Windhaven Insurance: A Look Back

Windhaven Insurance: A Look Back at a Texas and Florida Auto Insurer

Windhaven Insurance was a notable player in the auto insurance market, particularly in Texas and Florida. Established in 1990 in Dallas, Texas, the company built its reputation on a unique business model focused on internal culture, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. Their aim was to provide affordable products with simple terms and low down payments, specifically targeting the working class. Windhaven prided itself on excellent customer service, even utilising text messaging for client interactions and offering a user-friendly claims process. They were also at the forefront of technology, consistently rolling out new software to empower clients to manage their policies, such as adding endorsements or drivers online. Their product portfolio was diverse, with six distinct offerings tailored to individual driving records, credit history, or payment plans. Initially focusing on the backbone of the working class, Windhaven steadily aimed to expand its market share to include drivers of leased cars and those with higher credit scores.

Exclusive Independent Agent Channel

A key differentiator for Windhaven was its exclusive reliance on thousands of local, independent agents in Texas and Florida. This approach meant they were deeply invested in supporting these local, family-owned agencies, believing they were helping them achieve their own piece of the American Dream. This commitment to the independent agent channel set them apart in an era where the retail auto insurance market was undergoing significant changes. In partnership with Florida First Insurance, Windhaven also explored delivering its products directly through the internet, with FLINSCO.com heavily promoting Windhaven’s offerings and basing its quote engine on their technology. The core philosophy was that relationships and service are paramount to success in any business, and this extended to building strong connections within the industry and the wider community.

Windhaven's Business Model and Products

Windhaven's operational strategy was characterised by its idea-driven approach, tackling auto insurance in often non-traditional ways. This innovation was designed to benefit not only their employees and independent agents but also their clients and the local communities they served. They offered a range of products, typically categorised based on:

This granular approach allowed them to offer competitive pricing and tailored coverage, making insurance more accessible to a broader demographic.

The End of an Era: Windhaven Ceases Operations

Tragically, Windhaven Insurance Company ceased operations in January 2020. This decision marked the end of an era for the company and its policyholders. The company was ordered into receivership for purposes of rehabilitation by the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Leon County, Florida, on December 12, 2019. Subsequently, on December 30, 2019, the Court entered an order liquidating Windhaven, effective January 6, 2020. This means that all Windhaven insurance policies were cancelled effective 12:01 a.m. on February 5, 2020, unless they had been terminated prior to that date.

What Happened to Windhaven Insurance Policies?

Following the liquidation order, the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) was activated to manage outstanding claims and unearned premium refunds. For former Windhaven customers expecting premium refunds, FIGA was responsible for paying covered unearned premium claims. This process involved the Department of Financial Services completing its processing of policy records and then sending the unearned premium data to FIGA. It's important to note that a $100 statutory deductible was applied to these refund amounts, meaning Windhaven would pay the amount exceeding the first $100 of the calculated unearned premium refund.

For those with pending claims, FIGA also stepped in to process and pay these, subject to policy limits or FIGA's maximum coverage cap. Policyholders had a deadline of January 6, 2021, to file claims in the Windhaven receivership for amounts exceeding the FIGA coverage cap, the $100 deductible, or other claims not covered by FIGA. Information on how to file such claims was made available on the Department's website.

Assistance for Former Windhaven Customers

For customers seeking to transition to new insurance policies, Freeway Insurance offered assistance. They could be contacted at 877-729-1472 for help with the transition. Freeway Insurance has a long-standing reputation, with over 30 years of experience helping drivers save money on auto insurance. They offer a wide range of affordable options and specialise in assisting high-risk drivers who may have been turned away by other insurers due to tickets, accidents, DUIs, or SR-22 requirements. With over 500 convenient office locations and both English and Spanish-speaking agents, Freeway Insurance aimed to provide accessible and reliable support.

Windhaven Policy Cancellation and Reinstatement

For policyholders needing to cancel their Windhaven policy, specific procedures were in place:

• Within the First 60 Days: A written request with a wet signature was required. Proof of other insurance (showing coverage dates) or proof of no longer possessing the vehicle (e.g., Bill of Sale, Surrendered Tags, Dealership Letterhead) was also necessary. Customers could submit pictures of these documents.

Windhaven also provided an online policy service option, allowing customers to handle many processes directly via their website, including uploading documents like vehicle photos. Premium payments were due within 20 days of the policy's effective date. Late payments incurred a $10 fee if received 5 days after the deadline, with a general 10-day grace period before cancellation, though this could be shorter for those with failed recurring payments. The policy termination date was typically available on the policy summary screen or the latest installment invoice.

If a policy was terminated for non-payment, reinstatement was permitted for up to 10 days after cancellation. The reinstatement process typically involved:

1. Clicking the Payment icon.
2. E-signing a Statement of No Loss.
3. Making the required payment.

Upon successful completion, the policy would be automatically reinstated.

Frequently Asked Questions about Windhaven Insurance

Q1: Where was Windhaven Insurance Company located?
Windhaven Insurance was based in Texas and Florida, with its roots tracing back to Dallas, Texas.

Q2: Does Windhaven offer online insurance services?
Yes, Windhaven offered online policy services through its website, allowing customers to manage aspects of their policies, such as adding endorsements or drivers, and uploading documents.

Q3: What happened to Windhaven insurance policies?
Windhaven Insurance Company was ordered into liquidation and ceased operations in January 2020. All policies were cancelled effective February 5, 2020.

Q4: Will I receive a refund for unearned premiums from Windhaven?
Yes, the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) was activated to pay covered unearned premium claims. A $100 statutory deductible applies to these refunds.

Q5: Who can I contact if I was a Windhaven customer?
Freeway Insurance offered assistance for former Windhaven customers. They could be reached at 877-729-1472. For specific claims or refund information, contacting the Florida Department of Financial Services or FIGA was also advised.

While Windhaven Insurance is no longer in operation, understanding its history and the processes put in place for former policyholders is crucial for those who were affected by its closure. The company's focus on affordability, customer service, and innovation left a mark on the Texas and Florida insurance markets, even as its journey concluded.

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