Homeowners Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions     

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions along with some Tips for getting the most out of our online web Rater.  We are always looking to add more.  If you find that an issue you have isn’t listed please e-mail or call us.

Question 1 My client’s home is on a canal.  Will it be declined?

Answer 1 Our underwriting guidelines state that the home must be 2,000 feet from the coastline.  When a canal is involved it is usually best to rate the distance from the bay each canal runs into.  We will review each account on an individual basis to confirm.

Question 2 Where can I go for underwriting guidelines?

Answer 2 Here is the web address that you can download the guidelines from: Sterlingrisk.com/homeowners-forms.aspx

Answer 3 When the system is generating an “N/A" it is usually because the home does not fit within our underwriting guidelines.  To find out what exactly is causing the “N/A” you can use your mouse to click on the “N/A” bar and it will tell you why.

Question 4: I log into the system fine.  Then I click “get a quote” and I get a gray screen.  Why doesn’t this work?

Answer 4: Users must have Internet Explorer version 7.0 or higher (Internet Explorer 8.0 is the latest).

** IMPORTANT NOTE For users that have Internet Explorer version 8.0 make sure on the Tools, Compatibility View Settings that www.usdsoftware.com is added to this list so that all screen display properly in the rater.**

Question 5: I click on “print quote” and nothing happens.   Do I need to update my system?

Answer 5: Adobe Flash Player must be installed before trying to use the rater.  Users can make sure they have Adobe installed by checking their Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs list and/or they can download the latest Adobe Flash Player from www.adobe.com  Make sure all Internet Explorer windows are closed after the download and before they try to log into the rater. Also make sure that www.usdsoftware.com is acceptable in any pop up blocker list (this will help any printing issues)

Question 6: My quote looks good but what’s with the “XXX-XXX-XXXX” where my fax number should go?

Answer 6: If the system go to “Admin Panel” then click on “Edit User”  you’ll notice that we have all the information you have provided us for your agency.  If you did not provide us with your fax number it will be left either blank or with XXX-XXX-XXXX.  Here you can update your password as well as update your contact information.  All the information listed here will be printed on your quotes.

Question 7: My applications and quotes all have the client’s name in lower case.  It doesn’t look right.  Why is that?

Answer 7: It’s a good idea to be careful about how you put you client’s information into our system.  If you put the name in lower case then it will print out lower case.  It’s a good idea to make sure that you hold shift or fix the caps lock on your keyboard when completing our application.

Question 8: I’ve added my staff but they can’t get into the system.  Why did I take the time to do that when it won’t even work?

Answer 8: When adding employees you must remember to look at the “products” tab on the screen.  While there you will notice a series of check boxes.  This will determine each staff member’s rights.  At a bare minimum you have to check off next to “FDCM” That will give each staff member the ability to quote.  The rest of the rights are designed for you to limit the involvement each staff member has.  If you want everyone in your office to be able to send e-mails, print applications, and quotes etc then select each one.

Question 9: I haven’t received any e-mails for the past few weeks.  Is my client bound?  Is my client declined?

Answer 9: Allstate’s servers and our web rater were not playing well with each other starting on Friday Jan 4^th.  We worked with Ivantage to get to Allstate’s IT department to add our IP address to their list.  As of Friday Jan 11^th there should not be any e-mail problems.  When in doubt please call our office.

Question 10: I don’t care about any of this.  When will you fix the product for Windstorm, Diving Boards, and Underground Oil Tanks?

Answer 10: Windstorm Deductible –Zurich has agreed to the following wording.  We are waiting for New York State to approve the endorsement to read as follows:

·         Nassau and Suffolk County - Cat 1 Hurricane 5% deductible.  Flat Wind - $2,500(all other perils outside)

·         Richmond/Queens - Cat 1 Hurricane 3% deductible. Flat wind - $2,500(all other perils outside)

·         Bronx/NYC - Cat 1 Hurricane 2% deductible. Flat wind - $2,500(all other perils outside)

·         Westchester - Cat 1 Hurricane 2% deductible. Flat wind $2,500(all other perils outside)

·         Kings/Brooklyn – Cat 1 Hurricane 2% deductible. Flat Wind - $2,500(all other perils outside)

Underground Oil Tanks – We are waiting for New York State to approve pollution exclusion.  Once the endorsement is approved this exclusion will allow us to write homes with abandoned underground oil tanks.

Pools With Diving Boards - Upon hearing some feedback from the state we are uncertain that we will be able to add a diving board exclusion to our policy form.    We are working with Zurich to find alternative solutions but right now they are focused on pushing the windstorm deductible through.

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