/sarasota/profile/insurance-companies/universal-north-america-insurance-company-0653-90100110). ### Real Customer Experiences Customer testimonials reveal consistent themes around claims handling difficulties and customer service challenges:
★☆☆☆☆
"This company deserves ZERO stars... Let me be the 100th person to say this on Google because every one of their reviews that are 1 star is correct."

★☆☆☆☆
"They canceled my policy after one claim with them. I didnt find out they canceled it until my mortgage company notified me I was without hazard insurance one month later."

— Customer review via [(Better Business Bureau, "Universal North America Insurance Company Customer Reviews", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/sarasota/profile/insurance-companies/universal-north-america-insurance-company-0653-90100110/customer-reviews)

★☆☆☆☆
"They have gladly accepted our money for 5 years with no issue. As soon as we submit a claim they are non responsive and refuse to provide an escalation or help on the claim. After being a month late on providing an approved amount to cover the repairs they offered $4000.00 compared to the contractors $18000.00 quote."

— Customer complaint via [Ibid.](https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/sarasota/profile/insurance-companies/universal-north-america-insurance-company-0653-90100110/customer-reviews)

★☆☆☆☆
"Their renters insurance is a scam. They approve your application, issue a policy, then cancel for no reason. Problem is they charge you to be insured."

— Customer review via [(Yelp, "UNIVERSAL NORTH AMERICA", 2026)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/universal-north-america-sarasota-3)

The NAIC customer complaint index for Universal North America stands at 2.24, which is way higher than the national median of 1.00. This indicates the company receives a large number of customer complaints compared to the average insurance provider [(Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "Official Website", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/). ## Regulatory History A 2014 market conduct examination by the Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance identified several violations during the period from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 [(Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance, "Market Conduct Examination Report", 2014)](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/media/sccvirginiagov-home/regulated-industries/insurance/insurance-companies/for-companies/-market-conduct-examination-reports-/10759.pdf). The examination found failures to provide written notice of Adverse Underwriting Decisions, failures to use rules and rates on file with the Bureau, incomplete credit adverse action notices, and use of credit information more than 90 days old [Ibid.](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/media/sccvirginiagov-home/regulated-industries/insurance/insurance-companies/for-companies/-market-conduct-examination-reports-/10759.pdf). The company was required to refund overcharges totaling $128.10 to insureds plus 6% simple interest [Ibid.](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/media/sccvirginiagov-home/regulated-industries/insurance/insurance-companies/for-companies/-market-conduct-examination-reports-/10759.pdf). ## Get Customer Support or File a Claim Universal North America maintains multiple contact channels for different service needs: **Customer Service** (Personal Lines) - Phone: 866-458-4262 - Fax: 888-232-6217 - Email: underwriting@uihna.com - Hours: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM Eastern **Claims Department** - New Claims: 866-999-0898 (24/7) - Existing Claims: 888-877-0770 - Email: claims@uihna.com **NFIP Flood Policies** - Phone: 877-826-6921 - Fax: 206-436-3918 - Email: flood@uihna.com **Mailing Address** Universal North America Insurance Company 101 Paramount Drive, Suite 220 Sarasota, FL 34232 [(Universal North America, "Contact Information", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/Contact) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is Universal North America Insurance financially stable?** AM Best currently rates Universal North America B (Fair) with ratings under review with negative implications as of August 2025 [(AM Best, "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings", 2025)](https://news.ambest.com/PR/PressContent.aspx?altsrc=2&refnum=35731). Demotech maintains an A (Exceptional) rating for the company [(Demotech, Inc., "ONE ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICA INSURANCE COMPANY", 2026)](https://www.demotech.com/company/10759/). The company experienced significant financial stress in 2023 from weather events and changed ownership in January 2025 [(Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/About). **In which states does Universal North America operate?** The company operates in 16 states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington [(Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "Official Website", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/). **How does Universal North America's pricing compare to competitors?** **What is Universal North America's complaint record?** The company's NAIC complaint index is 2.24, more than double the national median of 1.00 [(NAIC, "Consumer Complaint Index 2023", 2023)](https://www.naic.org/consumer_complaint_index.htm). The company received nearly twice the number of complaints from 2020-2022 compared to companies of similar size. **Can I buy Universal North America insurance online?** No. Universal North America sells policies exclusively through independent insurance agents. You must work with a licensed agent in your state to obtain coverage. **What happened to Universal North America in 2023?** The company experienced a 12% loss in policyholder surplus in 2023 due to severe convective storms and exposure to Hawaiian fires [(Business Wire / AM Best, "AM Best Places Credit Ratings Under Review", 2023)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231011852144/en/AM-Best-Places-Credit-Ratings-of-Universal-North-America-Insurance-Company-Under-Review-With-Negative-Implications). This triggered AM Best to place ratings under review with negative implications in October 2023 [Ibid.](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231011852144/en/AM-Best-Places-Credit-Ratings-of-Universal-North-America-Insurance-Company-Under-Review-With-Negative-Implications). **Who owns Universal North America Insurance now?** As of January 31, 2025, UNAIC is owned by 5B Alliance, LLC, led by Rafael Cedeño as Chairman and CEO [(Ibid., "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings", 2025)](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250212021161/en/AM-Best-Downgrades-Credit-Ratings-of-Universal-North-America-Insurance-Company-Maintains-Under-Review-With-Negative-Implications-Status). The company was previously a subsidiary of Universal Group, Inc. in Puerto Rico [(Universal Insurance Holdings of North America, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/About). The company has since rebranded to One Alliance North America Insurance Company [(Insurance Journal, "After Buyout, Universal North America Changes Name to One Alliance", 2026)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/03/06/860724.htm). **How quickly does Universal North America process claims?** The company pledges to answer 97% of calls within 60 seconds, assign an adjuster within 24 hours, and conduct inspections within 72 hours [(Universal North America, "Claims Process", 2026)](https://www.uihna.com/Claims). **Is Universal North America Insurance good insurance?** Universal North America Insurance offers competitively priced policies with comprehensive coverage options, but the company faces substantial challenges. The carrier holds a B (Fair) rating from AM Best [(AM Best, "Universal North America Insurance Rating", 2026)](https://www.ambest.com/) and its NAIC complaint index is more than twice the industry median [(NAIC, "Consumer Complaint Index", 2026)](https://www.naic.org/documents/consumer_complaint_index.htm). These factors suggest customers should carefully evaluate alternatives before choosing this carrier. ## Universal North America Insurance Review: Final Assessment Universal North America Insurance offers competitively priced [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) and property coverage across 16 states with multiple discount opportunities. The company maintains a comprehensive product lineup that includes specialized coverage for floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes beyond standard homeowners policies. Significant concerns exist, however. The company's financial strength rating declined from B+ to B, with ratings under review since October 2023 [(AM Best, "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings", 2025)](https://news.ambest.com/PR/PressContent.aspx?altsrc=2&refnum=35731). The recent ownership change to 5B Alliance, LLC and subsequent rebrand to One Alliance North America adds uncertainty about future operations and financial stability [(Insurance Journal, "After Buyout, Universal North America Changes Name to One Alliance", 2026)](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2026/03/06/860724.htm). If you're considering Universal North America, the attractive pricing may appeal to budget-conscious homeowners. Carefully weigh the financial uncertainty and poor customer service record against potential cost savings before making a decision. Compare quotes from multiple carriers with stronger financial ratings and better customer satisfaction scores. Consider companies with AM Best ratings of A- or higher and NAIC complaint indices below 1.00 for more stable options.