USAA Pulling Wind Coverage For Some On Mississippi Coast

NU Online News Service, Jan. 11, 2:48 p.m. EST

USAA is looking to drop wind coverage from certain policyholders living in Mississippi's three coastal counties.

About 1,550 policies would be impacted at renewal beginning Feb.1. The total insured value of these properties is about $598 million, according to a letter sent to the company from Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney.

Attempts to reach a USAA spokesperson were not successful.

In his letter to the insurer, the commissioner said he wants more information from USAA, which provides banking and insurance to military personnel and their families.

Mr. Chaney said he wants details about the stated "boundary" USAA has created in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties that USAA used to determine the exclusion of wind risks. He is also seeking whether the insurer has changed its models.

The supposed boundary will be used for new and renewal business in the coastal counties, Mr. Chaney was told by the company. USAA had not been writing new policies in the counties.

The commissioner is apparently not pleased with the manner in which he found out about USAA's decision. "Please note that it is very important for the department and the company to communicate regarding proposed market changes of this nature," he wrote. "I hereby request that in the future, USAA notify the department prior to implementing any such measures that materially impact policyholder coverage."

USAA is the seventh largest writer of homeowners multiperil with 3.3 percent market share in Mississippi, according to Highline Data. State Farm, Southern Farm Bureau and Allstate account for more than 53 percent of the market, with State Farm possessing a 25 percent market share.

Highline Data is a part of Summit Business Media, which also owns National Underwriter.