Jeffrey Wade
Hippo Homeowners Insurance is a relatively new player in the industry, setting itself apart by focusing on tech-heavy solutions. The company offers smart home devices, like water sensors, smoke detectors, and security cameras, to its customers. It also provides higher coverage for computers and home office equipment, making it a good choice for someone who works from home. However, Hippo has received mixed reviews, with some customers praising its ease of use, competitive pricing, and customer service, while others have complained about delayed claim payments and issues with policy cancellations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | Mixed reviews, some positive, some negative |
| Cost | Generally considered affordable |
| Ease of Use | Generally considered easy to use |
| Availability | Available in 48 states and Washington, D.C. |
| Coverage | Innovative coverage options, higher coverage limits for computers and home office equipment |
| Technology | Tech-forward approach, smart home devices included |
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What You'll Learn
Customer service
Customer reviews of Hippo Homeowners Insurance are mixed. While some customers have praised the company for its excellent customer service, others have complained about the lack of responsiveness and helpfulness of Hippo's support.
Some customers have reported that Hippo provides fast, easy, and friendly customer service. They also appreciate the company's competitive prices, fair terms, and responsive customer service. The company's agents are described as very helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable. Customers also appreciate the ease of setting up their homeowners insurance with Hippo, as well as the savings they are making compared to their previous insurers. The company's focus on internet service and its use of technology are also praised. Hippo's smart home devices, such as water sensors and security cameras, are also mentioned as a positive feature.
On the other hand, some customers have reported negative experiences with Hippo's customer service. One review mentions that the company did not follow up or reply to emails when trying to get an auto quote. Another review describes the company's policy of requiring customers to take pictures inside their homes as intrusive and a way to gather evidence to deny future claims. There are also concerns about the company's claims process, with one customer reporting that Hippo refused to pay for a water pipe leak.
It is worth noting that Hippo is not rated by J.D. Power for customer service, and the company has a limited physical presence, which may impact the customer experience. Additionally, Hippo's availability is limited to 39 or 40 states, and the company does not offer car insurance.
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Claims experiences
While some customers have praised Hippo's customer service, pricing, and coverage, others have had negative experiences with the company's claims process.
One customer on Reddit reported that Hippo dropped them after they experienced water damage in their basement. The customer claimed that Hippo took almost a week to respond to each email and that the claims agent did not return phone calls or emails. Another customer on Reddit reported a similar issue with water leakage, stating that the claims inspector did not respond and that general support could not help.
A review on wallethub.com warned that Hippo makes every excuse not to pay out on insurance claims and that agents are slow and unresponsive in their communication. The reviewer also mentioned that they had to escalate their issue to a supervisor before receiving any assistance. Another reviewer on the same website shared that Hippo denied their claim for a water pipe leak, and they were disappointed with the way the upper management handled the situation.
On the other hand, a review on Hippo's website mentions that the company provided excellent customer service and that they were very pleased with their homeowner policy. The reviewer also mentioned that Hippo took care of everything and that the experience was seamless, with great communication and pricing.
It is worth noting that Hippo's home insurance is underwritten by Topa and Spinnaker Insurance Companies, and the customer service received may vary depending on which of these partners services the policy. While Spinnaker receives an average number of customer complaints for its size, Topa receives 40 times as many complaints, with the majority being due to delays in the claims process and unsatisfactory settlement offers.
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Coverage options
Hippo Insurance is a digital-first homeowner's insurance company that uses technology to streamline the insurance process and provide customers with a more personalized experience. Founded in 2015, Hippo is headquartered in San Jose, California. The company is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best, a leading insurance rating agency, indicating its financial strength and good track record of paying claims.
Hippo's philosophy on home insurance is to be proactive through smart home technology and regular maintenance while offering plenty of coverage options. The company works with outside insurance partners to offer higher-than-usual limits for items such as computers, home office equipment, and electronics.
- Smart Home Technology: Hippo provides smart home devices to policyholders and offers discounts for keeping them activated. These devices include water sensors, smoke detectors, entry sensors, and security cameras. The data collected by these devices goes directly to the homeowner, who can then take appropriate action.
- Homeowners Insurance: Hippo offers standard homeowners insurance policies that cover damage to the home and personal property. This includes coverage for electronics, appliances, and essential staff, like a house cleaner or babysitter.
- Condo Insurance and Landlord Policies: Hippo provides insurance options for condo owners and landlords, protecting their property and any items covered under the policy.
- New Home (Under Construction) Insurance: This type of insurance covers homes that are still under construction, which is useful for new builds.
- Earthquake and Flood Insurance: Hippo offers additional coverage for natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, which may not be included in standard policies.
- Service Line Coverage: This rider covers any gas, electric, or sewer line connections between your home and the street. It offers protection against damage caused by water backup from drains or sewers, up to a certain limit.
- Appliance and Electronics Coverage: Hippo offers enhanced coverage to repair or replace covered home appliances and personal electronics if they are damaged in a covered event.
- Home + Office Rider: This rider provides higher coverage limits for computers and home office equipment, making it ideal for those who work from home or have a complex office setup.
- Discounts: Hippo offers a range of discounts to reduce insurance premiums, including HOA discounts, smart home discounts, loss-free discounts, theft protection discounts, and homebuyer discounts.
While Hippo offers a variety of coverage options, it is important to note that they do not provide auto coverage or life insurance. Additionally, their customer service has received mixed reviews, with some policyholders experiencing difficulties when filing claims.
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Availability and accessibility
Hippo homeowners insurance is available in 48 states and Washington, D.C. However, it is not available in 10 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia, and Texas. Hippo is a relatively new player in the industry, having been founded in 2015.
Hippo offers a modern approach to home insurance by providing smart home devices, such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and water sensors. The company also offers a smart home kit to eligible customers at no additional charge, with a discount applied as soon as it is activated. The data collected by these smart home devices goes directly to the homeowner, allowing them to be aware of potential issues.
Hippo provides customer support by email and telephone, and through its mobile app. The company's website also offers a seamless and quick policy issuance process, with clear and concise information. Customers can use the Hippo app to contact customer service, review coverage, and manage their policies.
Hippo's pricing is competitive, with many customers reporting significant savings compared to other insurance providers. The company offers a variety of discounts, such as those for keeping smart home technologies active and working correctly. Additionally, Hippo provides a full-service insurance experience by offering access to a network of vetted maintenance professionals to answer questions or schedule repairs.
Overall, Hippo homeowners insurance is accessible and widely available, with a strong focus on technology and digital solutions. The company provides competitive pricing, innovative coverage options, and efficient customer service.
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Cost and value
Hippo homeowners insurance is a relatively new player in the industry, and its pricing data is not widely available. However, according to some reviews, Hippo offers competitive pricing, with some customers reporting significant savings compared to their previous insurers. One customer review mentions saving $600 compared to their previous insurer, while another mentions saving a good deal of money with Hippo and receiving better coverage.
Hippo also provides a range of discounts, such as those for customers who keep their smart home technologies active and working correctly. Additionally, Hippo offers a smart home kit to eligible customers at no additional charge, with a discount applied as soon as it is activated.
Hippo's website provides home insurance quotes from third-party partners, and you can also use the Hippo app to contact customer service, review coverage, and manage your policy. The company also offers a 60-second quote through its mobile app, which is highly rated.
The cost of homeowners insurance varies depending on various factors, including the location and specific coverage needs. The average cost of homeowners insurance in the US is about $2,110 per year for $300,000 worth of dwelling coverage, but rates differ across states.
While Hippo's pricing may be competitive, it is important to consider other factors when assessing the value of their insurance offering. Some reviews highlight issues with claims handling, with customers reporting delays in payment and difficulty reaching the claims inspector. Therefore, it is advisable to seek out reviews and consider your specific needs when deciding on a homeowners insurance policy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Hippo offers digital solutions for homeowners, including a highly-rated mobile app. It is ideal for tech-savvy homeowners who value convenience and proactive protection.
No, Hippo does not offer a one-stop-shop to bundle various policy types. If you want to bundle your policies, State Farm could be a good choice.
Yes, Hippo helps you save up to 25% by modernizing home insurance to fit today’s lifestyles. It also offers competitive pricing and plenty of coverage options.
