I am shopping around for a new homeowners insurance company and have come up with policy offers from compaines I have never heard of such as Northern Capitol and Universal Property. How can I find out some kind of information on these companies before purchasing my insurance from them? Im currently with Allstate and price went up 150 % !!!!!! in one year. THanks

Normally, you'd check with your state insurance department for complaints, and you'd check their financial strength ratings at www.ambest.com.

I just looked these two up for you. Here's what I found – there's no insurance company named Northern Capitol, or Northern Capital. Universal Property is not rated, and they tried cancelling all their FL homeowners policies, but the state made them take it back. They are an unrated company.

There is NO WAY, absolutely NO WAY, I'd buy a "policy" from either of these companies. I promise you, if you leave Allstate, they will NEVER take you back, until something radically changes in the FL insurance marketplace.

I would have STRONG suspicians that if there's a big claim, Northern Capitol will be insolvent, and Universal Property right behind them – and good luck for you, collecting your $100,000 in hurricane damages. You'll be in line with all the other creditors.

I know you don't want to hear it . . . but pay the Allstate premium. These little fly-by-night companies are going to be popping up all over the place, and shutting down just as quickly. 150% really isn't "that" bad, for the FL marketplace. Expect rates to DOUBLE next year, due to recent FL insurance legislation. It's a horrible situation, I know. But if you don't have an offer from an "A" rated or better, admitted carrier, DON'T MOVE.